Merit needs her children not just to survive but also to thrive.
Merit Mabenga
Credit: Amy Zavitz/The United Church of Canada
When did you first become aware of climate change? When did you first feel its effects?
In Canada, we have always experienced wildfires and droughts, hurricanes and winter storms. But “once-in-a-lifetime” disasters are happening with far greater frequency than ever before. Fortunately, to date, we have had the resources to cope with the effects of weather’s worst.
Many others around the world face different challenges.
In Zambia, Merit Mabenga has felt the deep impacts of climate change. Droughts are killing her crops. Wells are drying up, forcing her to walk farther and farther to fetch clean, safe drinking water. Necessities are scarce, and prices are soaring far beyond Merit’s modest reach because of climate change.
The impacts of climate change can feel overwhelming. But as always, the Bible shares its wisdom. 1 Corinthians 12:25–26 reminds us that “there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (NIV).
Thanks to donors like you, Merit has planted a diverse selection of vegetables and now harvests three times a year. This means increased food security for her family and greater ability to access education. In fact, Merit has earned enough to send her son to college. Her children are her future; Merit needs them not just to survive but also to thrive!
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