Zimbabwe is facing a ‘dire’ food situation after erratic rains and ‘unusual’ mid-season droughts triggered critical levels of crop failure, Christian Aid has warned. The World Food Programme estimates the number of people who will need food assistance in the coming months at two million. Christian Aid said the insufficient maize and cereal harvests, low grain stocks and inflated prices have forced the Zimbabwean government to make expensive food imports primarily from neighbouring Zambia and South Africa. Christian Aid's country programme manager for Zimbabwe, Miriam Machaya, said that Insiza district had been particularly hard hit, with partner organisation Zimpro reporting that only three out of the 23 wards recording surplus food. ‘The food security situation in Zimbabwe is dire, especially in the arid and marginalised Matabeleland provinces where Christian Aid and our local partner organisations work,’ she warns.

Pray: for the people of Zimbabwe and the critical drought situation. Pray that the world will have compassion on them and help to alleviate their needs. (Is.58:10-11)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/millions.of.zimbabweans.at.risk.of.chronic.hunger/33900.htm

Zimbabweans went to the polls on Wednesday to elect a president and parliament, in an election that will mark the end of the troubled coalition government between veteran President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. The election had been hit by allegations of fraud before the polls opened when Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF was accused of doctoring the electoral roll. The election will be the first to be held under the new constitution approved in a referendum in March this year. Mr Mugabe is accused of ruining one of Africa's most promising economies by seizing white-owned farms and giving them to landless blacks with little farming experience.Inflation reached an annual rate of 250,000,000% in late 2008. An estimated two million Zimbabweans left to seek work abroad. Since the coalition hyperinflation has ended and the economy has stabilized. Widespread corruption remains a sore point, particularly in the crucial diamond export sector. 60 – 70% of Zimbabweans actively belong to mainstream Christian denominations.

Pray: for vote rigging to be thwarted peacefully and may the next government take Zimbabwe out of corruption and into God's purposes for the nation. (Ps.33:10-12)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23513467

Tensions are rising as Zimbabwe nears its election (due on 31 July). Previous elections led to the economy collapsing, critical food shortages and violence. As July 31st approaches many fear the same may happen . There is conflict between the two leading parties the election date and political change might shake the country. Churches have been asked to pray for Zimbabwe, that peace and stability will be found in Zimbabwe and there would be no violence. The coalition government has brought some hope and the economy has slightly recovered, but there’s a widening gap between the rich and poor. The country is unstable. Churches have been asked to pray that Zimbabwe will reach a point where people are safe and not living in poverty. Evangelical Alliance Viva's patron Rev Stephen Gaukroger said, ‘We are calling on UK churches to make Zimbabwe a focus for prayer at this crucial time.’

Pray: against violence and fear and for peace and stability. Pray  that the children can grow up knowing they have a future and a hope. (Ps.9:3-4)

More: http://www.eauk.org/church/stories/churches-asked-to-pray-for-zimbabwe.cfm