Disaster Relief

In each and every country around the world where EIM works and has a presence, we are constantly discovering new needs and searching for opportunities to meet those needs; for the people, their communities and the countries themselves.

One of the greatest things that we’ve been able to do is respond to natural disasters which happen in these poor third world countries. Due to the local government being unable to or in other cases unwilling to help in disaster relief and assistance, EIM has and always will stand ready to help in these desperate and sudden situations. We are able to provide water and food and basic necessities during the initial tragedy. And we provide support and hope for the rebuilding and preparing for the future for these less fortunate people around the world.

Ghana Flood Relief

The first of December Bro. Roger Dunlap (Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, Magnolia, Arkansas) and I traveled to Ghana to conduct an assessment of the flood damage in northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso.  We were met in Kumasi and traveled to the Upper East Region with BMAA Missionary Paul Heuermann.  Upon arrival, we found the condition to be much worse than we had ever thought. 

As we traveled to the remote villages it became obvious that the severity of the floods had already made a great impact on the lives of the people in the area.  We discovered that very little aid from the Ghanaian Government had reached the people.  Although many countries had provided food aid and other humanitarian aid, most of it had not reached the most vulnerable people.  As a result many were already suffering major food shortages.  As we began to survey the situation we soon realized the disaster was greater than the resources. 

A drought that followed on the heels of the flooding has served to compound the problem in the region.  As of today it has not rained since the end of September with any rain anticipated until May or June of this year.      

There is a very real lack of concern for the situation from people living in southern Ghana.  Many in the south do not care if those in the north live or die.  This was very disheartening to the three of us. 

With the joint efforts of the BMAAM and EIM we were able to provide over 60,000 pounds of corn within two months of the disaster.  We were able to purchase, locally, 200 lb. bags of corn for $35.00 a bag.  Unfortunately it was only enough to meet the needs of about 20,000 of the 300,000 affected by the floods.

As we shared with everyone in our attempt to raise funds to help in relief efforts, our first target was our local churches and those affected in the church communities.  Bro. Heuermann, Bro. Roger and I were able to personally deliver over 20,000 lbs of corn to our local pastors and churches.  It was such a blessing to see and hear the gratitude of the people to their American brothers and sisters.  Many said to us, "thank our brothers and sisters for us." 

Within the next two weeks we will have a 40 ft. container arriving in Ghana with a dehydrated vegetable soup donated to us by Breedlove Foods, Lubbock, Texas.  Breedlove has been a wonderful partner with us donating one container to help in the relief efforts in the Philippines as well as this container for Ghana.  This container has a $50,000 value and will feed one million one cup servings.  Although this may sound like a lot of food, when you think of trying to feed over 300,000 people for the next nine months you can see that in reality it is only enough food for a short period of time.  

It is obvious that unless more is done over the next nine months many will die of starvation and diseases brought on by malnutrition, with the greatest impact being on the elderly and small children. As of this week we have raised over $50,000.  We need to raise an additional $100,000 if we are to be successful in helping some of the world's most vulnerable people. 

To everyone that has donated we say THANK YOU so very much.  The outpouring of love and kindness you have shown in this disaster has been amazing.  Many of you have gone the extra mile in your giving and I know some have given sacrificially.  According to Matthew 25:35-40, your reward will be great in heaven.  

We are still asking that over the next nine months that you prayerfully consider what you might be able to give in order to help save thousands of lives in Ghana and southern Burkina Faso.  Would you please help us reach our goal of an additional $100,000?  With God's help we can do this. 

EIM will also provide a detailed financial report of all incoming and outgoing funds for the Ghana relief efforts upon request.  EIM is a 501 ( c ) (3) non-profit organization.  All contributions are tax deductable.

 

Please make checks to:

EIM Ghana Relief

P.O. Box 297

Magnolia, AR.  71754