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Feast of Famine
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From the land of plenty, we now go to a place in desperate need Malawi, South Africa. The country is facing the worst food shortage in a decade. Due to a long drought, the food harvests needed to last all year were depleted in January. We take you to a village where people are doing what they can to forget about their deadly troubles. |
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With their
spontaneous song of welcome, it's hard to imagine many of the women and
children in this village of Chiole, in Malawi, Africa, have gone without
food for days but they have. In fact, the lead singer has not eaten
for a week. Malnutrition has taken the life of one of her sons.
The United Nations says more than 14 million people in southern Africa
are threatened with starvation. Half of them are women and children
including this boy, whose black hair has turned blond something
villagers recognize as a sign of death.
She has a name for
the famine gripping her country mass killer.
The villagers
are building this modest church, but it's not so much a sign of hope as
it is a sign of reality, says United Methodist pastor Smart Msinkhu.
"You are burying 10 people at a time at services?
Smart Msinkhu: Yes, just from hunger. A terrible hunger."
Its time for dinner in the village, but the outdoor kitchens are empty.
So instead of cooking, they say thanks to strangers or ulendo
for coming for a visit, with a song.
Feast of Famine Tag:
Earlier this year, the United Methodist Council of Bishops issued a churchwide appeal to fight the famine in South Africa. Monetary donations can be made through the Advance. The information is on our Web site. In addition, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is asking for medical supplies for Africa.
For additional information on United Methodist efforts to aid those suffering from the famine in Malawi, see: