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News

Cyclone Hits Mozambique, Impact Assessment Taking Place

News

On Wednesday, Feb. 15th, Cyclone Dineo made landfall with the worst of the storm hitting the historic and heart of strong United Methodist areas in Mozambique. With sustained winds of 70 MPH, gusts of more than 100 MPH, 36 hour rain totals of more than 10 inches, the damage is still being assessed.
 
Some important information regarding Cyclone Dineo’s impact:
  1. The Mozambique Initiative is preparing a financial call to action. Visit www.mzinitiative.com for worship resources.
 
  1. Initial reports include of the 7 deaths from the storm, 4 of them had United Methodist connections. There were 55 people injured, 14 of which are United Methodist. From wind and rain damage, an estimated 20,000 families are left without a livable home structure. The Methodist Mission areas of Cambine and Chicuque sustained damage including missing roofs, doors, windows. Other areas that were direct line of the worst of the storms include Maxixe, Morrumbene, and Massinga.
 
  1. The Mozambique Initiative is in contact with Ezequiel and other conference officials who are now on the ground in these areas to assess impacts. Craig Stevenson is in contact with partner annual conferences and organizations in the USA and in Mozambique to be fully informed.
 
  1. A response plan is being formed in communication with those on the ground in Mozambique. The Mozambique Initiative impact will likely include a focus of initial emergency needs of individuals and repairing, rebuilding, and cleaning chapels and parsonages. Accounts on the ground in Mozambique include these communities coming together, helping those in most desperate need first. By responding in this way, our hope is the churches can continue to be beacons of hope, sharing God’s love.

  How you can help:

  1. You can donate online at www.mzinitiative.com/donate.html or text the amount you'd like to give "MI" (For example, 50 MI) to 573-207-4546 and you will be prompted through.
  2. Collect an offering at your church using these worship resources.
  3. Be in praying for our brothers and sisters in Mozambique.

To stay informed:​

  • Follow the Mozambique Initiative on Facebook 
  • Sign-up for the Mozambique Initiative E-Newsletter
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Mozambique Initiative, contact Craig Stevenson at CStevenson@moumethodist.org or 573-777-1240.