Inaction is not the answer.

I am aware that this blog has been unusually quiet these past few weeks. It isn’t that there are not tragedies or emergencies to report or that there are no stories to tell or faces to share. Instead I have found myself overwhelmed with the amount of tragedies and injustices that so many around the world face on a daily basis. It only takes a brief pause on the news channel while surfing the tube, a quick click of a mouse on the CNN home page or the unfolding of the morning newspaper and  scan of the headlines to be reminded of the reality that this world is full of injustice and need.

Do you ever do what I have done these past few weeks and get so overwhelmed by it all that you are paralyzed to silence? Do you ever sit and wonder how your $5, $10, $32 etc. could ever possibly help the millions that are dying of hunger? Or how prayers and letters to your sponsored child could affect their day to day life and change the course of their future? Does this paralysis ever push you to a point of inaction as it has me? As I was taking a walk today with my son I realized that by ignoring the injustices faced by those in the world around me I was only adding to them. My goal for this blog has always been that peoples voices around the world would be heard. That we could share the stories and faces of children and their families who are being impacted by sponsorship. In my silence I was communicating exactly what I have been trying to overcome.

So in light of what I have just shared I wish to bring attention to not only a need but an upcoming opportunity. So many times I imagine, we have each read that passage in James about true religion being caring for orphans and widows. Jesus did not view religion as sitting in the pews at church on a Sunday morning or lifting your hands in worship though these are beneficial in their own right. Instead Jesus was intent on sharing his life with “the least of these” while he spent his three years in public ministry. I have to imagine that there were many stories that were never told or instances that were never even seen because Jesus cared for these people in private.

Sunday November 8th has been claimed by many churches and organizations as “Orphan Sunday”. A day set aside to bring awareness to the need to minister to the millions of orphans worldwide, even some here in our own communities. These orphans don’ t just need our money thrown in their direction but more importantly they need the love of someone who cares and the love that only the true Father can provide. Not every church will be making a big deal of “Orphan Sunday” but I hope that it can be a day that we can at least lift our prayers up for the work that is being done by so many to impact the lives of these children. That they may grow up knowing that they are loved and they are not alone.

Food for the Hungry’s Child Sponsorship program does that in many communities around the world. The field staff spend time with these children that have lost so much because of war, disease or famine. These children are taught about the love of a Father and encouraged to study and learn that they may grow up to change their lives, their families lives and ultimately the future of their country. If you are overwhelmed by the injustices you see in our world and these realities paralyze you to inaction, I challenge you to overcome this paralysis by simply taking one step at a time. One easy way to do this is to sponsor a child for $32 a month. Not only will your funds be used to develop the community where your child lives, but you will also have an opportunity to write to your child and build a relationship. It is this relationship that will change the future for this child.

Bringing Light to the “least of these”

As HIV/AIDS and other fatal diseases have struck the continent of Africa and the rest of the world a new kind of family has been created. One that is virtually unheard of in the developing world because we understand the absolute chaos it would be. These families are what we call Child Headed Households meaning that when the parents pass away the oldest child becomes the surrogate parents to the younger children. More often than not though the oldest is still a child themself. Our West Coast Regional Manager of our Advocate Ministry, Wendy McMahan has an incredible passion for bringing light to the injustice that is happening around the world. She does so through her podcasts. She just recently focused one of these podcasts on these Child Headed Households, you should check it out.

Recovering from the Flood

Our staff on the ground in the Philippines have sent us an update of the situation and have included some pictures.

” 100% of the families in Tibag and Curayao were affected on different levels. Some families lost all of their belongings (house and what they own), some have kept their house but there is nothing left inside. Some families kept their houses and belongings but they are no longer useful. Many CDP children neeed new school materials, bags, uniforms and sleepers. Some families have returned to their respective houses but some families continue to stay in relocation sites as they have no homes to return to. The entire community is full of mud, they don’t have clean water or electricity at this time. Classes are suspended until further notice because schools are currenty being used as evacuation centers. The need is great- food, clothing, drinking water, cleaning materials, rubber boots, school materials, utensils  and stoves. Having a church within the community is a great encouragement for the families. Although the church was also affected, the pastor and the church members continue to serve unselfishly. The church was opened for the families to do their laundry because the church has water from a deep well. About 7 families are staying in the church.”

