World Pulse Festival 2010, Indiana

Last weekend Feed the Hungry enjoyed participating in World Pulsefest’s 24th annual event! It was great to see and hear the music of Toby Mac, Amy Grant, Kutless – and even some new artists for me; Fireflight, Sidewalk Prophets and Josh Wilson. The weather was perfect….not TOO hot, but sunny and clear the entire day. Thousands of people came out to support the event, and many of those also supported the ministry of Feed the Hungry.

This year we had a great t-shirt designed by our own Chuck Strantz which we sold out of by 1:00pm! Each shirt is priced at $10 – $4 goes to pay for the shirt, and the remaining $6 buys 100 meals for children supported by Feed the Hungry. It’s a great opportunity to get a new t-shirt and help the needy AT THE SAME TIME. It has become a popular tradition with WPF attenders, and many tell us that they make it a point to get a shirt every year. I love that!!

One thing that I noticed this year, which was very encouraging on a lot of levels, was the generosity of people in giving. In years past, we would have buckets available for cash donations to help fund our projects, but there wasn’t usually a big response. This year we didn’t even put out buckets, but all day long people were wanting to donate without receiving anything in return! We put out our coin cans for that purpose, and I was amazed at the fact that people were mostly putting in paper bills, not coins! In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for someone to put in a $20! Now, we all know that this area of the US was particularly hit hard by the economic crisis, and that these donations were not coming from excess, but were costly. More than that, it was often a young person who was contributing with such extravagant generosity! One lady bought a shirt for herself, and then paid for a shirt for whoever came after her in line. Random acts of kindness like this make me happy!

I was so happy to see the Body of Christ enjoy the day by giving in ways that could not be returned to them in the natural realm. This is the arena God loves to work in, and I hope to hear a lot of testimonies in the near future about blessings of abundance to those who live to give.

Ban Ki-Moon’s Challenge to Canada

This week Prime Minister Harper met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to discuss Canada’s role on climate change. Among the topics discussed was the need for aid to the world’s poor. The head of the UN is concerned that the economic crisis in G8 and G20 countries is putting a halt on the progress to eradicate poverty in third world and developing nations. Obviously. Many families in these wealthy countries (including ours) are experiencing, perhaps for the first time, the effects of poverty in their own backyard. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon is urging Canada not to use economic and financial difficulties as ‘an excuse’ to ignore the pledge to double aid to Africa; health programs such as AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis; and food security.

As a Canadian I am happy to accept Mr. Ban Ki-Moon’s challenge not to neglect our commitment to provide aid to the world’s needy, but I understand that if we are going to accomplish this it will need to look different – right across the board from government levels to individuals who support relief organizations such as LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry.

For all of us, it’s no longer a matter of just throwing our excess to better causes, it’s now a matter of being on purpose and doing without ourselves in order to help others. This certainly isn’t comfortable for anyone (how’s that for the understatement of the year?!). Canada has always been blessed with abundance and we are used to living like that…and frankly LIKE living like that. However, I think the economic downturn is ultimately a good thing because it reveals the true desire of Canadians to make a difference larger than themselves, regardless of their own personal comfort.

There are still many ways we can help others, even while we are struggling ourselves. For example, agencies such as The Gleaners are re-purposing excess produce from local farmers by de-hydrating vegetables and fruits as a soupmix or a nutritional additive to rice diets. Each year millions of meals are provided through this ministry. A ministry in Ontario receives product that can no longer be used for sale because it’s at the expiration point, and helps thousands of “working poor” families in Canada – those who have to choose between putting food on the table or paying rent. I talk with families who are able to donate because they give up some of their own meals and use that money, or they have a yard sale in order to donate the proceeds. There are so many innovative ways that Canadians are finding to keep their pledge to help the poor and it makes us a stronger nation!

As we continue our commitment and focus to help others we ourselves will find prosperity returning – that is the spirit of Canada which I am proud to represent!

“Whoever gives to others will get richer; those who help others will themselves be helped.” Proverbs 11:25

Photograph by: Blair Gable, Reuters

Missionsfest Weekend

Last weekend I had the privilege of representing Feed the Hungry at the Toronto Missionsfest.  I met many wonderful ministry organizations, committed to making the world a better place through the message of the Gospel and love in action.  I was pleasantly surprised at how many people stopped by with interest in the ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.  Since the media has moved on to reporting other world events, I had assumed that the plight of the Haitians had been forgotten.  I’m happy to say that my experience in Toronto says that this isn’t so – Haiti is still prayed for, hoped for, and cared for!  Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth to say ‘hello’ and to those who pledged to partner with Feed the Hungry to make a difference in the world!  God bless you!

Booth display at the Toronto Missionsfest

More to do in Nicaragua

One of the things I really love about Pastor Gahonna, is that he is never satisfied to stop at ‘good enough’.  He’s already doing so much to change the lives of all the people in Bluefields, and works tirelessly to help families succeed in life.  He could easily look at what is already being accomplished and sit back with a contented smile.  But he doesn’t.  He is always finding new areas of desperate need that require action.  And each time we come, he has a new project or two for us to look at.  This time was no different.

