Flooding Disaster in Malawi, Church of God Responds

Posted January 16, 2015

In All Church of God, Disaster Relief, Global Strategy

Photo: Malawi flooding (Photo courtesy Emmanuel Masamba).

Since the beginning of the year, persistent heavy rains in Malawi and neighboring countries in southern Africa have left massive flooding in their wake. The Disaster Relief Committee at Church of God Ministries has been in conversation with our missionaries in Malawi, Tim and Josie Vickey. While the Vickeys are currently without electricity and water, they are safe and in no danger.

The damage to the country is severe. The Vickeys report that Church of God buildings, as well as homes of those who attend Church of God congregations, have been seriously damaged or destroyed. Many families have lost everything. There is an immediate need for food, clean water, and other basic necessities. With continued rainfall in the forecast for at least the next couple of weeks, there is potential for further damage. The Disaster Relief Committee at Church of God Ministries has responded today by sending $10,000 for immediate emergency relief.

Malawi is home to 136 Church of God congregations.* While we do not yet know the full extent of the damage and the need, we do know that eight church buildings have already been destroyed and many more are severely damaged. Planting season for crops—vital to the region’s food supply—has also been compromised because of the flooding.

The Disaster Relief Committee will continue to monitor the situation and work with the Vickeys and the Church of God in Malawi to provide longer-term relief and help in rebuilding.

The best way you can help is by supporting our Disaster Relief fund. Please consider donating today. You can also send your donation to Attn: Disaster Relief, Church of God Ministries, PO Box 2420, Anderson, IN 46018. Be certain to clearly designate your gift to Project #45.04502.

For questions regarding this and other disaster relief efforts in the United States and abroad, contact Stephen Lewis, 800-848-2464, ext. 2198.

*According to the 2014 Yearbook of the Church of God.