An extreme hunger crisis continues in east Africa. Famine has been declared in parts of the region, and other areas are facing severe food shortages that could easily turn into famine. Millions of people are in need of emergency food relief. 

This crisis is directly affecting Nazarene families in east Africa.

Nazarenes in South Sudan are experiencing food shortages due to drought and violent conflict; many have fled to neighboring countries to seek food and protection from violence. Church communities in neighboring countries are also being affected by severe hunger.

In one area, church leaders report that more than 30 Nazarene church members — mostly children — have died as a result of drought and hunger.

 “One of the latest victims, a 1-year-old girl, was very dear to the to the local Nazarenes,” one church leader said. “When she was born, she was touted as the first fourth-generation Nazarene in her country.”

In another area, hunger has taken the lives of nine other Nazarenes.

Many Nazarene families are “on the verge of starvation,” according to a local church leader.

“Some Nazarenes are so desperate for food, they are eating leaves and grass not suitable for human consumption,” said a district superintendent in an affected area. 

Church leaders in east Africa say that without food assistance, more people are in danger of starvation.

Local churches are faithfully collecting food and money to provide for those in need, but local resources are limited in already impoverished communities. However, through the support of the global Church of the Nazarene, churches have been able to purchase food staples for those in need. 

Nazarene churches in affected communities are currently targeting more than 5,750 vulnerable individuals to receive food aid. These include both Nazarene church members and others in their communities who are experiencing hunger. The relief efforts are prioritizing households caring for orphaned children; those who have been displaced; households headed by senior adults, single mothers, or orphaned children; and others who are most at risk.

Church leaders continue to request prayer and support as they seek to assist those in need.

How to help

Pray

Please pray for the people affected by this hunger emergency, especially children. Pray for rain to help relieve drought. Pray for the local churches in the affected areas as they offer a tangible expression of Jesus’ love to their neighbors.

Give

You can support the emergency relief efforts of local churches in East Africa by giving to the Africa Disaster Relief — Famine Response.

To send donations by mail:

In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:

Global Treasury Services

Church of the Nazarene

P.O. Box 843116

Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Be sure to write 127362 in the Memo area.

In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada

20 Regan Road, Unit 9

Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

Be sure to write 127362 in the Memo area.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Africa Disaster Relief — Famine Response.

--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries