Let us not fail Africa.
As nations all over the world race to respond to COVID-19 to protect their own citizens, looking to other countries needs can seem too much. Africa inevitably will take a low priority for many.
Yet while physical borders close, the virus itself knows no race or creed. In an interconnected world what affects Africa will in turn affect the world.
The Director General of World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom, has pointed out that “History will judge us on how we respond to the poorest communities in their darkest hour.”
As Christians we have a far higher authority. The King of all history who knows and sees all has said “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these children of mine, you did for me…(but) whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me” (Matthew 26:40, 45).
Think of Zimbabwe.
Doctors and nurses are currently striking because their government has not provided adequate personal protective equipment.
Today is the fourth of a 21 day lockdown. Some poorer residents may live five to a room.
Residents of the capital, Harare, have complained that they are without potable water supplies – leaving them vulnerable to other diseases such as cholera.
Maize meal, the staple, is in extremely short supply, leading to queues of hundreds. There are reports of some retailers increasing the cost of staple foods by double or more.
Due to the crippling economic situation, the government coffers are near empty and unemployment of 90% has left the majority with no buffer of savings.
Currently, the 14 per cent of Zimbabweans living with HIV cannot access their medication.
Electricity supply is continuing to be disrupted for up to 17 hours a day.
Will you consider beginning a monthly pledge, no matter how small, at this critical time?
Please pray:
In repentance: Father God, we have too often sought our own comfort and ignored the cries of your poor. Please give us a heart to love you by loving your people, wherever they might be.
- For the nation of Zimbabwe whose people are without worldly hope.
- For AE staff in Zimbabwe – that their families may be provided for.
- For Christians in Zimbabwe now no longer able to fellowship in church – that no sheep would be lost.
- For gospel workers in Zimbabwe to know how to encourage and keep the flock.