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Mozambique Floods FCF Project: Accao Voluntaria em Mozambique (AVM), Maputo, Mozambique If you followed the international news in late February and early March, you know the images: families perched in trees, sitting on rooftops—some having been there for as long as a week without food or drinking water—surrounded by muddy, disease-laden water as far as the eye could see, hoping against hope that they would be spotted by one of the few South African military rescue helicopters. The low-lying regions of Mozambique have experienced the worst flooding in fifty years, and at the time of this writing, it’s not over yet! Even when the rain lets up, rivers continue to flow into this country from neighboring Zimbabwe and South Africa. Malaria and cholera are spreading through the primitive overcrowded camps that have been set up for the nearly one million refugees. Most of the roads into the worst hit areas have either been washed away or are under water, greatly hindering relief operations. The country’s economy and infrastructure have been set back twenty-five years.
We have an inspirational music program designed to lift people’s spirits during times of disaster. The day before our first show at one shelter—a factory that is now home to about three thousand people—we asked one of our friends if he could help meet some of the material needs of the children. He wanted to visit the center immediately, and on the way he stopped at a shop and bought 50 kg (110 lb) sacks of rice and beans, canned fish, soft drinks, and oil—actually, just about everything in the shop! Everyone at the shelter was extremely thankful. The next day we arrived to do a second program to help bring some joy back into these dear children’s hearts. Five hundred children between the ages of two and fourteen were directed into the building where we would perform. About two hundred adults came to watch as well. We had poor lighting, little space, and no sound system, but everyone had a great time! Many of our audience, from toddlers to stout matriarchs, joined in singing songs they knew. That’s one thing the people here always do, even when conditions could hardly be worse—they sing. The children also really enjoyed the funny antics of our two clowns. After the show we passed out snacks and school supplies.
The government, the Red Cross, and various other organizations were working to meet people’s physical needs, so we concentrated on doing what we seem to do best—comforting and encouraging the people, and pointing them to God and His love so He can help them overcome their losses and present difficulties, and build bright new futures.
More photos of visiting camps and flood victims:
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