A Place of Shelter This is Ericaine with two of her children. As we celebrate Christmas, I’d like to share her story – it’s the story of a mother’s love and a wife’s resilience as this determined woman strives to make life better – for her family and her community – with Toilet Twinning’s support.

People around the world are displaced Conflict, natural disasters, persecution Camps are dangerous places to live in There are more displaced people in the world today than at any other time in history – according to the UN, the figure is over 63 million. When displaced families find their way to a camp, they are exhausted and frightened. They have spent days on the run and are longing for a place of safety. Finding refuge is everything. But, sadly, camps are not always safe places. Families may have found shelter from bullets and brutality – but they face other threats: poor sanitation, unclean water and overcrowded conditions where disease spreads fast.

Life is tough in Central African Republic Only 27% have access to proper sanitation More than 900,000 people have had to flee their homes because of conflict Central African Republic could be called The Forgotten Country. Life there is tough. Few people in the West have heard of Central African Republic, and fewer still know about the conflict that has led to almost a million people being forced from their homes. Central African Republic has been unstable since its independence from France in 1960. The most recent crisis started in early 2013 when tensions between rival militias turned to violence. Despite elections in 2016 and the inauguration of a new president, the violence continues.

We saw a picture of Ericaine at the start with her children. Ericaine’s youngest child was born in the bush as they were hiding from gunfire. Now Ericaine and her children are living in a displacement camp in Central African Republic - and have been there for more than three years. At first, there were no toilets and everyone was going to the loo in the open. This caused serious health problems, especially for young children. Some even died. Women were forced to venture into the bush at night, risking attack.

Then Tearfund, with the help of funds from Toilet Twinning, began to work in the camp to provide latrines and safe water. Crucially, Tearfund also taught people about hygiene and how to keep the new toilets and handwashing areas clean. Ericaine volunteered to lead the team which monitors the toilets and ensures they’re kept clean and safe...

Here is Ericaine smiling as she works!

Light in the darkness At Christmas time in particular, and throughout the year, we celebrate the coming of Jesus into a dark world. We are not alone: God is always with us, whatever our circumstances.

Reaching out to others At Christmas time especially, we recognise that we are called to be his hands and feet in the world, being salt and light to those living in darkness. As we reach out to others we are fulfilling God’s call to help others.

‘I am the light of the world ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12 We can help bring health and hope to families who’ve lost everything. Our churches can stand alongside displaced people such as Ericaine and help provide a refuge.

‘I know how important the toilets are for our health ‘I know how important the toilets are for our health. Things were so bad before: now, they’re so much better. I can’t thank you enough for helping us.’ Ericaine We really can change the world! Thank you.

PHOTOS: RALPH HODGSON/TOILET TWINNING & ADOBESTOCK