Even though it hasn’t made most evening newscasts, estimates from workers on the scene are reporting that as many as a quarter of a million people have been displaced in Namibia and Angola because of widespread and devastating flooding.

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That’s a quarter of a million people without adequate shelter, or access to clothing, food, clean water, or sanitation. Existing supplies of millet - a primary source of food for most of the population in these areas - have been destroyed.

The death-toll is rising - especially among the very old and very young. Reports of cholera are coming in from remote areas and without proper sanitation, experts fear a widespread outbreak - especially in the makeshift camps that have been set up to house the hundreds of refugees arriving daily in search of food and shelter.

Having served in Namibia and Angola since the 1980’s, MAF has gained the reputation and established the relationships needed to be able to respond quickly to a crisis like this, and has already been providing disaster relief to many of the disaster areas.

Working in partnership with relief and development organizations and local churches and missions, MAF is transporting workers and supplies in the form of emergency food, blankets, and shelter materials to refugee camps as well as those communities hardest hit by this disaster. But we need your help to continue this work!

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The 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel tells us that on the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, "Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food... I was thirsty and you gave me drink... I was naked and you clothed me." Will you be one of the few who will honor Jesus by helping meet the needs of those affected by these floods?

Your MAF flood emergency gift of $60 can provide 10 minutes of flight time. Will you help to provide for the immediate emergency and relief flights that are so desperately needed now with a gift of $60, $120, even $240 or more?

Following a recent survey flight to assess the flood affected areas, Canadian MAF pilot Brent Mudde wrote to confirm what many have been reporting; that schools and churches - many of which double as emergency shelters in times of need - have been abandoned or destroyed, while health-care clinics have been rendered inaccessible by road.

But greater still is the impact that can’t be assessed from the air.

Relief workers have determined that widespread drowning of herds of livestock have contributed to the contamination of major sources of drinking water. Without purification tablets and other sources of clean water, sickness and disease will take a deadly toll.

Many of the areas between Angola and Namibia that have been hardest hit by the flooding can only be reached by aircraft. Your gift now, will make it possible for relief workers and supplies to reach those who need them most.

In addition to providing immediate support, MAF will continue to monitor the situation, and will work with our relief partners to ensure that your financial support is used where it can do the most good.

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Though the need right now is for immediate relief in the form of emergency food, water, and shelter, those needs will change as the waters subside, and families return home.

With more than half of the farmable land in many areas now underwater, much of this year’s harvest will be lost. With no form of insurance or Canadian-style social assistance to rely on, the resulting loss of food will cause widespread starvation as the year continues.

For this reason, I have asked our staff in Angola to try and provide as many flood relief flights as possible - but I need to know I can count on your support.

Please, consider providing for one of these flights with an emergency gift of $60, $120, even $240 or more. If you have the means, perhaps you could even provide a larger gift of $360 to provide a full hour of flight. Regardless of the size of your gift, know that to those affected by this devastation, any amount you can provide will be appreciated, and will be used to provide flights of hope and help to those in need.

Clicking here to make your tax-deductible gift by credit card over our secure donation page.

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