Two years after the earthquake
Franciscans on Haiti say a heartfelt thank you for your aid
;)
Almost two years after the devastating earthquake in the Caribbean state of Haiti, the situation is still rather fraught. Thanks to your donations, however, many projects have been able to be carried out, lessening the suffering of many people. To give just a few examples, emergency groceries have been supplied to those hit by the earthquake, a primary school reconstructed and cholera vaccinations given.
Famine in the Horn of Africa – the suffering people say “thank you” for the assistance they have received to date
In many regions help is still urgently needed
;)
Our project consultant, Petra Schick, visited the area affected by the drought to experience at first hand the great need suffered by the people in the area.
Aid getting to those who need it …
Travelling through Kenya and Ethiopia, she saw that donations made by the supporters of the MZF are indeed being used to help many people survive.
Fighting hunger with corn
The groceries distributed by the Franciscans have saved a large number of people from almost certain death. It is predominantly corn, the main staple food in Africa, which has been distributed to the poorest of the poor, generally widows, the sick and children.
;)
Aid for the disabled and orphans
We were also able to help those living in many institutions run by Franciscan brothers and sisters, predominantly the disabled and orphans. The rains have since come to several areas of Kenya and Ethiopia and the first, albeit meagre, crops harvested.
Situation still critical
The situation is still critical in many regions. For example in Ashira, in the south of Ethiopia, where the continuing drought meant that virtually no crops could be harvested. We appeal to you to continue supporting us.
We appeal to you to continue supporting us.
Drought claims thousands of victims
All we are asking for is a donation
;)
The famine in the Horn of Africa may have disappeared from the headlines, but the United Nations and the aid agencies active in the area are sure that the suffering has still not reached its climax. A lot of effort is still needed to prevent people from dying of starvation.
Many of the facilities run by Franciscan nuns have been heavily hit. They do not have the means to care for refugees, orphans, the elderly and the ill and have turned to us with a request for aid in the shape of groceries to carry them through the coming months.
Franciscan monks are also in a desperate position. As they live among the people, they know exactly what the people are faced with, experiencing the spread of hunger and suffering at first hand. They are often the first port of call when people are in need.
As one example of many, P. Isaias from Ethiopia has asked us to help starving members of a congregation in a parish in Ashira (360 km south of Addis Abeba).
Please help.
Account for donations: Bank für Orden und Mission, Account No.: 80 000 103, Bank Code: 510 917 11 Header: Hunger in Africa
Impulse
God is united with us, as is His son
;)
“I’m going to cry all day long, I just know it. And I sincerely hope that no-one else is in the same situation. Advent has not even started yet, and the coming weeks fill me with fear. It has already started everywhere you look: this constant stream of festive cheer and the compulsion to be in a good mood: in the shop windows, in the radio, on the television, the lights in the town, the markets and the people rushing through the streets, laden down with bags and parcels. I just can’t avoid it. Looking forward to Christmas? I can’t handle it, it makes me furious, it makes me ill, it makes me sad, it makes me lonely.”