Advent/Christmas

It seems correct to say that the town of Bethlehem was totally unprepared for the coming of the messiah. Fortunately, there were shepherds nearby who were quick to get “the message”, and they hastened to town to greet the young king.
Far too many in our society, who have been blinded by political correctness, seem bent on ensuring that there is still no room in the inn.
If we, who claim that we know better, fail to stand for what we believe, we will most assuredly fall for “anything”.
Let us do whatever we can, in whatever way possible, to send a positive message; if is even by just responding suitably to these correct "holiday" wishes.
Jesus is the reason for the Season!

Water

Water

What’s the big deal?
Our planet is virtually covered with the stuff!
BUT – late in the eighteenth century, English poet,
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was moved to lament:

Water, water, everywhere
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere
Nor any drop to drink. (The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner)

A 2006 UN Report opines that there is enough water for everyone, but access to it is hampered by mismanagement and corruption.
Clean, safe potable water is only taken for granted in the developed world. Indeed, I do wonder why it should be, when bottled water, depending where/how you buy it, can be more expensive than gasoline.
In the poor countries of the Caribbean and Latin America, in most cases just over an hour’s flight from Florida, safe water is a scarce commodity.
Water carrying falls to women and children and invariably, this leaves them little or no time for anything else – schooling? No wonder that there is a distinct correlation between water availability and per capita GDP.

Come with us and see what we are trying to do to alleviate this problem.

Back to School

How was summer?
For those of living in the south, the answer that leaps forward is: “Hot enough!”
I do hope that I am not talking too soon but we already at the end of August and for us here in Florida, we are yet to have our first hurricane watch/warning. May His name be praised!
Can I be bold enough to suggest that with the children and grandchildren back in school, and with what seems to be the continuation of a milder hurricane season, that more of my brothers will give serious consideration towards taking a ‘spiritual walk’ on a Food For The Poor mission trip.
October and December to Haiti are still open and so is October/November to Jamaica.
Let’s pack our bags for a life-changing experience!

Lent/Easter/Ordinary Time

Time flies when you are having fun!
Hey brothers! As we say in the islands; “Long time no see!” Of course in this context, it would be: “Long time no read!”
It has been a busy season and I have much to do to catch up.
First I want to especially thank six of my brothers who have recently signed up for mission trips. We like to refer to the mission trip as - “a spiritual walk”. I love this quote from our Mission Invitation to Deacons: “these trips become spiritual journeys that lead to a deeper understanding of how God’s grace is revealed in today’s world. As you walk in Christ’s footsteps among the poor, you recognize Him in the faces of the hungry and destitute. You become a ‘living bridge’ to educate First World Christians about the harsh realities of life in the Third World”.
Come in! The water is fine!

Lenten Observances

So far this week, our readings have focused our thoughts on prayer and after Friday, the Christian Day of Atonement, Saturday calls us to perfection.
“In a word, you must be made perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt. 5: 48)
The first week of Lent really sets the tone for us to attain “that closer walk”, enabled by honest self-examination.
We are also reminded that the three legs of the Lenten stool are: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Almsgiving is not merely the sharing of money. Good Christian stewardship calls for the sharing of time, talent and treasure.
Do we have room for further sacrifice/sharing?

Pastors for Haiti, 2009

Strange title?
Let me explain.
Our President (no, not that one) Robin Mahfood, is asking that all of our deacon contacts who have gone on a mission trip with us, invite your pastor to go to Haiti with us during 2009. Some of you may have already been mailed directly.
The dates so far scheduled are: May 11-15; July 13-17; Oct. 12-16; and Dec.7-11.
There are no strings attached.
We just want to acquaint pastors with the work that we are doing and what conditions are really like in a place such as Haiti.
We are asking that you use your best endeavors to convince the pastors of the efficacy of what, for them, will be a life changing experience.
The economic hardships being faced for 2009 will certainly be far more challenging for the poor of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Again, we are relying on your help.

It’s A New Year

Well Happy New Year everyone.
Resolutions all made and some perhaps, already broken? C’est la vie!
This year, here at Food for the Poor, it is our prayer that we will celebrate 27 years of ministry.
During 2008, we added another territory to our list, Mexico, and so we now seek to meet the needs wrought by destitution, in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America.
We continue to seek all the assistance that we can get to attend to the needs of His poorest of the poor.May all that is good attend your efforts during 2009.