In the face of humanitarian crises, cuts to foreign aid, and a changing climate, our church partners across Asia, Africa and the Pacific are responding with courage, compassion, and hope.
When Cyclone Senyar tore through Sumatra, Indonesia in November, killing more than 1,200 people and washing away entire villages. Survivors were left desperately short of food, water and shelter, but our church partners in neighbouring areas collected goods and donations and sent them to the affected provinces. Churches opened their doors, shared what they had, and stayed long after the cameras left.
In Bali, our church partners are responding to climate migrants from the nearby island of Sumba with care rather than fear, offering connection, practical support and dignity to families seeking stability. They are even expanding their poverty alleviation project into Sumba in partnership with the local church to help people before they’re forced to migrate! They have also opened a sustainable café as part of their work to curb Indonesia’s crippling pollution problem, serving their community and teaching sustainability at the same time!
In West Timor, hope looks like seedlings in the ground. More than 6,000 trees and mangroves have been planted to restore fragile landscapes. At the same time, our church partners are addressing chronic malnutrition among children and mothers through community health initiatives and kitchen gardens. The program is now expanding into new villages in Alor and Rote so more families can grow diverse, nutritious food close to home.
In Maluku, our church partners hosted multi-faith prayers for the victims of the Bondi massacre at the request of Muslim leaders in Ambon. Strong relationships between faiths are reflected in the long-running UnitingWorld-supported peacebuilding project to rebuild trust after years of sectarian conflict. The project has since transitioned to address chronic food insecurity and childhood stunting and is expanding to new villages this year.
In Timor-Leste, longer dry seasons and heavier rains are destroying food gardens. Our partners are helping farmers diversify crops, improve water systems and restore degraded land.
In India’s Punjab region, the worst flooding in four decades inundated 1,400 villages and vast stretches of farmland. Our church partners used boats to deliver vital supplies to stranded families. And despite increasing restrictions to Christian outreach under the Modi Government, our partners continue to stand with Dalit and marginalised communities facing discrimination, strengthening livelihoods and restoring dignity.
In India’s Durgapur region, study centres in ten rural communities, previously supported by UnitingWorld, are now entirely self-sufficient, owned and funded by their communities.
In Vanuatu, hope is preparing before disaster strikes. On the island of Tanna, our partner, the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu, has launched an Anticipatory Action Project that equips local leaders and families to be disaster ready.
More than 1,300 people have attended awareness sessions, learning practical skills, identifying how to protect their most vulnerable neighbours, and building a local coordination network.
In the Philippines, twin typhoons killed more than 300 people and displaced half a million. Our partner, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, led both disaster response and peaceful ecumenical advocacy, speaking out against government corruption that has weakened disaster preparedness and left communities exposed. Love and justice, side by side.
In Sri Lanka, when Cyclone Ditwah killed 600 people and caused US$4 billion in damage, the Methodist Church stretched already-thin resources to reach those most in need. As families continue to navigate economic crisis and recovery, churches are supporting livelihoods and food security so hardship does not become despair.
Across our region, this is what hope looks like. Boats carrying supplies. Churches opening their doors. Mangroves restored. Children nourished. Corruption challenged. Forests defended. Homes strengthened before the storm.
Thank you for standing with UnitingWorld and our partners. Your prayers and generosity turn hope into action.
Originally published in UnitingWorld Update Issue 1 2026
In addition to news from across the lives of our partners, there’s a summary of our Annual Report (July 2024–June 2025) showing the impact of your gifts to communities in the Pacific, Asia and Africa. This Lent, we’re inviting Australians to stand with families on the frontline of climate change through Lent Event and 40 for the Future. National Director Dr Sureka Goringe also reflects on the global retreat from foreign aid and why Australia holding the line matters now more than ever.