And the Rain Came Down

Saturday brought hours and hours of rainfall to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This rain was a result of typhoon Ketsana that was not expected to have much affect on the islands of the Philippines. This storm was only expected to be a category 1 storm and yet the rain that was brought by this storm in just a matter of five hours was the same amount of rain that they usually receive in a months time. In just six hours, Manila received over 13 inches of rain, they average 15 inches for this whole month.

That one day of rain caused submerged houses, swept away shanties and made roads raging rivers. Terrified residents of this city were forced to climb on top of their houses, cars or anything they could find where they waited for more than 24 hours for help. Though this country is not a stranger to the battering of typhoons, Saturday’s rains were some of the worst ever experienced. What made it worse was that it was unexpected and there was little planning to be done. News sources are reporting that at least 140 people have died as a result of the flood but that number is expected to climb in the coming days as the water recedes.

There were four CDP communities that were directly affected by the flooding and many of our sponsored children were displaced from their homes and forced to find refuge in schools and other shelters on higher ground. Some of our CDP staff were also forced to leave their homes as the waters were waist deep.

Our FH Philippines Office is currently preparing relief goods to be distributed to the affected families. The have sent a list of prayer requests for us to lift up:

- Pray that the children will not get sick from water borne diseases.

- Pray that there will be enough food.

- Pray that the weather will improve.

- Pray that families will keep up their attitudes and have hope.

- Pray for the staff that were affected by the typhoon.

Food Crisis Escalates

Our field staff in Kenya have alerted us to a problem that is also being reported by many news sources. There is a food crisis in Kenya that is affecting 3.8 million people and part of the reason for this is the drought that this country is experiencing. This drought has been blamed for a number of elephants dying because the rivers are drying up. Some of the other reasons for this food crisis are the high prices of food that Kenyans can no longer afford, the lingering effects of the election violence that cut production of crops in the fields of Kenya. Though most people are feeling the affects of the food crisis are those living in the slums, and the farmers living in arid and semi-arid lands.

In January 2009, FH was awarded a $15 million, 3 year grant from USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to respond to the growing food crisus in Kenya. FH will lead a consortium of four other partners including World Vision, CARE, Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger. The program will have two primary phases: an immediate, short term action to mitigate the effects of the food crisis and longer term, sustainable activities that both strengthen and diversify livelihoods through viavle economic opportunities. More than 660,000 people will benefit from this program.

Benefiting more than 660,000 individuals, the program activities include:

• Construction of livestock water points and community irrigation.
• Cash for Work to provide a source of income and build the local economy.
• Seeds distribution to restore and strengthen crop production.
• Introduction and distribution of high-yielding, improved breed of goats to upgrade the local breeds for increased production.
• Training and equipping of community-based animal health workers and agro-vets.
• Repair and construction of livestock markets.
• Credit and capital access for livestock traders.
• Business development training for farmers and traders.

If you would like to partner with Food for the Hungry in responding to this crisis click here.

Lives Transformed

There are so many success stories that come from our field offices. Children and their families who participate in Food for the Hungry programs and their lives are changed. I love to read these stories. There is nothing like reading about transformation. As sponsors here in the US we don’t get to see the incredible things that go on in the field and in these people’s lives. Hopefully sharing some of these stories on this blog will help us as sponsors get a brief glimpse of how God is working around the world.

Sabina Yasmin lives with her family in the village of Bilboka, in Kanthal union, Trishal, Bangladesh. Her father Tafajul Hossain is a farmer and her mother Ratna Begum is a housewife. She has one brother and two sisters. Sabina is the youngest.

