Come alongside our brothers and sisters and fast, pray, and give that they might live.
Search your heart and your resources and consider taking up the call
to fast and forward that meal to them.
MALAWI: Famine, Maize, and the "Hungry Season"
What happened in 2002?
The food crisis in Malawi in early 2002 resulted in several hundred hunger-related deaths - perhaps several thousand. These deaths make this the worst famine in living memory, certainly worse than the drought of 1991/92. Between January and April 2002, at least 500-1,000 people died of hunger and hunger-related diseases in southern and central Malawi.
What is Maize?
Maize (Corn) is one of Malawi’s most important crops. After harvest, maize is typically ground up into flour, which is then used to make Malawi’s most popular dish, nsima, a thickly-mashed maize porridge dish so relied upon by Malawians that it is not uncommon to see people eating variations of it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is eaten with the hands.
Why is Maize Important?
Maize is by far the most widely grown crop in the country and accounts for as much as 80% of the cultivated land. Virtually all maize is grown on "dry land" plots... no irrigation is available. Harvests are completely dependent on rainfall amounts. It is thought that the country's food security is defined by maize harvests and access to maize. Up to 59% of Malawi's land is used for cultivation
What is "Hungry Season"?
November to March is hunger season in Malawi. Some years are worse than others, depending on droughts and floods, conditions that affect the land’s ability to grow crops. Regardless, every year the season of njala, hunger, is expected.
A word from Pastor Jim Webb
At MVPC we are very aware of our sisters and brothers in Malawi and the joyful hearts of our sister congregation in Engalaweni. As they find ways to worship God for all the blessings they receive. Unfortunately, the reports this year coming from eyewitness accounts, pastors, and leaders in the area reveal an extreme famine year much like they encountered in 2002 when there was an increased loss of life from acute starvation during the "hungry season".
Due to this forecast, the MVPC Evangelism Committee would like all church members and the community at large to consider a way to help and walk alongside the people of Malawi as we enter the holiday season.
ONE FOR ANOTHER is an opportunity for giving based on the text from John 13:35 in which Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
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Many of us go out to eat once a week or more. Given the price of food and services, this meal can cost more than $15 per person. One bag of maize (Corn) for a family in Engalaweni costs around $30 or more. A bag of maize can feed a family for close to one month IF THEY RATION IT AND EAT EVERY OTHER DAY. Your donation is sent to people on the ground in Malawi. (Every penny given is spent for the purchase of maize and the wiring of money fee - that is all! No overhead or organizational fees) This amount has almost doubled from last year.
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What if you and I fasted during this meal in solidarity with our fellow believers and donated those funds that they might eat? That is the heart of this project: To come alongside our brothers and sisters and fast, pray, and/or give that they might live. Search your heart and your resources and consider at least once a week taking up the call to fast and forward that meal to them.
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