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Cyclone Idai Devastates African Nations, AG World Missions and Convoy of Hope Respond

The horrific flooding in Africa following Cyclone Idai is being called “the Southern Hemisphere’s worst such disaster in history.”

Three African countries — Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are suffering a major humanitarian crisis affecting at least 1.75 million people, with the death toll already surpassing 750 — and expected to rise.

In Mozambique, the hardest hit nation, hundreds of thousands have had their homes damaged or destroyed, and 110,000 are now living in makeshift camps. Boats and helicopters were used to rescue thousands stranded on rooftops or caught in trees. Now the fear of an outbreak of cholera and malaria looms.

As in most major disasters overseas, AG World Missions and Convoy of Hope are partnering in relief efforts. AGWM and Convoy have also issued a joint appeal to U.S. Assemblies of God churches for financial help in response to the immense crisis. AGWM has already disbursed emergency relief funds to all three countries for immediate relief needs.

AGWM Area Director Lance Hines says that AG missionaries and national churches are doing all they can to prepare to serve the needy. Convoy of Hope COO Keith Boucher reports that Convoy’s disaster assessment team has already met with AGWM missionaries and national church leaders in Malawi and Mozambique to plan the most efficient means and effective places for relief to the needy and suffering.

There are 13,000 AG churches in the three affected countries, and it’s believed that many AG fellow believers are in flooded towns and villages and are among those in desperate need of help. However, with thousands of churches, it also means that there are many locations that can serve as relief distribution centers to reach out to the suffering in their communities.

This is one of the largest disasters to which AGWM and Convoy have responded in many years and the need is desperate. Unfortunately, very little national media attention in the U.S. has been devoted to this major crisis.

For those wanting to assist AGWM and Convoy of Hope in this relief effort, any gift is considered “a great blessing.” Checks should be sent to the AG national office made out to AGWM and on the memo line indicate it is for “Africa Flooding—AGWM/Convoy Disaster Relief acct 410946 (52).” Giving can also be done online at this direct link.