Famine relief in the form of dried maize/corn was distributed to all of our affected members in September/October through the Good Works programme. Untimely rainfall began across much of East Africa in Mid-December and continued into January, due to the El Nino weather anomaly (http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html). 

Unfortunately, these rains have come too late to contribute much to the drought-stunted grain crops. However, during my December tour of Western Kenya, vegetables and other daily staples were thriving in shambas across the region. Rising inflation continues to make food an expensive commodity in areas where the daily standard of living is just $1 USD.

Our thanks to all who continually show concern for the brethren in East Africa. I actively monitor the food needs of our members in the region and appreciate the love and support of their fellow brethren when shortages occur. When food shortages occur, we immediately respond by purchasing and distributing maize to our members and appealing for help through the Good Works website (http://www.ucg.org/goodworks/). 

Photos show the thankfulness of various members receiving maize.

 
An expected shortfall of the current grain harvest may require us to again provide maize for some members in the coming months. Anticipation is building for the main planting/growing season of the ”long rains” that traditionally come late January through April. These are the most dependable rains and are relied upon for the largest of the two annual grain harvests. In recent years, both the long rains of February-April, and the short rains of October/November essentially failed leaving millions in the region with a serious shortage of food.  Undependable rainfall is due in part to a denuding of the rain forests, and the southward advancing of the Sahara Desert in Sudan. Annually 1,000,000 acres of deforestation occurs in this part of the world.

John Elliott – Senior Pastor-East Africa