Famine Relief in Zimbabwe

February 2009

SIM continues to participate in the food relief of numerous Zimbabweans, through the work of the Zimbabwe HOPE for AIDS team led by Caiphas Ngarivhume and Famine Relief Officer Darlington Chikami. They have liaised with and trained volunteers in several UBC (United Baptist Church) churches throughout the eastern highlands. Phase one of the relief work aimed to benefit 800 identified families through the volunteer infrastructure of the local churches.

This distribution of food to the sick, young, and old is accompanied by the giving of Shona Bibles and the prayerful message that Jesus is the true sustenance of life.

Below are some of the stories from the beneficiaries of the food distribution.

Ramos (69), Josias (74), Manzunzu (80) and Munyuki (76) are elderly men that were supplied with Mahewu (the high protein supplement drink that is first given to those who are malnourished). These men survived mainly on wild fruits called mashuku after they ran out of food completely late in 2008. They knew how to prepare the fruits and remove the outer skin which is toxic. But taking the fruit for so long was risky to their health. They believe it is a miracle that they survived and are still alive. They are so grateful for Mahewu and SEJO porridge.

Joseph (52) received the Lord Jesus Christ on 4 April 2009, after a devotion prior to a distribution of Mahewu. He is often sick, and cared for by his wife and the church volunteer care givers. He said he was so amazed that people he does not know would give him a gift of Mahewu drink and SEJO porridge. He praises God for this and promised to become part of the local United Baptist Church.

Sosana also received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour on 4 April 2009 after a devotion prior to a Mahewu distribution. She is a widow living with five grandchildren left by her daughters who died. Her only son left home and she does not know where he is. From September to December last year she and her grandchildren lived on termites and wild fruits as there was nothing else to eat. She said she was so overwhelmed by the spirit of love that characterised the food distribution done by SIM that she decided to accept this God of love.

Rev Chikukutu is a retired pastor of the UBC who lives in the village where Joseph and Sosana live. He is the one who led them to the Lord after sharing at a Mahewu distribution site. He will pastor them and help them to grow in the Lord.