Zimbabwe (MNN) — The global food crisis has been a priority for many ministries over the past several months. This crisis has hit several areas, including Zimbabwe, which has produced little food since 2000. Starvation continues to claim hundreds of lives.
In August 2008, a cholera outbreak increased the number of deaths in Zimbabwe, causing the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee to join an emergency food distribution program. CRWRC's contributions to the program are being matched 4-to-1 by the Canadian government as a part of a $7 million Zimbabwe aid program.
CRWRC joined the food distribution project last year, but it was put on hold until October as a result of political unrest. The program is now back on track and will be completed by the end of April.
The food program should help to quell anticipated problems in Zimbabwe, including the predicted 5.1 million people to be on the brink of starvation this spring. It is providing emergency food (corn, soy, oil, ground nuts) for recipients and also seeds for families to plant and grow their own food. Cholera has affected many recipients, and over 80,000 of these recipients are living with HIV and AIDS.
Distribution is taking place through the regional offices of Christian Care Zimbabwe, placing Christ's fingerprints on the food provided. Pray that recipients would be drawn to the love of Christ and respond.
To learn more about CRWRC's work in Zimbabwe or to help them directly, click here.