From a young age, Sabina’s parents had been anxious about their daughter. As the youngest of four children, Sabina could be a handful. Her attitude toward her siblings and schoolmates ranged from indifference to rudeness and hostility. In her primary school she was a poor student and was known for her anger and inability to make friends. Sabina’s own mother was lead to believe that Sabina “would like to live her life alone.”

But Sabina’s life began to change when her family came into contact with FH. With regular visits and encouragement from FH staff, Sabina took a new interest in school and opportunities to make friends. Her studies improved and Sabina eventually gained her admittance to high school (grade 6). In her free time Sabina played chess with friends and became active in her school’s library club. The club, named Srijoni, was started at the local school with the support of FH so students could collect and share books. Through the club,  Sabina also had new opportunities to sing and dance in cultural performances.

Yet it was through an FH adolescent class that Sabina really flourished. Every week Sabina met with other adolescents from her community to learn about Biblical values and good character, about health and legal rights, and about the particular physical and emotional challenges of being a teenager.

Sabina was inspired by what she learned in her adolescent class, especially about serving others. Now she is always looking for ways to serve and help others. She takes time to tutor and help other students with their schoolwork. She has a heart for the poor and donates clothes when she can, sometimes even going door-to-door collecting rice for the poor and physically disabled in her community. FH staff, Nirmol Halder, says “now Sabina does not only think about herself. She always thinks about the well-being of the community.”

Through her adolescent class, Sabina is also developing her artistic and creative talents. She takes part in FH cultural performances and Christmas celebrations where she sings songs. She has earned certificates in dance, and is known in the community as a talented artist.

Sabina’s mother is active in the local FH Mother’s Club. Both Sabina and her mother are now advocates in their village for women’s education and for the prevention of child marriage. They take a stand when they see old friends and neighbors about the arrange an early marriage for a girl. When they were barely 16 years old, Sabina’s own friend Aktara was about to be married, but Sabina spoke up and helped to stop it.

Sabina’s father says “FH has enabled this change in my daughter.” Sabina is now 17 years old and studies in grade 12. She prays regularly and is always seeking ways to serve others. No longer shy or sullen, Sabrina has become a role model and young leader in her community.

Story written by Chelsea Hurlburt

Giving the gift of Hope

Food for the Hungry has international internships through out the year. These college students get hands on experience in the field and work side by side with our field staff. The following report was sent to us by one of our interns. She shares of her experience out in the field while distributing packs of educational supplies in Bangladesh.

My name is Holly Leonard and I am currently an intern with FH Bangladesh.  I had the opportunity to attend the distribution of the Hope Kits at Wari School in Dhaka.  I explained to the teachers and staff beforehand about where the Hope Kits came from and who made them.  I showed some video of the kits being prepared.  We went class to class, presenting each child with their kit as they were called up front by name.  The teachers explained to them where they came from and that they were given by people who love and care about them.  Their faces were glowing with smiles as they each received their kit.  It was clear, as each child carefully examined the contents, that each and every item in the kit would be treasured.  The building the school is in is not completed.  Because of this, several of the classes are being held in temporary classrooms.  They are equipped with desks and a chalkboard, but not much else.  The bright colors of the crayons and notebooks from the Hope Kits stood out in contrast to the rest of the surroundings.  I asked some of the teachers what it meant to receive these gifts and most of them said, “The children are so happy and excited”, and you could see it on their faces.  Several of the classes wanted to express their thanks by performing a song for me.  Songs are a common way of honoring guests and showing thanks in Bangladesh.  In some of the classes, individual students stood up to sing on their own!  The language barrier made it difficult to talk with the students, but their thankfulness was made clear through their faces and songs.

