Our newsletter
Famine situation in Tanzania
14 January 1999
Dear Friends,
Hello from Tanzania. I trust that things are a little cooler there than they are here. These are our summer months, June and July being our cooler time of the year.
For the last two months our hearts--as a team--have been continually burdened about the situation here in Tanzania. Below is a recent explanation in the press about the status of things here.
Tanzania faces food shortages
ARUSHA, Tanzania (AP) - Tanzania faces widespread food shortages caused by El Nino-induced drought and needs international help to stave off a famine, the prime minister says. The 300,000 residents of the central region of Dodoma are at risk of starvation in five months, Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye has told diplomats in the capital, Dar es Salaam. Another 12 of the country's 20 mainland regions are threatened with acute food shortfalls, Sumaye said in a speech to envoys Tuesday. Abnormally dry weather, blamed on the El Nino weather phenomenon, has dried fields and killed crops across central and northeastern Tanzania. Shortages in the corn crop are expected to approach 600,000 tons, state-run radio reported Wednesday. See related story.
I have been in Dodoma for about a week now and among other things have been trying to get a feel of how bad the famine situation is at this point. In a meeting with the deacons this past evening they shared with me that the situation is worse than it was last year. God has been gracious to us as it rained here yesterday and is giving hope that the rains have begun. But the food shortage is still very real. Daily I hear of people who have died as a result of the growing problem. Two months ago we began sending some assistance to those we are directly linked to in the way of seed for planting and minimal food supplies. Seven village areas were assisted as a result.
This past year as we were able to reach out to others with means sent to us by friends and supporters we were able to extend compassion and hope to many communities. As much as possible we tried to link the help with people in our ministries who would be in positions to give ongoing spiritual help as well. It was obvious that many were touched and many reached for the Lord during those difficult days.
Several factors are presently in place and have us in a good position to be a blessing to many. The city church, as well as five regular village ministries, are ripe for providing prayer and reliable hands to those within their reach and beyond. I have felt impelled to contact friends and supporters of this ministry to share this need and to encourage contributions that can be channeled in effective ways to truly touch lives. In these past weeks some have responded, strengthening our hands to this point. We have committed our famine situation to the Lord and believe His sovereign hand is at work. The responses we receive from others will help us know how to move out in action. And please know that our joint efforts will continue to exalt our Master and draw others to Him!
Hands For His Work,
John Kirkland
for Dodoma, Tanzania
E-mail:
kirktz@yako.habari.co.tz
PS: Should you desire to help, please send contributions marked "Famine Relief" to the account of John M. Kirkland, Baptist Bible Fellowship International, PO Box 191, Springfield, MO 65801.