Zimbabwe is facing an unprecedented drought due to El Niño weather patterns, resulting in widespread crop failures. This devastating drought has brought a famine on the population, with 7.6 million people at risk of acute hunger.
Our team visited Zimbabwe in October and saw firsthand the issues of starvation. The Zimbabwe Orphan Program committed to purchasing a large order of mahewu, a nutritional drink supplement that provides essential protein and vitamins, to distribute at each of the schools we support.
Upon return, we immediately presented the need to our home congregation of East Point Church of Christ and shared this immediate need with many other friends and neighbors as well. God has blessed us with the funds to purchase 71 metric tons purchased and already distributed, which equates to 994,000 servings.
We currently have 48 additional metric tons ordered to be delivered in January, which equates to an additional 672,000 servings.
Fourteen of these truckloads have been at various locations across the country of Zimbabwe to distribute. Most often the mahewu is distributed to schools or churches who can oversee the distribution. To some of the most remote areas, motorcycles are used to distribute a few bags at a time.
The need for sustenance will continue well into the spring, as January through March are known as the ‘lean season’ when rural households run out of food in anticipation of the next harvest.
We invite you to join us in supporting these children in Zimbabwe!