Update 15th Jun 15

At the 'new' village of Nhacapale. People won’t  travel 5km to the nearest health centre because of the very real danger of crocs where they must cross the river.

While mums bring their children for vaccination and the medical team do consultations and wound care – many men of the village sit around the local distillery drinking. This is their 'still' for brewing alcohol from sugar cane.

Julio – the old man, too weak to walk, was wheeled to us on the back of a bike.

15 year old Aozolina, in great pain,  being carried to the helicopter by her mum.

Aozolina suffers from epilepsy. During a seizure, she had rolled into the cooking fire and had severe burns down her back, neck & head. These burns were weeks old and badly infected. Due to isolation and ignorance, her family had not sought medical help for her. She is now at Marromeu hospital receiving treatment.

Thank you.

Dean and Kaylene for the Mercy Air team

Update 7th June 15

In our May outreach to the Zambezi Delta, we flew 163 flights into 23 different villages. While the new irrigation pumps project seems like the highlight, we also did 5 medevacs. One of them a 55 year old man, Armando Joni. Emaciated and incapacitated for 2 weeks with a huge, rapidly growing abscess on his liver. He is making a remarkable recovery and now staying with his son near Marromeu while he recovers.

The village of Molicholo continues to welcome the Bible teaching program very enthusiastically. Large numbers of people continue to meet with each visit and engage in intelligent question asking and learning. Pray this will continue.

In pain and barely able to move for 2 weeks with a huge, rapidly growing  abscess on his liver

With a hastily constructed stretcher, friends carried Armando 25 minutes to the helicopter.

At Marromeu hospital, they drained over 2 litres of fluid out of the abscess. Within days he was up and about. With anti-biotics Armando is well on his way to recovery.

The new treadle irrigation pump being put to use at Nensa.

Everyone wants to have a go!

Time for small group discussions at the village of Molicholo. This place is amazing! They stand out amongst other villages where we have worked.

Thank you,

Dean and Kaylene for the Mercy Air team

Opportunity for Short Term Missions

 

Update 31st May 15

In April we introduced the 'water pump project' in partnership with ASAM & YWAM missions. We’ve now got these irrigation pumps operating in 3 villages and this looks like it has the potential to become a huge success. These foot treadle pumps can lift water vertically up to 7 metres and distribute it up to 54 metres.

The concept is - interested groups have to form an 'association' to manage the operation of the pump and the farm. They must agree by contract to create a community garden where they can grow vegetables which will supplement their diet and provide income through selling the surplus. 10% of this produce must provide for widows and orphans in the village. The pump will enable them to continue growing healthy vegetable crops through the dry season – exciting new possibilities.

We provide the first lot of seed, then they will keep seed from plants grown for future planting. To avoid problems associated with 'giving' stuff – we retain ownership of the pumps and if they fail to fulfil the agreed conditions of their contract, we may give the pump to another community. Pray that their enthusiasm for this concept will be sustained.

The Ag team arrive in Luawe village with the first irrigation pump in the delta.

We instructed them how to reinforce the sides of their wells to stop the sand perpetually caving in.

Several in the community (including mamas) – chosen by the 'association', are instructed how to disassemble, reassemble, service and repair the pump.

The first ever pump irrigation in the delta and their new community garden. Still a work in progress, but an exciting day.

Water under pressure is a new concept. By the time everyone had finished squirting each other, the well was dry! They still have work to do to deepen it.

This pump is beside the Zambezi river at Luabo. Previously they had to lift buckets by hand up this 7 metre bank to irrigate the orphanage garden. Crocs are a good motivation not to fall in!

Jannie’s orphanage garden by the Zambezi helps feed 22 kids. Previously irrigated by carrying buckets of water from the river.

Thank you.

Dean and Kaylene for the Mercy Air team.