After the kits were dispersed to the students, the teachers took me on a tour of the community.  The school is in a slum community in Dhaka.  The students come from very poor families.  They are living in crowded, often one room homes.  After touring the area, it was clear that these children are existing in poor living conditions with few opportunities.  Without the FH school there, it is likely many of the children would never have received an education.  Their education provides them with incredible opportunities for their future.  It is extremely valuable and is transforming not only their lives, but their families as well.  For the children to receive a gift like the Hope Kits gives them what the name says, hope.  It encourages them keep studying and doing well in school and it also makes school work more fun!

Realizing potential

The Dominican Republic is a Latin American country that occupies the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The other one-third of this island is the Republic of Haiti.

The Dominican Republic is the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas and became the first point of colonization in the Western Hemisphere by explorers from Europe. Christopher Columbus landed on the Dominican Republic in 1492.  Present-day Dominican Republic has the first cathedral, university, road and fortress of the Americas and Santo Domingo was the first city founded there. Santo Domingo was also the first capital in the Americas.

Between the time when explorers landed on the Dominican Republic and 1978 when the DR became a democracy, they have been under the rule of Spain, France and even the United States for a brief time. Because of the number of countries that have ruled this land as well as the fact that many of these European Colonials owned black slaves, there is a great diversity of ethnicity among Dominicans.

FH started serving the Dominican Republic in September of 1979 providing relief assistance to victims of hurricane David and tropical storm Frederico. From 1979 to 1986 FHDR kept serving the initial communities through rehabilitation and development work. In 1986 FHDR expanded to the border with Haiti (Elias Pina) and to Monte Plata province. FH now serves over 30 communities in four different regions: Monte Plata, Elias Pina, Constanza and Santo Domingo.

In the Dominican Republic, the main programs that FH runs are Child Development Program, Water and Sanitation Program and Church Development Program.

The Child Development Program in the DR looks to advance the mission of Food for the Hungry by walking with children, parents, churches and leaders to help children grow as God intends (spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially).

The main problems in the communities right now is that there is a low level of attendance at school and those who do attend have poor performance. There is also a lack of physical protection for the children at home. Children are not motivated to attend school and work for good grades and their parents are not much of an encouragement in this area. As well, many of their homes lack latrines, potable water or even stable walls which makes sanitation and hygiene difficult and disease all too common.

The overall goals of CDP are: 1) Children will be developing as God intends. 2) Parents, leaders and churches will be meeting the needs of their children.

FHDR desires to see long term impact in the communities. They desire to see:

1) Children and youth have increased their knowledge of God and maximized the opportunity to advance in their schooling.

2) Parents will have increased their investment in the education of their children, and will have improved the physical conditions and services of their homes in order to better protect their children.

3) The local church will have evangelized and discipled children and youth with materials and methods suited for them.

4) Leaders will have improved the community services and infrastructure by mobilizing internal and external resources.

The Child Development Program is the backbone of the work that Food for the Hungry is doing in the Dominican Republic. This program builds the platform to integrate all other programs. There is a great desire to see growth in CDP in the DR over the next few years.

Hope and Restoration

Uganda has had a tumultuous history to say the least. Most people over the age of 20 will recognize the name Idi Amin and whether or not they know exactly what he did, most will know that he was a cruel and corrupt man. Idi Amin led a coup against the Ugandan government and began a time in Uganda that was full of terror for everyone. It is reported that somewhere between 100,000 and 500,000 people were murdered in just the seven years that Idi Amin was in power. I find it sad that there is such broad range in that number. How horrible that it is not known exactly how many people died.

For obvious reasons it has taken Uganda many decades to recover from the senseless massacre and become a stable country again. The shocking part is that the violence did not end there. In the years that followed this horrible violence other resistance armies rose up and began fighting each other and the official government army. Most of the fighting happened in Northern Uganda and the people that lived there became caught right in the middle of the violence. Children were kidnapped and forced to do unspeakable things. I wish that the story ended with the demise of the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army), the rogue army that has been known for the past few decades of horrific violence. But the LRA still exists today, it is just simply hiding out in Sudan instead of Northern Uganda and is raiding villages in Southern Sudan and Northern Congo.

