April 10, 2014 - Flooding in Northern Mozambique: RESPONSE TO A CRISIS…IN JESUS’ NAME

This past rainy season in Northern Mozambique has been much more severe than normal. The rains began early in December and fell in torrents. They continued unabated through February…and then greatly intensified in March when normally the rain is tapering off. Day after day the rains continued with hurricane force and in unprecedented volume. Valleys became lakes, and houses built in those valleys simply disappeared with all their contents. Simple bamboo, mud and grass village “houses” were unable to withstand the onslaught and slowly—or quickly—disintegrated. Thousands of the area’s poorest have been left homeless and helpless.

Iris Ministries grew exponentially in 2000 and 2001 when our compassionate response to flooding in South and Central Mozambique brought tangible expressions of the Father’s love to tens of thousands of desperate people. Already today, hundreds have newly given their lives to Jesus as Iris has been reaching out with food, shelter, comfort and encouragement to those in the most dire need.

One of the gratifying realities of compassionate ministry in Mozambique is that even a little goes such a long way! People are not expecting us to rebuild their houses: they’re just so grateful for a loaf of bread or a church floor to sleep on with their families.

And the news is not all bad by any means. There has been much progress over the past decade. Many families have more secure housing. Our Children’s Centres at Mieze and Noviane have been simply but solidly built and have withstood the rains and flooding. Several of the families of our sponsored children have had their village houses improved over recent years; and others who are more vulnerable have been able to turn to the church for help and support. We are making great progress!

We are grateful for any material help our Canadian friends can contribute at this time to extend the loving arms of the Father to those in need. And we know that will result in a great spiritual harvest. Thank you for continuing to pray for God’s Kingdom of hope and love to break in during this critical time in Northern Mozambique.