Our Companion Dioceses of Harare in Zimbabwe, and Kondoa and Mpwapwa in Tanzania, are currently enduring their own lock downs as they face up to the coronavirus.
Having recently spoken with the respective bishops in those countries - Bishop Farai, Bishop Given and Bishop Jacob - Bishop James observes that:
“The response needed to combat Covid-19 in these countries brings far greater hardship than we are enduring in the UK”.
As well as coping with a lock down, Harare continues to face the political and economic challenges it has endured for sometime now, and is also suffering from the effects of drought.
Kondoa has lost harvests to floods and attack by insects. Mpwapwa has also seen harvests affected by heavy rains and has had several key bridges washed away.
Poverty remains a challenge in both countries and food prices are rising sharply. Zimbabweans are struggling to survive with 600% inflation - making communication, so vital during lock down, difficult as data costs have soared.
In Tanzania people are going hungry - maize, a staple food, is three times the price it would normally be at this time of year - and church giving has fallen or stopped.
Bishop Given writes: "People now here in Kondoa town are forced to eat one meal a day because they are not allowed to go to find jobs to get their daily meal...people are now suffering starvation!"
To compound these challenges, these countries are now facing the spread of the Coronavirus with inadequately resourced health services and with a lack of clean water and soap for hand washing.
One resident of Zimbabwe writes: "Zimbabwe has suddenly woken up to corona following our first death from the virus; a young guy. Unfortunately the hospital designated for corona patients didn't have any ventilators and when his parents managed to buy him one, there was nowhere to plug it in.”
A chance to pray and to give
Bishop James says: “Whilst these countries are behind the UK in terms of the number of cases and Covid-19 related deaths, there is real concern - indeed fear - that local transmission rates will increase significantly as people look to meet their basic daily needs.”
He continues:
“I would urge you please to pray for our sisters and brothers in our Companion Dioceses - as they are praying for us - and consider how this request might be shared with your church. Prayer for Tanzania and Zimbabwe at this time is hugely important.”
Many parishes with links with these Companion Dioceses have expressed a wish to help them financially. If you feel moved to help, as an individual or church, there is a donation form which may be downloaded from the Diocesan website.
It includes general guidance on how to make your donation. Find it here
Please make it clear that your donation is in respect of Covid-19. We will share your donations equally across the three dioceses.
If you would prefer the funds to go to a specific diocese (perhaps because of a parish link) please highlight the particular diocese.
If you were able to make this donation by the end of April, we will get the funds to our friends in early May.
Irrespective of when they are received, every donation will be sent quickly and we will work with Bishop Farai, Bishop Given and Bishop Jacob as they serve and support their people at this challenging time. Thank you.
Find out more about our companion overseas links here