A missionary is moved by the generosity of people caring for their neighbours.

Rick Neufeld and his family spend close to a decade in the East African country of Mozambique, but recently, he felt the call to return. Working with Love Mozambique (SAMM Ministries) he was asked to give some general help.

"This is where my heart is. This is where my heart lives but I actually live in Canada," Neufeld says, acknowledging his Manitoba roots. 

Neufeld says he is "incredibly proud" seeing the people he first met as orphans grow up, now leaders in their communities. 

"It brings tears to your eyes when you see these guys who go pulled out of a bad situation, made their lives better, and said 'look, with the little bit extra that I have I want to make somebody else's lives better."

MartaMarta, pictured sitting, will be brought to a specialist with her father after sustaining a bad injury. Along with food, they help with healthcare and education.(Supplied)

This year's financial situation took a turn during the pandemic, causing concerns for the ministry. They lost roughly $30,000 that they normally would count on from donations. 

"(We are) in a bit of a crunch here as we are about to buy here, it is literally 500 people a day here, we need to figure out where that is going to come from."

Starting Steps with SAMM, they are hoping to encourage 1,200 people in Canada to donate the equivalent of a bag of corn, $25, to make up for it.

As part of this, they organized a walk-a-thon, inviting people in their Mozambique neighbourhood to join them on a short walk and for a party and meal afterwards.

eating dinnerPeople enjoyed a night of food and dancing as part of a Steps with SAMM event. (Supplied)

"We have widows in the program who are giving to the hurting. They are literally just taking what God is has given them and passing it on."

During the event, people in Mozambique stepped up for their neighbours, donating more than $100, or the equivalent of 42 days worth of work. Neufeld says this was the equivalent of everyone each giving up almost a full day's wages.