For many people, the war in the Middle East is beyond the fringe of influence affecting their daily lives. But, for the people of Malawi, the Malawi Project, and Action for Progress the lifeline that delivers much-needed medical, agricultural, and educational supplies crosses directly into the line of fire.
Events in the Red Sea are having a major impact on the shortest shipping route from the United States to the east coast of Africa. Container ships passing through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea have recently found themselves within range of a militant movement in opposition to Yemen’s government, the Houthis. In support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis have set out to disrupt commercial shipping through the Red Sea. Recent attacks against major shipping have caused the companies to restrict shipping through the area.
Two recent shipments left Indiana and were nearing the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, on their way to Malawi. One shipment was filled with over 300 mobility units from Demotte, Indiana, and the other medical equipment from Lebanon, Indiana, was crossing the Atlantic Ocean just as attacks increased in the Red Sea. Both were suddenly diverted south along the African coast and will now pass around the southern tip of Africa and approach the east coast of the continent from the south. The change increases the distance, takes longer to reach its destination, and promises increases in shipping and insurance rates.
Workers at the Mobility Ministries production facility in Demotte complete the loading and gather for prayer that the shipment will have safe passage to Malawi.