“I planted 12 meda* of soya beans, I expected to harvest 18-20 x 50 kg bags. I only harvested 2 bags.”
“I planted 20 kg of maize seed, I expected to harvest 60 x 50 kg bags. There is no harvest; the rains just did not come after I planted.”
“I planted 15 kg of maize seed. From planting the same amount of seed last year, I harvested 32 x 50 kg bags. This year I only harvested 12 bags.”
With the help of our advocates across the world, many efforts have been made to respond to the widespread drought crisis across Southern Africa. Individuals from our International countries have come together to pray, advocate, raise awareness and fundraise to help bring relief to the most vulnerable communities. We celebrate the work that God is doing in uniting His church across the world to bring hope to the hopeless.
The journey for water in Msengeni Community, Swaziland begins miles away – at home, through treacherous paths and down rocky cliffs. From small children to elderly grandmothers, many must make this trek each day, all with the same desperate hope of finding water. However, they are not alone with their struggle. Many villages face the same challenges when it comes to finding sufficient water.
Today I met Sarra*. A mother of three, who lost her husband sixteen years ago. Left as a widow, her husband’s brother came in and “claimed her”. He used her solely for sex, and she bore two of his children in the subsequent years. He took no responsibility for her or her children, and has now completely abandoned them.
Themba is a young man caring for his family in Swaziland. Caring has become difficult with the drought which is gripping southern Africa.
"[The young children] wake up in the morning and wait for food from me. They will ask, 'Is there no food today?' They expect it from you as their parents. This drought has deeply affected us."
Royie Nazombe, Dedza local office coordinator, shares, “This feeding program had a great impact. Grandmothers and caregivers could not believe this was happening to them. I remember meeting with the grandmothers after the packages were distributed. Before, all they were eating was a small amount of vegetables for lunch and supper. I heard them say ‘today I will taste nsima for the first time’. People were very happy.”
I wake up early and spend some quiet time with God, but I know this morning is different than any other I had spent so far in Malawi. I am going to visit Chinku Community, a community quite a far distance away. I hesitate – “Is it too far? Maybe I am not up to going out today.” I make excuses. My quiet time reflects my hesitation, and I ask God, “Why am I feeling this way? Why am I hesitating?” As tears well in my eyes, I know God has something different for me today. I do not know what to pray, but I know the Holy Spirit is praying – groaning on my behalf.
