| Twenty churches and communities in Mozambique have been impacted so far by donations for Cyclone Idai which hit March 19th. As recovery began, on April 25th Cyclone Kenneth bombarded the northern part of the country causing even more devastation. Donations helped transport eight tons of locally donated clothing to seven communities. Bus fare and dozens of medicines were provided for Pastor Dr. Ruth to make biweekly visits to rural areas where clinics were destroyed. She and a nurse sometimes treat seventy-two patients in a visit. She says, “Thank you for hearing my cry for these hurting people.” Over seven hundred families (4200 people) have received food assistance in the month of April. Pastor Mohammed said, “People have just been eating the wet produce left in their gardens after the flood.” Filters and 288 water purification bottles have been distributed because of contaminated water which is still a problem in several communities. The people are so grateful as dysentery and cholera were becoming big problems. Donations are also helping ten cement block churches rebuild in Beira and in Chimoio. In some cases, foundations had to be strengthened and stronger rebar (steel rods) used so that the buildings will be more secure against future bad weather. At least one church has already rebuilt up to the top edge of the windows. Several rural churches in Zambezia have been able to buy plastic sheeting to replace thatched roofs. One pastor has been given zinc sheeting to repair his roof. He had been sleeping on the floor in the church for the last month as his house had no roof. Twenty-one pastors in the cyclone-hit areas are receiving a 3-month stipend to help them provide for their families while they are focusing on ministering to needy people in their communities. Cyclone Kenneth was even stronger than Idai, but the areas hit are less populated. We have four churches in those communities. Please keep praying and consider donating as relief efforts will be going on for some time. One hundred percent of donations to the Wesleyan Relief Fund are sent to the relief area! We are almost there, but lack $8,500 from our goal for Idai relief. Donations to help Mozambique continue their relief efforts can be given here or mailed to The Wesleyan Church, c/o the General Treasurers Office, PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250 and marked “Moz. flood relief”. |
GP in Mozambique 