A Cord of Three Strands is Not Quickly Broken... Is It?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is describing the unfolding food shortage in Malawi as critical, urging Presbyterians around the world to pray and support efforts to help people in need. In addition, our partner churches in South Sudan are continuing to deal with the threat of famine stalking the land in the wake of more than eighteen months of civil war and violence. Floods in Malawi have washed away crops and armed conflict in South Sudan has prevented farmers from even sowing their seeds.

As a result, the International Partnership Ministry Team of Pittsburgh Presbytery has joined with the Malawi Mission Network, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Presbyterian World Mission to call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on World Food Day, Friday, October 16, followed by a Day of Action on Sunday, October 18, to collect contributions for food aid.

"The situation is desperate," said the Rev. Debbie Braaksma, Africa area coordinator, who, along with Nancy Collins, regional liaison for Presbyterian World Mission, traveled throughout Malawi this past month. "As the body of Christ we need to stand by our sisters and brothers to support them as they seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to respond to the hunger crisis unfolding in their midst." Braaksma and Collins traveled in all three Malawian synods of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian to see and hear about the devastation firsthand. "What we saw and the stories we heard were very sobering," Braaksma said. "Now is the time for Presbyterians to respond through sacrificial giving to prevent a large scale loss of life in Malawi."

Working with the ACT Alliance, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has partnered with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian to distribute food to those most in need, using information supplied by the ACT Malawi Forum. The forum assesses need by region and provides monitoring and evaluation through onsite visits, as well as a peer mechanism process to ensure mutual accountability. Food items, such as maize flour, beans and cooking oil are distributed, with special attention given to pregnant women, children under age five, and persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, the food security outlook in Malawi for October through December 2015 is in the category of stressed or crisis, especially for poor households.

Meanwhile, in South Sudan, we continue to partner with Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency in providing emergency relief for families in Jonglei State and Malakal affected by the recent violence. The assistance is improving health conditions, increasing the availability of clean drinking water, providing food and non-food necessities, and helping to secure livelihoods. Conflict in South Sudan since December 2013 has killed tens of thousands of people and forced nearly 1.5 million people from their homes. Some 500,000 additional people have become refugees in neighboring nations. Right now, there are 2.5 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity.

In partnership, we are also supporting peace-building initiatives in the country, helping to strengthen and support families and communities as they return home and seek peace. When a team from Pittsburgh Presbytery visited our partners in the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC) in January 2015, we were shocked to see how dire the situation had become since our initial 2013 visit. Again, to reference the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, "harvesting in Greater Upper Nile is expected to begin in September, one to two months later than normal, due to conflict-related delays in planting, and replanting after early season crop loss. Significant reductions in area cultivated will limit green crop availability in conflict-affected areas."

The International Partnership Ministry Team is asking all congregations in Pittsburgh Presbytery to join in this international day of prayer and fasting and to make significant and sacrificial contributions that will assist our partners in South Sudan and in Malawi.

Individuals may contribute by sending a check made payable to "Pittsburgh Presbytery" with "African Famine Relief" noted on the memo line. Individuals and groups can also donate immediately by using the Pittsburgh Presbytery PayPal account. When prompted, designate the gift for "Famine Relief - account # 11.80121." Congregations may use the Remittance Form for Mission Contributions indicating the amount and "African Famine Relief" under Presbytery Programs on the line for International Partnership Designation. All donations will be directed to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which will then be forwarded to our partners in Malawi and South Sudan. Please give generously.

Suggested Fasting Guidelines      Famine Relief Prayer Devotional      PayPal Account for Individual Donations      Remittance Form for Congregation Donations

In addition, plans are underway to reprise the "Amaze-ing Grace" program that provided hunger relief during 2012-2013. Look for more information as it becomes available.