Maize is Life! For the vast majority of Malawians, life revolves around struggling to grow enough maize to feed their families. A recent news article from Malawi reports serious maize shortages and estimates that two million people are now facing hunger until the next harvest season begins in April.
Last November, when the Ancient Path team from the USA visited the Ancient Path Kids program in Malawi, Director Moses Mtambo informed us of this problem among the families represented in the program. Thanks to generous contributors, the team was able to leave funds to purchase 50 kg bags for 150 families. Pastor Mtambo secured the maize in December but decided to distribute it at the beginning of the year when the need would be the greatest.
On January 15th, the APK guardians came in large numbers to receive their maize. Before the distribution, one of the women opened with a word of prayer, followed by the director’s remarks and scripture readings from Luke 6: 36-38:
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Although there were some challenges, such as rain showers and more hungry people than are listed in the APK registry, Moses and his team were able to complete their tasks well. He reports :
We have managed to distribute 80 full bags to Ancient Path Kids guardians and the remaining 70 bags were shared among the 70 guardians and those who invaded the program. We did this according to the number of children in each household and did not make this decision on our own. We consulted the guardians first, who gave us the approval to go ahead to help their friends who were also in need of food. We can say that 220 households have been benefited from 150 bags. The distribution of maize was very smooth, and every guardian was very cooperative with the procedure of the program.
After the distribution of maize, some of the guardians and others not in the program came to our home early the next morning to thank us for the help they have received from the Ancient Path Kids program. One woman who was not registered, but went home with maize for her children said, “Now that I have food I can go work in my garden and know that my children will not starve ”.
On behalf of all the families who received help, the Ancient Path Kids team here in Kaliyeka Township, Malawi would like to thank all the generous Ancient Path supporters who have made this possible. It came at just the right time when people were so hungry and desperate for food. It is our prayer that the good Lord should continue to shower his blessings on you and your families!
