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Disaster Relief in 2022—Brotherly Love in ActionHow Your Donations Are Used
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Our organization was quick to help. The Haiti branch supplied over 53 tons of food, as well as tents, tarpaulins, mattresses, and solar chargers for cell phones. Additionally, during the 2022 service year, over 100 homes were rebuilt or repaired. More than a million dollars went into relief efforts.
Our brothers and sisters are extremely grateful. Lorette says: “The earthquake completely destroyed our house and our business. We had nothing to eat. But Jehovah’s organization stood by us, supplying us with everything we needed.” Micheline says: “The earthquake damaged the shelter where my two sons and I lived. I didn’t know what to do except pray for help, and Jehovah answered through his organization. We now have a sturdy house in which to live. I am determined to do all that I can to show my gratitude to Jehovah.”
Our relief efforts did not go unnoticed by the local authorities. The director of the city hall of L’Asile said: “I congratulate you for the fast way in which you came to help. I praise you because you show great respect for the authorities. I am happy to see that you are not interested in money. Instead, you want to help people. You act out of love.”
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Disaster Relief in 2022—Brotherly Love in ActionHow Your Donations Are Used
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The Malawi and Mozambique branches quickly began relief efforts. They directed circuit overseers and elders to evaluate the needs of the affected brothers and to provide spiritual and emotional support. Several Disaster Relief Committees (DRC) were assigned to oversee the relief work, and these committees promptly began helping our brothers obtain food and other necessities. Over $33,000 was spent on humanitarian aid and over $300,000 on repairing and rebuilding homes.
The DRCs used funds wisely, which was especially important because of high inflation. For example, in the first seven months of the relief work, the price of maize flour—a staple in Malawi—increased about 70 percent. Fuel prices also rose. To save funds, the brothers purchased food and building materials locally and in bulk. They thus received discounts and avoided high transportation costs.
The relief work touched the hearts of Jehovah’s people. Felisberto, a brother in Mozambique, says: “I have never seen an organization that has given so much: building materials, transport, construction workers, food, and loving guidance. This relief was an outstanding example of the brotherly love that Jesus described at John 13:34, 35.” Ester, a widow in Malawi whose home was destroyed, says: “I was in despair because I had little means to build another house. So when the brothers came and built one for me, I felt that I was already in Paradise.”
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