RETURNING TO ZIMBABWE

It's that time again and I'm very excited.  I will be returning with Todd Martin for another joint LCFA/SLI mission trip to Zimbabwe where we will be delivering grain to village schools and seed to farmers in the region around Gwayi River.  Here is how Todd describes the scene in Zim today:

The good news: The economy in Zimbabwe is starting to turn around. Fuel can be purchased at most filling stations and the shelves at most grocery stores are full. The bad news: Prices are still highly inflated such that most people cannot afford to purchase what they need, and unemployment is still extremely high. We are hoping and praying that inflation will settle down once the people get used to the new currency. In the mean time God has given us more opportunities to show His love through tangible means. 

I received a letter last year from the headmaster, Dominic Nyathi, of the Sir Roy Welensky Primary School requesting more help. He was very thankful for our donation on a previous visit and mentioned that both the students and teachers were surviving off of the Mealie Meal (their staple diet in Zimbabwe; like “grits”) for the last 2-3 months. Dominic said that “while goods are plenty in the shops, we find it hard to get a single dollar” to purchase anything. This is typical in many of the rural areas where unemployment often exceeds 80%. The grain we distribute is typically enough to provide meals for the students from between one to three months depending on the size of the school. So, at least for now, we will continue to help in any way we can.

We will be traveling to Zimbabwe on September 27, returning on October 12.  If you are interested in being a part of our team helping to stave off hunger in this region, please consider donating --

Grain costs approx. $350 per ton including fuel to transport it to the villages;
Seed costs about $1,200 per ton and is most needed now, before the Nov. planting season.

If you feel led to give and be a part of this relief mission, click Donate Now above right, or mail a check made out to "Servant Leaders International" to the address to the right.

Every little bit counts, and as our travel costs are now covered, everything we raise from now until September 27 will be used to buy food for the villagers.  Please consider donating now, and help us plan to feed more people.  Your contribution is tax deductible.  Thank you!!