Bending the Bow Int'l

Mozambique is one of the poorest nations in the world. On average an individual makes around $60 each month, and yet the cost of groceries is about the same as in the U.S.A. Gasoline is approximately $8.00 per gallon. It costs money to attend the public schools.
The Grocery Store we Shopped at and the Open Air Market
I am honestly not sure how people here make it. Angie has lived here for almost 8 years and told me that even when a Mozambican shops in the open markets they are still paying within cents of what the local grocery store charges. How do the people make it? They don't eat very much. Typically they eat 2 meals a day: Breakfast consists of bread and possibly butter. The second meal consists of rice and some sort of veggie, occassionally they may eat beans or chicken or fish. It is easy to understand why the crime rate is so high. People are struggling just to survive. They don't think about going on vacation or bringing home a little extra ice cream for dessert. They are thinking about how they are going to provide enough to take the hunger away until tomorrow.

When we saw patients at the medical clinic outreach last week there were so many men, women, and children who were sick or sickly simply because they aren't getting enough food to eat and definitely not enough nutrients. These are the basics we take for granted.

I love Starbucks...and will continue to enjoy it when I come home...but here's some FOOD FOR THOUGHT: think about how much a drink and pastry for one person at Starbucks costs compared to the average monthly income of a Mozambican, it is sobering, huh? A $6.00 purchase is 1/10 of a Mozambican's monthly salary. Hmmmm.

Lord Jesus, where can we begin to assist you at home AND in the nations? We need Your strategies, because we know that these, the least,are so close to your heart...these are the ones You are calling to "Come!" Lord Jesus, we long to both know and share Your heart, Your love, and to BE Your hands and feet.