Dear John,

As Australia battles bushfires, locusts are swarming over the Horn of Africa.

These are reportedly the worst locust plagues in 25 years. Severe food shortages in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and parts of South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda have been predicted. One swarm of a half-million locusts, each weighing two grams and eating about their weight, can consume a ton of vegetation every day, or enough food to feed about 2,500 people. One swarm 60km long and 40km wide has been sighted.

AE Ethiopia Team Leader Mel Mesfin reports that "a lot of effort is being done to tackle the problem but it is only God who can save us from major devestation. So, please continue to pray".

The book of Joel was written in the midst of a locust plague that was devastating Judah. "The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, but after them a desolate wilderness and nothing escapes them." (2:3). It was to remind the people of God and to prompt them to cry "Lord, help us!" (1:19).

Please pray for our brothers and sisters experiencing this devastation, that they would call out to the One who can save them, and that AE will be able to show the love of Jesus in their midst.

While we do not know why God has sent this plague at this time, we do know from His word that all need rescuing and that there is no other name under heaven by which people may be saved (Acts 4:12).

African Enterprise is committed to presenting that name, Jesus, to as many as possible on the continent of Africa, that they might "turn to me now, while there is time" (2:12). And to hold out the promise "return to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and compassionate" (2:13). There is no more worthwhile investment of time and resources than this.

 "Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" Joel 2:32

Please pray for:  

• The locust plague to be be swept away by God, and for God's mercy at this difficult time for those impacted. May God be glorified in the midst of these challenges.
  
  
• For the AE Ethiopia team to minister wisely at this time, with God's insights as they prepare the nation-wide discipleship program and mission preparations in the Metekel region.
  
  
• For Ben Sachie (AE Ghana team leader) as he visits Togo this week to prepare church leaders there for the upcoming mission in May.
  
  
• The mission date for Rubavu mission Rwanda has been brought forward to June 14-21 and the Durban mission South Africa date has now been set for 10-18 October. Please pray for mission preparations for each team and church involved.
  
  
• We give thanks to God for all those who have made mission possible through prayers and financial support. Through God, all things are possible, and through you, we are equipping people for good works and to spread the good news like a beautiful fragance (2 Corinthians 2:15).

The latest African Harvest, quarterly prayer points and bookmark have been posted this week.  For copies, please contact [email protected].  Thank you and God bless.