Thought for the Week - 14th May 2023

Dear Friends, 

Today sees the beginning of Christian Aid Week, the annual fundraising event which highlights, amongst other things, the need of a country overseas where Christian Aid works to bring the good news of Jesus Christ through practical as well as spiritual help. This year the focus in on the African country of Malawi. From the Christian Aid resources we learn that ‘on 11th March 2023, Cyclone Freddy slammed into southern Africa for the second time in a month – and its return was deadly and destructive. In Malawi, a year’s worth of rain fell during the weeks of the cyclone. The heavy rains, floods and landslides caused widespread damage, especially in Blantyre and the Southern Region. The number of people affected in Malawi continues to rise, with more than 1,000 deaths. Cyclone Freddy is currently Africa’s second-deadliest cyclone this century after Cyclone Idai. It is the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded, lasting 34 days and had the strength of the equivalent of a full North Atlantic hurricane season’. ‘Christian Aid Malawi responded rapidly to provide extra food for breastfeeding mothers and children under five years old; mosquito nets to protect against malaria; temporary toilets and bathrooms, water containers and water purification treatment to help prevent cholera and other water-borne diseases; mobile clinics to help people process the emotional trauma of the cyclone; and cash distributions’. Christian Aid’s focus project this year is the ‘Pigeon Pea Programme’ which has been impacted by the cyclone. ‘Floods have washed away crops during the critical growing season. There is a looming hunger crisis because many households will have insufficient or no crops to harvest.’ This year we hear the stories of Jen and Esther, and Jen says of the cyclone, “it has impacted farming, with flooding washing away some of our fields. Farmers like me have lost pigeon peas and maize on the small pieces that have been washed away”. ‘Your support for Christian Aid Week is more vital than ever. The fundraising supported by churches, communities and individuals each May allows Christian Aid to provide relief when disasters hit. Through you, Christian Aid will be their long after the flood waters recede, helping families rebuild. Your gifts this May will continue to support the pigeon pea project and other vital work. Thank you.’

You can give to the Christian Aid Week appeal by going to https://www.christianaid.org.uk/  
Thank you.   

Grace and peace,

Neil

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