Whenever crises occur around the world, OM workers and church partners are among the first to respond. Immersed in their communities and motivated by the love of Jesus, local believers are ready to bring immediate help and healing in the face of disaster.

From providing medical aid to communities devastated by flooding in Pakistan, to distributing food to marginalised people in Zimbabwe, they are powerfully living out the words of Isaiah 61:4 “They will...restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities ...” (NIV)

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For over 15 years OM worker Vicky has lived amongst and served the marginalised Tonga people in the northern parts of Zimbabwe, where she runs a mobile clinic for people in need. 

When Vicky heard that children at a local primary school would walk miles to get there and eat nothing all day, she knew she had
to do something.

In response, she started a feeding programme which provides the children with bottles filled with a nutritious blend of sorghum and protein.

 Although the children were extremely grateful for the provision, Vicky noticed that some of them would keep back half of the drink to take home to their siblings. It was touching, but also heartbreaking.

Vicky is now working to expand the programme to make sure that no child in the area goes hungry. This initiative seeks to reach 7,000 children in 14 schools. During the summer holidays, Vicky and her team were busy preparing 24 tonnes of food in time for the new term.

Vicky and OM workers in Zimbabwe are working not only to meet people’s basic needs, but to empower the Tonga people to break the cycle of poverty and marginalisation. The success of these initiatives depends on the continued partnership from external organisations, as well as the necessary funding to sustain food and other community services.

Will you restore hope in Zimbabwe by making a gift today?

GIVE TO THE MERCY APPEAL 2024