A health crisis becomes a food crisis
Dear Friends
Here in South Africa, we are facing our 49th day of lockdown and have recently moved from level 5 to level 4. It is not hugely different although we are now allowed to do outdoor exercise between the hours of 6am and 9am. We are under curfew from 8pm to 5am and have to wear face masks anytime we leave our homes.
This health crisis has become a food crisis and has put a massive strain on an already struggling society. Many people in South Africa live hand to mouth and rely on daily wages to meet basic needs. Because of the lockdown and the restrictions on movement, many are unable to work and receive a daily wage to feed their families. This means that many Pregnancy Help Organisations have had to make some adjustments to their mission and have started providing much needed food parcels to clients and even, in some cases, volunteers. Due to your generosity, we have been in a position to assist some directors and also families who are in dire need.
During this lockdown, I have connected with many of the leaders around the country and I have re-experienced first hand their love, commitment, passion and faithfulness. But I have also experienced innovation, diversification and location. They have re-invented what they are doing – offering online counselling – so that a client doesn’t have to navigate her pregnancy alone because the centre is forced to close physically. I have witnessed diversification and finding different ways of doing things and meeting additional needs like food parcels at this time of uncertain income and increased financial strain.
An example of a food parcel Baby packs getting ready for distribution Recipients
I have heard of volunteers working remotely and still managing to be effective (although frustrated at not being able to provide face to face help) and meeting their clients where THEY are vs where THE CENTRE is.
And because of a series of posts developed by Africa Cares to market those centres that continue to offer online services (examples below) on social media, shared by a pregnancy centre in one area, a client called one of the numbers to access help. She was abortion determined, and after talking with a volunteer and exploring other options, changed her mind and chose life for her child. Celebration time!
This is our tribe of pregnancy help organisations who are passionate, flexible and adapting their mission because they are called! They are creative and innovative and amidst the horror of a pandemic, they are rising up to serve. This is a wonderful sight and I want you to know so you feel a part of it all! I certainly don’t have the answers to what this looks like as we move into this next season BUT we know someone who does and He is willing and able to provide His unique strategy for each ministry as we continue to seek Him and His purposes.
Thank you to those of you who have given financially and to those who give regularly. If you would like to specifically donate towards the food crisis please designate your name and “food”. We will ensure that this is disbursed to pregnancy help organisations who are serving families in this way.
Just $15 provides a food parcel for a family of 4 for a period of 1 week
Just $35 provides a food parcel for a family of 4 for a period of 2 weeks
Blessings and grateful thanks to you
Love
Daniele