Zimbabwe
Food for today, seed for tomorrow
Last year was a difficult year for Zimbabweans caught in a complex humanitarian crisis resulting from a collapsed economy, an intimidating political atmosphere, and severe droughts. Food security and health care jeopardized the stability of local communities. An estimated 5.1 million people continue to struggle to feed themselves; 30 percent of those who suffer most are children under five.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) organized a response to help the greater community of Zimbabwe to survive the instabilities of life in crisis. ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response contributions enabled the ELCZ to provide immediate food supplies and seed for days ahead.
Bongiwe Mabuwa greeted the coming of seed with joy and great eagerness to restore stability to her family. Her husband, a local school teacher, has not worked for some time since the collapse of the economy and social institutions. The family’s farm suffered, like many others, from recent droughts. Even amidst the suffering, Bongiwe has hope that her family will again prosper and her four children will have the nutrition they need to learn and grow.
As the crowds gathered in song and dance to receive food and seed delivered by the ELCZ, Bongiwe stood proud with a smile on her face looking towards what may be. “When we are ready to harvest, I will save some seed for the next crop,” she said in explanation of her family’s future. When bags of seed were delivered, even the seeds that fell to the ground were gathered. Not one was left behind.
Your gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger not only provide relief to those struggling in times of crisis, but they also bring hope of prosperous futures and empowered communities.