FH started working in Uganda in 1988, in the midst of the chaos of the violence that has torn apart this nation, as a branch of FHI/Kenya. At that time Uganda was just beginning to address the infrastructural and social damage wrought by the past decades of civil and liberation wars as well as the AIDS pandemic. Both AIDs and the violence left high numbers of widows and orphans in their wake. Initially FHI/U helped communities recover by providing relief commodities. Consequently it helped strengthen household food security and helping families begin farming their land once again.

Once FH/Uganda became involved with the resettlement scheme in Lake Mburo it was evident that many of the children were orphans whose parents died during the war. These children were living with family members or friends causing additional financial strain on the community. With the help of FH Child Development Program the children were registered and attended school, received medical care and the gifts that accompanied the program.

Today, the Child Development/Child Sponsorship program has provided its services in many districts. Currently, FH- Uganda CDP works in 12 CDP centers located in 4 different districts. The children in these communities are attending school, learning about Jesus and being given the hope of a better future. They are greatly encouraged by the letters and pictures they receive from their sponsors.

FH has also responded to the situation in Uganda by opening the New Life Center in Northern Uganda. You can read about the work that FH is doing with female victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the LRA here.

Though Uganda is a nation that has been plagued with so much pain and suffering there is an incredible amount of hope and desire for restoration in this broken place. There are churches worshipping every Sunday and the Word of God is being taught all over this country. The people of Uganda are resilient and look towards the future with hope.

Combating accepted traditions

Food for the Hungry began working in Peru in 1982. FH has worked in a number of regions since that time, but many of them the staff have had to pull out of due to seasons when there is an increase in acts of terrorism that make it unsafe for our programs to continue. Now, Peru works in the regions of Lima, Pucallpa and Chincha bringing programs such as Child Development, Health and Sanitation, Leadership Training, Church Development and Family Action Program which addresses family violence. FH Peru is also beginning a Disaster and Emergency Response Program to train their communities and to create a network of churches and NGO’s in Peru to respond in cases of disaster. FH Peru is currently attempting to increase their Scholarship Program to provide funds for vocational training to ex-sponsored children. Within the next year, FH plans to being training churches in the poorest areas of the Peruvian Highlands to reach out and serve their communities holistically.

FH/Peru’s main focus is the Child Development Program whose goal is to see that churches are increasingly reaching out to their children, leaders are increasingly solving problems that affect their children, and parents are meeting the needs of their children and children are serving their families and one another. There are a number of programs that complement and reinforce the goals of the CDP.

The Health and Nutrition Program promotes healthy practices and disease prevention by not only sharing technical knowledge and practical solutions, but also by educating against the negative beliefs and values that affect people’s perspectives about health. This is done by organizing and training local volunteer health promoters who can then teach what they’ve learned to the other families in their community. Health fairs, home visits, and collaboration with other health care organizations help spread the messages of better nutrition, improving and caring for the environment and the importance of clean water.

In Peru, more than 4 out of every 10 women are victims of family violence. Violence is viewed as a normal part of family life. In general, the violence is both physical and verbal and does not only affect the women, but their children  as well. The Family Action Program seeks to end violence through educational workshops, counseling, the forming of local support groups, and training local volunteers to promote the end of violence in their communities.

A big reason that domestic violence continues on in so many of these communities is because it has been accepted for so long. There is little respect for the women and the combination of that and the abuse of alcohol leads to many women being abused and battered their entire lives. Children grow up watching this abuse and do not see it as wrong. The FH staff work hard to combat this acceptance by doing home visits and intervening if there is a family that needs help. But because this is a long standing tradition it will take many generations before it is no longer accepted. Educating the children against abuse is key, so that maybe one day the families of Peru will not be known for domestic abuse, but instead a love and respect for each other.