Holistic Evangelism in Tete Province - April 2020 Update
Mozambique
Note from Outreach: We are receiving frequent updates from global partners on how they are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach trustee Berry Long shared the following news of partners in Tete Province:
Dear friends of Tete Province,
I want to give you an update on our Holistic Evangelism Project in Tete Province, Mozambique. The government of Mozambique has instituted social distancing and mitigation efforts to try and prevent widespread COVID-19 infection. At this point, there are very few reported cases in the country, but there has been very little testing. I am happy to report that Sebber and her family are well. Her children, Adam and Nancy, are with her at her home in Blantyre. This is the first time the three have been together for an extended period in quite some time, and Sebber is thrilled to have them at home. Carlos and his family are well. And, Sarah Zulu and her family are also well. We are very grateful for their health and safety.
Our work started off in 2020 in normal fashion with leadership training classes, health awareness classes, disease prevention education and preparation for the drilling of wells and construction of churches and teachers housing. Thankfully, we were able to drill some wells earlier this year than normal, and finished 5 last week. I have attached some construction photos of a recently completed well. The local government officials assisted us with the logistics and border crossings of our driller (a Presbyterian elder) and his employees who live in Malawi. They were so appreciative of our efforts - especially in these virus conditions where clean water is so necessary! At this point, we have paused our work due to the mitigation efforts. Schools are closed. The border between Malawi, where Sebber lives, and Tete Province, Mozambique is now closed except for food and other essential goods. Sebber has been extremely busy working with the congregations and villages in Tete Province to help them understand and implement these new social distancing and mitigation policies. Her public health nursing background has been a tremendous asset! Please pray that these efforts will be successful in preventing the spread of this deadly virus. The resources needed to stem this terrible disease are very lacking in Tete Province, especially the lack of running water.
Thank you for your concern, support, and prayers for the people of Tete Province. We look forward to the day, hopefully not too distant, when we can resume our many project activities. Stay healthy!
Blessings,
Berry Long
Read more about Holistic Evangelism in Tete Province HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $315,500 for churches, wells, schools, teacher housing, leadership training seminars and center, bicycles and village health kits. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.