Who are Just Love Durham?

Just Love Durham is a student-led group of Christians who desire to live out God's calling in Micah 6:8: 'To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'. We are committed to serving Durham through 5 core practices: volunteering, prayer, campaigning, fundraising and teaching.

As Just Love Durham, we long to see God’s kingdom of perfect peace and justice on earth as in heaven. In a world of terrible violence, suffering and injustice, we want to pursue justice in the way of Jesus - holistically, fruitfully, and sustainably. Race Across County Durham is one way we can partner with Tearfund’s mission to tackle global poverty and injustice.

You can find out more at https://justloveuk.com/

What are we doing?

Reaching the other side of County Durham has never been so easy. But on the 22nd November, teams will compete to walk over 24km from Seaham to Durham, all to raise money for Tearfund. They must pass through various checkpoints to reach their final destination, and complete fun challenges along the way. All participants will be rewarded with hot drinks upon completing this feat, and there will of course be a grand prize for the team with the highest score!

This is an exciting sequel to the race that took place last year and raised £5000. We hope to build upon the triumph of last year with more teams, more challenges, and a bigger target of £6000!

Who are Tearfund?

Tearfund are a Christian charity which partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries. They tackle poverty and injustice through sustainable development, by responding to disasters and challenging injustice and believe an end to extreme poverty is possible.

They work directly, and/or alongside local partners and churches to tackle complex poverty in three main ways:

1) Humanitarian Response - responding quickly to disasters and conflicts.

2) Community Development - partnering with local churches and organisations to empower communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

3) Advocacy and Influencing - helping individuals and churches to speak out on issues of poverty and injustice, as well as themselves challenging unjust polices and practices.

Check out their website to find out more: https://www.tearfund.org/

Why does this matter?

Whether Christian or not, ignorance of those who cry out for help cannot be justified. The need to stand up for the needs of the poor and vulnerable is more vital than ever.

Although this challenge may just feel like a bit of fun, we hope the money and awareness we raise will not only be transforming to the livelihoods of those most in need, but also an inspiration to others. Our prayer is that the experiences, conversations, and fellowship shared during this walk will grow into lasting testimonies, genuine friendships, and a deep desire to keep pursuing God’s justice. This desire transforms lives and brings hope to Christians—even in the darkest corners of the world.

We would love to invite you to get involved and help us support Tearfund, whether through giving, praying, or joining in the challenge!

How much should I give?

There is no expected amount and just sharing this page with your friends and family is so valuable. Tearfund provides some guidance regarding the impact of donations:

- £12 provides a family in Iraq with a vital hygiene kit including soap, antiseptic, toothpaste, sanitary towels, shampoo and washing powder.

- £37 could provide vital emotional support from a clinical psychologist to a person traumatised by their experiences of conflict.

However, please donate whatever you are comfortable with.