Earlier this year, Bishops James and Simon wrote to each parish, highlighting the worsening environmental, economic and political situation in Zimbabwe.
The failure of the harvest, in the middle of an already acute economic and political crisis, meant that a significant percentage of the population relied, and still rely, on humanitarian aid.
Our Companion Diocese of Harare was badly affected, hence the special diocesan-wide appeal.
Thanks to the generosity of parishes and individuals, over £17,500 has been raised to date, the majority of which will be spent on maize and mealie meal (a staple food and essential for most families), seed for planting this season and supplementary nutritional food for Primary School pupils.
Funds will also be allocated for transport and logistics - Harare Diocese is the largest in the country and many areas are remote and at times difficult to navigate - and some support for the clergy to help them manage the distribution.
Bishop James said:
At the same time, both Kondoa and Mpwapwa, our Tanzanian Companion Dioceses, were suffering from poor rains and the consequent failed harvest.
This meant that there was a spike in the price of maize and that our brothers and sisters were not being able to hold back seed for planting during the current rainy season.
A separate appeal for support went around the friends of Kondoa and Mpwapwa - a collection of parishes, schools, individuals and communities that have a particular interest and connection with these dioceses - and raised over £14,400 and £5,300 respectively
Monies that will be distributed in a similar fashion to Harare.
Bishop James said: "I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed so generously to these appeals. These are incredible amounts of money that I know will make a significant difference to our brother and sisters in our companion dioceses who are facing such difficulty at this time."
Mike Fawcett, Companion Diocese Link Coordinator, said: "There is so much to be thankful for and great joy in the partnerships we enjoy with all our Companion Dioceses and I want to express my thanks, and the thanks of Bishop Farai (Harare), Bishop Given (Kondoa) and Bishop Jacob (Mpwapwa), for people's generosity in walking alongside our brothers and sisters at this challenging time."
Since the appeals began, there have been rains in all three of these dioceses. Please do continue to pray for them as they deal with these crises and for the hoped for good harvest in early 2020.