Late last week and through the weekend Cyclone Idai hit South Eastern Africa. What initially looked like a bad storm has turned into disaster for tens of thousands of people, affecting Malawi first with floods, then Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
It is said to be the worst ever weather related disaster to strike the southern hemisphere according to the UN.
Please stand with us in prayer for the thousands of vulnerable and displaced children and families across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Malawi
Due to the mountainous location of the communities we serve in, they did not face the brunt of the flooding. However, consistent heavy rains over four days and four nights from the south have caused the loss of more then 70 homes of the children we care for.
Mozambique
As we seek to understand the devastation and impact that this has had on the most vulnerable children we care for, pray for the local office team in Chimoio, and the Regional Support team, for guidance on how to address the urgent needs of our affected families. Pray for wisdom as we connect with government services and other aid agencies to support our children and Care Workers in the best possible way.
As light rain continues to fall, homes continue to collapse due to the unstable ground saturated with rain water.
As we seek to mobilize the local church in Mozambique to respond and take action in meeting the urgent needs within their communities, pray for a willingness and open eyes to see the devastating need within their communities.
Zimbabwe
The total loss of crop due to the cyclone will have a devastating impact on the year to come, as many will face a twelve-month long hunger season.
In Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe we can expect in the coming weeks and months for there to be an increase in water-borne diseases and malaria. Please pray that we will be well equipped to care for the health of our children.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer.