Every day, more than 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes.
Every 3 seconds, someone, somewhere, dies of hunger.
One-third of the world’s population is starving.
More than 10 million people will die of starvation this year and more than half of this number will be children.
“The LORD blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
Youthfront is excited to launch a new initiative called Feed the Hunger. The Feed the Hunger initiative will provide nutritious food for people (primarily children) who are suffering starvation. Feed the Hunger will also engage young people in Christian Formation that embraces the importance of faith embodied through action on behalf of the marginalized, vulnerable and oppressed.
There are two types of hunger Youthfront is addressing:
• First - the hunger for food. This is a basic human need that when not met will lead to starvation and ultimately death. This is a tragedy.
• Second - the hunger for God and being in relationship with Jesus. Satisfying this hunger is essential for spiritual health. This appetite should grow as we pursue God but it will never be fully satisfied until we see Jesus Christ face to face.
“If a brother or sister lacks food and one of you says, ‘go in peace,’ and yet do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? Faith if it has no works is dead.” James 2:15-17.
Youthfront is partnering with Outreach, Inc. in this collaborative initiative. The mission of Outreach, Inc. is “to provide safe water, food, medical care and education to children in need, focusing on developing countries to make a life-changing impact for current and future generations.”
“It was important for Youthfront to find a partner for this project that engages in a comprehensive and sustainable approach with those whom they serve. We are not interested in providing a ‘token’ meal. The quality nutritious meal consists of a mixture of rice, soy, vegetables, and a full daily supplement of vitamins. Outreach, Inc. is an organization doing an amazing job of feeding hungry people (predominately children) around the world.” Mike King, Youthfront President.
The Feed the Hunger initiative will provide a way for youth to become aware of the problem of world hunger and get involved in doing something about it. Special attention will be made to helping young people understand the importance of proclaiming the Gospel along with embodying the Gospel, not only “over there” but also where they live, here and now. Churches and youth groups throughout the Midwest will be participating in raising money for the meals. We will also actually package the meals for distribution to those in need. The cost of this initiative is approximately $.40 cents per/meal.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth…” 1 John 3:17-18.
Feed the Hunger facts:
o Feed the Hunger was launched at Youthfront Camps - June 2009.
o Feed the Hunger is a project for the church in Kansas City, the bread-basket of the world, to embrace as a blessing to those who are hungry.
o Outreach, Inc. provides food supplies, packaging materials, shipping and distribution while Youthfront provides fund raising, labor, storage, education, facilitation of the packaging process, the training and discipleship of young people involved with Feed the Hunger.
o Most of the meals are being delivered to the established mission of Outreach, Inc. in Central Africa while a portion of meals will be sent to Youthfront’s mission in Croc, Mexico, and other places of desperate need.
o The quality nutritious meal consists of a mixture of rice, soy, vegetables, and a full daily supplement of vitamins.
o The cost of the Feed the Hunger initiative is approximately $.40 cents per/meal. Only .40 cents per meal covers the up-front costs of purchasing the raw food ingredients for the meals, packaging materials, transportation, shipping and distribution of meals to those in need. This price also covers the cost of mobilizing individuals, organizations and churches to provide education, spiritual formation, food and a plan to provide hope to people who routinely go without food.
o Feed the Hunger also addresses the Christian Formation of those involved in order to shape young people in what it means to faithfully live and serve in the way of Jesus Christ.
o You can participate through your financial contributions and by organizing groups to prepare and package meals.
the spirit is connective and moves and weaves within many lives in many ways... amazing mike... i am teaching a camp this week whose mission partnership is with kids against hunger and ever morning we are filling bags upon bags with food... it is incredible to watch middle school students passionately give money and effort into feeding... blessings to you friend...
Posted by: zacworkun | June 23, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Peace to you Zac
Posted by: Mike | June 23, 2009 at 01:23 PM