He took us meet Coco.  Coco has a ministry of rescuing boys who live on the streets of Bluefields.  These boys have had to flee destructive and/or abusive situations in their homes so have taken to the streets to try to survive.  They are often conscripted into dealing drugs, human trafficking, and forced to endure the most horrific living conditions imaginable.  And so, in the worst part of the city – where prostitution and drug trafficking are conducted right out in the open – Coco has a rundown building which the government allows her to use, and is taking in boys who want to come out of life on the streets.  She knows exactly what they are going through, because as a young girl she was forced to leave school and work to provide for her family.  She constantly had to fight for survival, and believes that God was the one who kept her from being raped – which is a common occurance.  She felt utterly alone and helpless at a time when she should have been protected and nutured.  Today she is determined that other children not have to experience what she did, that they will know the love of a mother and a God who can do the impossible.

At this time everything she does is out of her own funds.  She runs a little shop that sells imported goods, and all the proceeds go to run the shelter program.  Sometimes she doesn’t have enough to buy food for the boys and it breaks her heart because it drives back to the streets.  The building she’s in has no bathrooms, no beds, and the roof leaks.  While the team was listening to her story, standing in the hovel she called home for the boys, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.  We couldn’t fathom such a strong compassion in the face of the most devastating of circumstances.  We knew that we couldn’t just stand by, and so Feed the Hungry has committed to providing as much food as she needs to feed the boys every day.  We also hope to be able to find a more suitable place for the home.  I’d sure love to see them get a plot outside of the city, where the boys could run around in safety, where they could go to school and learn a trade, and grow healthy and strong – body, soul, and spirit!

Nicaragua Mission Trip continues

This is the first time since being with Feed the Hungry that I have returned to the same country for a second time.  It is soooo good to see the progress being made in the lives of people because of the consistent and long term commitment of Feed the Hungry partners.  I saw a young lady in the church who gave her life to Christ in our last visit.   She is standing taller with confidence, she is laughing and making friends, and very beautiful.  I love it!  And, when we went to the dump to participate in the lunchtime feeding program, I saw a little girl that Kandesa had photographed the last time we were here.  I was so excited I almost cried!  Last time she was half naked, very dirty, and had very obvious signs of malnutrition.  Her stomach is still a little bloated, but she had different clothes on each day we were there, and I am so glad to see that she is now getting nutritious food on a consistent basis.  Oh man, to actually see the difference we are making right before my eyes is so humbling and such a precious gift!

Through our partnership with Pastor Gahonna and New Jerusalem Church, FTH is now feeding about 220 children at the dumpsite in Bluefields twice a week.  Before each meal the children’s pastors from the church hold a mini sunday school class, telling bible stories with visuals, singing songs, and praying for the children.  These children are not only being fed, but being shown that they are valuable and much loved, with a hope for a future without poverty!  We are committed to expand this program until we are able to provide meals 6 days a week.  Please pray and support this effort, and watch lives like this little girl change because of your compassion.

Mission team to Nicaragua

This week I am in Nicaragua with a team of about 22 from BC, Alberta, Ontario, Alaska, and Ohio.  It is a wonderful week of ministry to some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere.

Our first day in Managua began very early, leaving our hotel at 5:00am in order to board a flight for Bluefields at 6:30am.  Once we arrived in Bluefields we proceeded to the dock where we boarded a panga boat (a motorized row boat….hard to explain unless you’ve been on one but there’s a picture below) for a one hour ride to the village of Santa Rita.  This is a very rural village without electricity or roads, and no shops.  As we walked up to the church building we could hear the congregation singing and the acapella sound was beautiful!!  The group gave testimonies, performed an interpretive dance number and then Pastor Sally Smith ministered the Word through an interpreter.  After the service we were blessed to give out over 30 family food paks to those present – these paks contained rice, sugar, corn flour, beans, oil, and nutritional rice meals – enough to feed a family for approximately 10 days.  Before boarding the panga for the ride back to Bluefields, the team members had fun making balloon animals and giving out candy to the children.  I hope it was as much of a treat for them as it was for us J

When we returned to Bluefields we got ready for the evening service at New Jerusalem Church.  NJC and Pastor Angel Gahonna is the partner ministry of Feed the Hungry in Bluefields.   The church has over 1000 members, about 100 cell groups , a bible training school, television program, and Christian radio station.  They are very involved in ministering to the needs of the people in Bluefields and living their faith through the love of Jesus Christ.  A truly inspiring church and I love being there!  I had the privilege of preaching in the service and we all prayed for the sick and ministered to new believers.  What an awesome day!!

         

Please help Haiti

It’s difficult to comprehend the utter devastation that is taking place in Haiti.  All I can do each day is pray for the survivors and this nation – that God’s Grace will help them not only survive but stand again.

