After receiving word about the famine situation due to another year of drought in parts of Malawi, and the devastation of crops by army worms, we have restarted relief work. Priority has been given to the places hardest hit by famine, and where what precious gleaned from the failed harvest is already depleted. A portion of the funds were allocated to the pastors, as the famine has compelled them to alternate their time between search for employment and the ministry. The rest were allocated to the needy members at the discretion of the Synod, relief team and local congregations. A small portion was allocated to the treasurers to cover their time so as to keep up with the documenting, accounting and reporting of the relief efforts. This is done in the hope that faithful stewardship will honour Christ our Lord, and provide confidence to the brethren to continue supporting this needful work. The following report has been prepared by EPCM Treasurer Dn Lawson Timvere.
We thank God for everything and His Providence. By His design most parts of Malawi did not receive rains especially the Southern Districts of Balaka, Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Phalombe, Nsanje and Chikwawa. It rained well at the beginning and when it started tassling it stopped in most parts. This made many people not to harvest enough and some harvested nothing. As a result of this many are affected with hunger.
We managed to reach the needy EPC Pastors and the some needy people of Shire Valley but for 3 congregations due to the limited resources we had. Many need to be reached especially Elderly and children who are the most victims.
We received funds to help pastors and some needy people. The work went on well and we have compiled some pictures in this documentary:
Pastor Jack Mphakela, Pastor George Banda and Pastor Jeremiah Mkuluthu
These Pastors minister in Balaka, Mangochi and Machinga. This is the area where Muslims are in majority but the Lord has established His Church in the area. Many are being converted to Christianity. These men have a great work indeed. They were stopping preaching in search for food for their families. With the MARA help, they have received 7 bags of maize each and this will keep them focused on the preaching of the Word than looking for what to feed their families. We praise God for this help to the pastors. Pastor Jeremiah has been called to minister in the Shire Valley but his family is still in Machinga.
Pastor George and Pastor Jeremiah waving after receiving their food
A smiling Pastor Jack with Deacon Ronald after receiving his food.
Pastors Vincent Wilson, Samuel Kapesi, Silas Cidreck
The Lord has established his Church in Mozambique also. This is mainly in areas where people speak Chichewa which is also spoken in Malawi. The Church in Mozambique is growing wonderfully also. There was no pastor in Mozambique after the death of Rev. Magriva. EPC Australia and PCC of Singapore trained pastors for Malawi and Mozambique. The Lord has raised Pastor Vincent Wilson, Pastor Samuel Kapesi and Pastor Silas Cidreck.
Their areas have not enough food also especially those boardering Shire Valley. The people there are suffering also. These pastors had no food and they were also busy with searching food. The Lord has given them food through MARA.
Pastor Vincent Wilson with Pastor Precious Kanyowa
Pastor Samuel Kapesi with his food and Deacon Antonie with Pastor Precious receiving food for Pastor Silas
Pastor Philip Mukakama, Pastor Royed Waya and Pastor Precious Kanyowa
These pastors had no food and they also received food. They minister in Luchenza Presbytery.
Pastor Phillip with Pastor Precious
Shire Valley Distribution
Then it was journey to Shire Valley where the scale of suffering is very great. Shire Valley has two districts namely Nsanje and Chikwawa. The presbytery deacons assisted very much in distribution and identifying the needy of the needy.
The Relief distribution Team in Entering Chikwawa and Nsanje Districts which make Shire Valley
Relief Team checking the quality of maize before purchase. Traders bring maize to sell at main towns. Each bag is at K8000 as of July, 2018.
This old lady had no food for many days. Has nobody to take care of her. She is receiving food. Thank God
Old lady Angella had to lay down and thanked God when she saw relief team members bringing food for her. She was starving!!! She was given money also for the grinding of maize into flower. Thats how many old women are affected.
Old blind lady Fatima stays with three children whose mothers passed away. This is their house and they had no food. They also received food. She lacks other basic needs but she only received food. Her story is very touching and her suffering is great.
More elderly people received relief food as the relief team visited their homes. As you can see the houses are not in good condition and the elderly have not one to assist.
Older needy family of Mr and Mrs Bandazi of Mpovu EPC at their house. They have the food they need now.
Group Distribution
After visiting the some homes of needy people the team did a public distribution where needy people were given food.
Conclusion
In total we 310 bags of 50kgs each have been distributed to pastors and needy people of Tengani, Vega and Mpovu EPC Churches in the Shire Valley.
The need is still great as many suffering people in many congregations have not been reached. More help is needed indeed.
We also need your continued prayers that the people will continue to trust God even in these trying times.
Special Thanks
We thank all that have assisted these people through the sending of their funds for us to buy food for the needy people. Your help came at the right time. We thank God for you.
May God bless you all.
Lawson Timvere – FOR Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Malawi Relief Team