Tearfund's 50th anniversary will be celebrated by Songs of Praise in an episode due to be aired this Sunday on BBC One.
The episode will explore how the relief and development agency has shared Christian compassion in different ways over the last 50 years. It will also follow personal stories of how people have been involved with Tearfund's work in helping to end extreme poverty.
One of the features will follow three students in Manchester who are taking part in Tearfund's Mean Bean challenge, living on just rice and beans for a week. The students record daily video diaries sharing their experiences, struggles and also personal and spiritual revelations. Towards the end of the week Rev Kate Bottley visits the group as they share how the challenge has impacted their lives and the reminder that one small meal is a daily reality for many people around the world.
As part of the episode Tearfund ambassador and award-winning chocolatier and patissier, Will Torrent, is interviewed by presenter Claire McCollum. Following a recent trip to see Tearfund's work in the Ivory Coast, Will speaks of how the local church is working with cocoa farmers and how his experiences have shaped his views around chocolate.
The episode will include hymns and songs from across the UK, including Tearfund supporter churches.
Dr Ruth Valerio, Tearfund's global advocacy and influencing director – who also features in the episode – said: 'We are honoured that Songs of Praise is celebrating some of the work that Tearfund has achieved in this special episode. As we enter our fiftieth year, we are more motivated and determined than ever and I hope that this episode inspires people to join with us in working through the local church to help end extreme poverty.'
Tearfund was founded in 1968 by the Evangelical Alliance.
Songs of Praise airs on BBC One on Sunday April 15 at 16:10.
