Speak Truth To Power

I understand our families and friends in Minnesota have had a few snow flakes as of late. By stark contrast, we have had some of the highest temperatures that I can recall over the many years that AIAIA has been hosting groups to South Africa. That said, we have still continued on with a fairly robust schedule. We began our day by visiting a local Nonprofit that provides education and support for individuals caught in the violent web of domestic violence. The agency is attached to a police precinct in a small rural town. There is an option for a “safe house,” which can assist for a very limited amount of time. A core component to the violence is the sad reality that the majority of women are not in a position to earn an income. When violence occurs, the complete lack of finances for the women becomes the real trap that results in so few options to reach safety and break the cycle of violence.

We have had the good fortune of meeting a local Roman Catholic priest, stationed at the Church of St. Joseph, near Malungeni. The pastor remains very involved and positive, despite the fact that there are very few in the area that identify as being Catholic. The Rev. has been courageous in faith and has been charged for civil disobedience in challenging the local political system. Creating opportunities for local gardening programs has also been a successful way of pastoring. There are so many opportunities to speak truth to power and to minister “outside the traditional lines.” I am delighted to have made a connection with this kindred spirit.

We returned home this afternoon for the second of three scheduled food distributions. Given the warm temperatures, you can see how comfortably dressed the young child is as she climbs up on the food parcel that her mother is about to load in a wheelbarrow.

The photo of the mom holding her daughter live in Itipini, where food is provided quarterly by AIAIA. It is the poorest of the poor communities that AIAIA is proud to partner. Food parcels continue to be an essential service and a challenge for our budget. Food prices continue to rise and not having something to eat is simply not an option. “FOR I WAS HUNGRY AND AND YOU GAVE ME FOOD, IN PRISON AND YOU VISITED ME.” I trust these words are familiar…❤️

I honor this day with the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu;

“Oh God, all holy one, You are our Mother and our Father, and we are your children. We are members of the same family, the human family. Open our eyes to those less fortunate than ourselves and our hearts that we may know war no more. May we strive to be what you want us to be; your children.”
Amen

May we nurture the child within and embrace the responsibility to truly care for one another without condition…

James Cassidy, President AIAIA