Please help us help the people of Haiti in this hour.  We need your generous donations urgently and immediately!  Please check out the news section of the website for the latest updates as we receive them.  Make your donation online with your Visa or Mastercard, or send a cheque to LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, Ste. 342, 12-111 Fourth Ave, St. Catharines, ON L0S 1J0

God bless you!

The future of Kenya

January 5, 2010

Today we have the privilege of visiting the children at Soweto Academy, as school is back in session – woohoo!  Soweto is home to over 500 students, Grade 1-6.  About 310 students are orphans or from single parent dwellings.  The remaining 200 students have some kind of extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc) who help to look after them.

Soweto’s school principal, Mr. Johnstone Makabwa, is very pleased with the academic performance of the children.  A recent news article states that Soweto Academy is now rivaling top schools in national results.  Not only did all the students pass their exams, but the average score of SA students was 320 (out of 500), which is 15% higher than the national average!  Mr. Makabwe emphatically states that the secret to SA’s success is 1) God, and 2) food.  Because of the high quality food received by Feed the Hungry, students are able to concentrate and excel at their academic endeavours, and will become the future leaders and professionals of Kenya!

Soweto Academy, Kenya

I am in Nairobi, Kenya visiting the FTH partner ministry, Soweto Academy.  SA is situated in Kibera, one of the world’s largest slums.   In the midst of extreme poverty Pastor Chris and Joann Osumu are raising up a generation of children who will be tomorrow’s national leaders.

On our first day there we were able to see the facilities on the compound.  School is out of session for Christmas break but there is still a lot of activity going on.  There are 3 cows and several pigs in one corner, being well looked after and providing a source of food and income for the school.  There is construction going on in the school building itself, as washrooms are being built for boys and girls.  Plumbing in the slum area is unheard of, thus cholera, TB, typhoid, AIDS, and other diseases are rampant.  (If you walk outside the compound you’ll notice the streets littered with platic bags where people have deposited their waste and thrown it wherever it lands.  There is a saying in Kibera to “watch out for flying toilets” as sometimes these plastic bags could land on you!)  However, Soweto is raising a new standard for the next generation, and this includes education and implementation of proper hygiene.

On the other side of the school building are 2 other buildings.  One is a medical clinic which provides medical care for the community with a licensed doctor, several nurses, and a lab technician.  The clinic also has a fully functioning maternity unit which is saving many, many lives as women no longer have to give birth on the side of the road or in a bacteria-infested shack.  The other building is a water treatment plant where mineral water is being bottled for sale.  Last year a well was drilled, hitting 2 rivers of pure, clean water.  In addition to bottling water as an income source to educate and care for children, a spout is made available for anyone in the community to get clean water for free.  This again is saving many lives!

There are approximately 1 million people crowded into the Kibera slum, an area of approximately 7 square miles.  It is in this place, an embarrassment and eyesore to the people of Nairobi, that God is doing amazing things in the lives of children – showing that He has come to bring hope and a future to EVERYONE.  Through the ministry of Soweto Academy and Feed the Hungry, this message is bringing many out of a cycle of poverty with dignity and strength.

More soon!

Ministry life in Africa

With health care such an issue in our news today because of the U.S. political struggle, it would be easy to take for granted the great blessing we have in our country regarding access to medical treatment.  It is so wonderful to be able to see a doctor without having to worry how to pay the fee.  Many of our ministry partners do not have this luxury, as is the case with Pastor Stanley Lo Nathan who runs the New Generations School and Orphanage in Yei, Sudan.   He was recently diagnosed with a heart problem due to very high blood pressure.  Because there are only four or five qualified medical doctors in Yei (to cover a population of over 150,000!) and no real hospitals, he was urgently referred to a heart specialist in Kampala, Uganda.  The non-airconditioned bus ride to Kampala would be around 16 hours, which would be highly uncomfortable under the best of circumstances, not to mention if you are gravely ill.   Please join me in remembering Pastor Stanley in prayer so that he will regain his health and strength and be able to continue the great work he is doing in the Sudan!

Food, homes, education are other things we have the privilege to take for granted in our nation.  This is not the case in Uganda, where our ministry partner at King Solomon’s Academy worries about what the future will hold for their students once they graduate into high school and are no longer able to stay at the school.  Solomon, the head of the ministry there, writes:

“Today the Primary seven kids at King Solomons Academy and the entire Nation of Uganda start their final National exams that qualifies them to go to high School.

I do request you to please stand with these young ones as they take another step in their lives. This makes me very emotional seeing how far we have moved with these kids, also seeing them reach a step they would never have dreamt of four years ago.

This brings tears in my eyes as I write to thank all those that have stood with us to make this happen, I would never have done it alone without your help.

Please stand with these kids in prayer that the Lord they have believed helps them pass these exams.

Another issue here is what happens next, since we will be letting them go and, being orphans, I have no idea whether this will be their last year of sitting in a class and seeing a blackboard.

Thank you for impacting these young ones all these years.”

Solomon