Operation Mobilization Appeals for Prayers Amid Zimbabwe Crisis

By Maria Mackay, Christian Today Reporter Sunday, July 29, 2007

International mission agency Operation Mobilization (OM) has appealed for prayers to bolster its staff currently serving in troubled Zimbabwe.

Inflation is sky-rocketing in the southern African country where, according to official government data, inflation stood at 3,713.9 percent in April 2007. The Zimbabwean Government has yet to release the rates for May and June, fuelling speculation that they are too horrific to reveal to the public.

A price slash recently sparked a rush to stores which has now left many shops empty-shelved.

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State television reported that the Zimbabwean Government now plans to import 200,000 tons of maize from Tanzania, with the possibility of an additional 200,000 tons from Malawi, in order to avert massive food shortages.

According to OM's team in the town of Banket, 95 km north-west of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, the shop next to their center has no food left in it.

"There are queues in the banks of up to two hours to withdraw a maximum daily limit of the equivalent of US$22 cash," reported OM. "Fuel is scarce. Power cuts can last for up to 20 hours a day and matches and candles are no longer available."

The agency added, "Phone lines to the country are out of operation so we are unable to get further information from our OM teams."

OM is asking Christians to pray for OM Zimbabwe leader Mike van Vuuren and his family who are living in "survival mode," the mission group said. The agency also appealed for prayer for Edwin Derera who leads a community center project and is being harassed by the Zimbabwean authorities, and also Vicky Graham who runs a medical clinic single-handedly in a rural area and is struggling to find the necessary medicines.