Emergency in Malawi -
Cyclone Devastation

Cyclone (hurricane) Freddy slammed inland on the coast of Africa, bring torrential rains and high winds, with the worst of its damage taking place in Southern Malawi and the Blantyre region.  Walls of water roared down canyons and onto flatlands devastating everything in its way.  The relentless rains turned gentle streams into roaring torrents, sweeping away countless homes and any residents who were unaware.  In some cases, entire villages were swept away.  But even a large city such as Blantyre could not hold back the devastation.

Hundreds of thousands of homeless people are temporarily sheltered in schools, churches and public buildings.  All the while, supplies of food and other critical items, which are always scarce in March as it is, are now desperately needed and all relief services are stretched beyond their limits.

Communications from the priests of the Malawi Orthodox Church (Patriarchate of Alexandria) have indicated that their parish communities have suffered severely, with loss of life and many homeless.  Parishes have opened their doors to minister to those in need, but resources are at a premium.  People are searching mudstrewn areas by hand, sorrowfully looking for the bodies of those who could not escape.  It is a horrific scene. 

The Isaiah 44 Project was established to bring fresh water wells to this region - however this immediate, pressing disaster takes priority. 

We are asking that our friends, our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters, and all people of good will consider making a personal, sacrificial offering on behalf of the suffering people of Malawi.  International Relief organizations such as the Red Cross and Unicef are on the ground channeling aid.  Church groups also have a special ability to meet the people's needs in a localized way.

We invite you to prayerfully consider making a special donation for emergency assistance and aid to Malawi at this time.  If you wish, you may make a donation to the Isaiah 44 project for this purpose, to work through Orthodox Church channels, we will endeavor to utilize the capabilities of local Orthodox parishes in Malawi to get aid to people in need. We hope to get a funding grant to Malawi within 10 days.