Straight to the Heart: Helping Those Most in Need

Terrorism has plagued Mali for years, causing political and socio-economic upheaval for the people. The Alliance church reached out to the most vulnerable pastors and families, providing much-needed assistance. While travel is still dangerous and the general situation is insecure, the local team has touched the people with hope and support.

The AWF Pastor’s Relief Project was initiated to provide pastors with much-needed food: millet, sorghum, maize and rice. Farming insecurity and lack of food were significantly impacting their health. In addition, the relief project has provided the opportunity for local leaders to implement income-generating activities (IGA) such as market gardening, bakeries, and similar small businesses. The increase of IGA has enabled people to improve their standard of living. The national president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Mali (ECEM) and the district presidents selected the pastors who would receive relief project assistance.

We are thankful to the Lord for the success of this program. Despite the communication problems, the insecurity and the distance, the Lord empowered the team and protected them.

Every congregation that was selected for assistance received aid. The results were significant. The distribution of food immediately improved the nutritional and health situation of the people. The additional resources and IGA have improved the economic independence of the communities. Perhaps most importantly, the dignity and hope of the people have increased dramatically!

Pastor Mathieu Poudougo and his wife, Marthe Saye, have eight children (three girls and five boys). Before the relief project, the insecurity had traumatized the entire family. They had sold everything to treat medical issues and pay for prescriptions. Food was scarce and their outlook was grim. Since receiving relief project assistance, the entire family has regained their health and food is no longer a worry. They were provided rice, millet, and two sheep for fattening. Pastor Mathiu is thankful for Christ’s love and for the Alliance family who helped him overcome these hardships. He asks us to continue praying for peace in Mali.

Another pastoral family did not have a field to grow grains to feed the family. The insecurity had decreased their income. Pastor Etienne Dolo and his wife, Yauthinguéré, were not able to provide for the basic needs of their eight children: food, health, education, and clothing. “It was a really hard time for us, and the help came at the right moment,” said Pastor Etienne. The aid allowed him to buy rice, millet, and two sheep. “This support goes straight to my heart. I can only thank you for what you have done. May God continue to bless you,” rejoiced Pastor Etienne.

Not only has the relief project assisted the pastors and their families, it has also helped the church in Mali. Because of the support, they better understand that they are not alone and that there are faithful Christians throughout the world who think of and care for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Please continue to pray for Mali, for the pastors and families, and for the Alliance church as they restore people’s faith by serving them as the hands and feet of Jesus!