Mozambique Initiative [link removed] In This Newsletter:
#toc1 Emergency Food Relief
#toc2 Mobile Clinics
#toc3 Letter from the North Conference
Emergency Food Relief
Ezequiel Nhantumbo, the MI Representative in Mozambique, wrote last week: “Truly the disease is beginning to cause discomfort in our communities: pastoral staff, refugees and displaced persons camps from recent political unrest, regions of extreme poverty, orphanages and elderly centers, women and children, people living with disabilities and healthcare institutions and Missions in Chicuque, Cambine and Gondola Center. As the COVID-19 crisis endures, these populations will be disproportionately affected."
COVID-19 has disrupted food supply chains around the world. Largely, it is the poor who suffer. The UN’s World Food Programme recently released its “Global Report on Food Crises” which warned that food security is at risk due to the pandemic. Some estimate that 265 million people, twice as many as 2019, will face acute food shortages this year. This will affect many in sub-Saharan Africa.
Bishop Nhanala, Ezequiel Nhantumbo, and leaders across the UMC in Mozambique have developed a distribution system through the three Methodist Conferences to get funds so people may purchase food locally as rapidly as possible.
You can respond to the growing need. Any gift, no matter the size, will help someone facing hunger. The connection of pastors, lay leaders and community leaders that comprise MI enable get funds and resources to the areas most in need. With over $60,000 already donated, we are standing with our sisters and brothers in Mozambique in these challenging times.
[link removed] View the Project →
Mobile Clinics
As the world grapples with the pandemic, MI is positioned to help extend the reach of healthcare in rural Mozambique. For the remainder of 2020, resourcing mobile clinics will be a major focus for the MI. Currently, mobile clinics set up in churches, schools, or in villages one Saturday a month in four regions of rural Mozambique. They are staffed by a team of medical professionals and provide services related to maternal and child health, HIV testing, other diseases and health education and more.
Right now, the directors of the mobile clinics have three goals in response to Covid-19:
Construct hand washing stations both at Chicuque Rural Hospital as well as in connection to the mobile clinics. The goal is to build three and a local craftsman will build them for 25,000 meticais--$373 each.
Purchase individual protective equipment for healthcare workers. There is, as in many places in the States, a shortage of essential equipment for healthcare workers but mobile clinic workers need: surgical masks, N95 masks, disposable gowns, protective coveralls, face shields, surgical gloves, observation gloves, and more.
Secure work equipment for the clinics. The need now is for pressure gauges, oximeters, and laser digital thermometers
As funds become available, the work of these frontline responders will be made more safe and effective.
[link removed] View the Project → A Letter from the North Conference
Last week The Missouri Annual Conference received a letter from the North Conference in Mozambique. You can read an excerpt of the letter below:
"Sisters and Brothers, we have followed the magnitude of the situation that you are going through, in particular in the U.S. and Missouri, in this way we want to share with you the following message of hope.
First of all, our hearts are with the people direct or indirectly impacted by the virus, especially those who are sick, to whom we extend our desire for a quick and complete recovery. We also pray for health professionals around the world who are at the forefront, working tirelessly to care for people in need.
Second, we send you this letter showing that we are all united in a cycle of prayers and you are at the forefront of our daily prayers because of the high rates of people affected by the disease."
[link removed] View the Full Letter →

Forward this email [link removed]
View in browser [link removed]
[email protected] is receiving this email from The Mozambique Initiative because you have an existing relationship with us. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add [email protected] to your address book or safe sender list.
To unsubscribe or manage mailings go to [link removed]
[link removed] Subscribe to our newsletter
Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | Phone 573-441-1770 | www.moumethodist.org