THOUSANDS of churches will stand together this Christian Aid week, from May 10-16, to speak out for change.

Churches the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland will come together to pray, campaign and raise money to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

Some 100,000 committed volunteers will go out and put their faith into action – this includes Britain’s largest house-to-house collection – an extraordinary act of witness, taking the mission of our church out into our communities, and demonstrating to them that we care passionately about poverty and justice.

Christian Aid week this year tells the story of Loko, who lives in Ethiopia. In the Borena community, girls are expected to fetch and carry wood and water to provide for their family. Denied a good education and the respect of their community, women are trapped in a life of poverty. Loko dreads collecting firewood – it is a dangerous task – but she has no choice. To earn enough money to feed her children one small meal a day, Loko needs wood to sell. So, four times a week, in a remote corner of Ethiopia, she makes a back-breaking eight-hour trip to gather wood. She prays to God as she walks.

“I ask him to change my life and lead us out of this,” she says.

Loko’s choice in life is simple: “If I can’t collect firewood, my children will die.”

Loko dreams of owning a cow. Selling the milk would provide an income. An income could help set up a business. This gives Loko status and a voice in her community. A voice means speaking up for women, challenging domestic violence and ending discrimination. At each step, Christian Aid journeys alongside poor communities as they walk free from poverty.

Christian Aid, though inspired by Christian values, is not a group of Christians supporting other Christians. Like Islamic Relief, it is about promoting justice and transforming communities for the good of people of all faiths and none.

Christian Aid currently works with 507 partners in 47 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, helping people to make change happen. This Christian Aid Week, you can help transform the lives of women like Loko. Find out how you can play your part at caweek.org.

Jenny Ramsden, Faith to Faith Worker, Touchstone Bradford

Diary Dates: Monday, May 11: Interfaith Prayers for Peace at the Khidmat Centre, Spencer Road, Bradford, at 7pm.

Tuesday, May 14: Christians celebrate Ascension Day which commemorates the last earthly appearance of the Risen Christ, who, according to Christian belief, ascended into heaven in the presence of many witnesses. It is one of the four most important dates in the Christian calendar.