Rice distribution relieves famine in Burundi
OBI recently helped distribute 285,000 nutritious rice meals to more than 3,500 families affected by the famine in Burundi.
“If it were not for the help of OBI, my children would have died of hunger," said Harerimana, who received food in the effort. "Now they are happy and back at school."
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POSTED: Aug. 30, 2007
By John Patrick
BURUNDI, Africa - For Harerimana, receiving a free bag of rice was nothing short of a miracle.
The family was on the brink of starvation and there was no way to get food.
“My children were always sick,” Harerimana said. “I was very discouraged because of our daily hunger.”
Harerimana was widowed five years ago, leaving her as the sole caretaker of six children. Financially devastated, Harerimana had grown desperate – and even considered prositiution to help provide for her family.
Fortunately, a visitor changed Harerimana’s mind, and her future.
“I received a visit from Deacon Bolivard, who told me to come to their church to receive food,” she said. “It was a miracle.”
The food was part of an OBI-sponsored distribution spanning seven villages in Burundi. Heavy rains in the region caused widespread flooding and crop failures, triggering a nationwide famine.
Working with local churches and leaders, OBI helped distribute 285,000 nutritious rice meals to more than 3,500 families.
Harerimana and her children were among those who received food.
“If it were not for the help of OBI, my children would have died that same week of hunger. But now they are happy and back at school.
“May God bless OBI and its helpers,” she added.
In addition to these disaster relief efforts, Operation Blessing continues to support food security projects in countries such as Niger, where a total of 16 OBI-constructed food banks are helping to ensure year-round food for villages after a devastating famine in 2005.
How You Can Help
With your financial partnership, we can provide food for those caught in the grip of hunger and famine. Take part in Operation Blessing's life-changing works by making an online contribution today. |
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