Story number 1 for 23 Sep 2002

(South Africa)–Headlining today’s news, 14-point-five million people in seven countries in southern Africa could be in danger if the United States attacks Iraq. Drought and political upheaval are causing a major food shortage there. World Vision’s Steve Matthews is asking people to pray. “The prayer request first and foremost [is] that we don’t see a flare up in the Middle East, because if that happens, the world will be become greatly distracted from this humanitarian disaster that’s happening in southern Africa.” Matthews says disasters open doors for people in the West to share their finances and their faith, but this situation is unique. “We’re having a bit of trouble because there’s not a lot of focus on this emergency. I don’t think very many people in the world even know it’s going on. There are shortfalls in funding and food, air in all of those seven countries.” If you’d like to help call 1-888-511-6598. Your gift of 50-dollars will feed four families for one month.