Barnabas Aid’s latest delivery of nutrient-rich ePap porridge to Zimbabwe has provided vital sustenance to more than 32,000 hungry Christians.
The shipment of 33 tonnes of ePap – a special maize-based porridge fortified with vitamins, minerals and protein – was distributed through 130 churches.
The 32,648 recipients were each given five daily servings per week of ePap for two months. Two months of daily ePap is enough to cure diseases caused by a nutrient-deficient diet.
According to our church partners, the ePap was received with immense relief and gratitude by the beneficiaries.
Children in Zimbabwe celebrate the arrival of ePap
At the time of distribution, Zimbabwe had been suffering from years of prolonged drought. Many of our brothers and sisters were struggling to grow their own food and what little food was available to buy became unaffordable because of inflation. As a result, more than 600,000 young children in Zimbabwe had been living in severe food poverty.
Congregants joyfully reported that the ePap sustained them throughout their working day. This particularly helps those who do manual labour, who would otherwise struggle to maintain their energy levels.
Beneficiaries experienced improvements in health and energy levels from the nutrition provided by ePap
For many, the latest shipment of ePap has been life-saving.
One such example is three-year-old Minenhle. She was born with a hole in her heart, which affected her growth and weight, and her health was worsened by the shortage of food. At the age of two, Minenhle was unable to walk, talk or play.
Since the introduction of ePap into her diet, Minenhle’s health has shown marked improvements. She has gained strength, and her development is catching up to that of other children: she has learned to walk and talk, and has the energy to play with her peers. Her last hospital review showed that the hole in her heart has started to heal.
The church partner who gave Minenhle the ePap told us, “We never thought Minenhle would survive this far. ePap porridge indeed saved her life.”
How you can pray
Praise the Lord for the ePap given to Zimbabwean Christians. Give thanks for the healing of Minenhle, and the improved energy levels of manual labourers. Pray that our brothers and sisters will continue to feel nourished and sustained, and that the effects of the drought will lessen.
PR1555 | Food.gives general
PR1557 | Food.gives shipping and other distribution costs
