For most people, these last few weeks and months have been filled with unknowns and adjusting to the unexpected. Most of the adjustments have been challenging, but we hope you are also finding the unexpected blessings in the midst of a difficult time. We began the Feeding Africa project 7 weeks ago in a small attempt to help feed a family in Kenya that we knew was struggling with the changes brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. We plunged into the unknown and were met with the unexpected. Through the generosity of many of you, we have gone from feeding 1 family of 9 each week to feeding 125 families…875 people…each week, a number that would have baffled us at the beginning. Since April 23rd, Feeding Africa has provided around 60,000 meals to people who are struggling. We are beyond thankful and praise God for those who have donated to help make this a reality. So much has changed from the beginning stage of feeding 9 people to where we are now; we hope you find this update helpful and get an even better picture of the impact your donations have had.
“Providing food to people in Africa” is a pretty broad statement and we want to give you a better idea of what we are providing. Currently (in this second week of June) we are providing what we call Food Bundles to around 125 families each week…the cost for this is around $1,060. Each bundle provides a family with food for two meals a day for a week. The bundles include corn meal, flour, sugar, rice, milk, salt, cooking oil and soap (for washing dishes, clothes and bodies). These ingredients allow the families to make common foods such as ugali (a thick cornmeal “paste” that they dip into stews and veggies like a spoon and eat it along with the bite of stew), and chapatis (a flat bread thicker than a tortilla, sort of like a pocketless pita). These bundles are assembled and distributed by Kenyan volunteers in Nairobi and in Kijabi (you can read about Margaret and Nifah in our previous update).
We are so grateful for what we have been able to provide so far, but there is still a strong and continued need. Each week there are more hungry people that show up hoping to receive a Food Bundle for their family. Many of these families have sent messages of gratitude expressing how the provision of food has saved the lives of their children. In Addition to the growing number of people in need of food, Nifah has informed us that their lockdown has been extended for another 30 days, leaving many of these families with no way to work and even those who can are forced to work fewer hours due to an enforced curfew and no transportation outside of walking. Our hearts are joyful for the people who have been able to receive meals through Feeding Africa, and yet heavy knowing there is still so much need.
If you are interested in being involved with Feeding Africa, here are some ways you can help. First, Pray. Please keep the families in Kenya and us in your prayers; we believe that God has answered so many of our prayers along the way. We have been blessed and amazed at how Feeding Africa has grown and we so appreciate those of you who have prayed for us and with us. Secondly, Give. If you are able to give, consider donating to Feeding Africa. 100% of donations are used to provide food in Africa.Third, Teach and Share. If you have children, teach them to give and be generous, teach them the importance of caring for others in whatever ways we can. Share with your children and your friends about Feeding Africa. Thank you to the many of you who have journeyed with us so far. Please know your prayers and donations are making a positive impact on the lives of so many others! God Bless you Richly!