Food For His “Little Ones”.
Tuesday’s (Aug. 12) Gospel has our Lord telling His disciples that the greatest in the heavenly reign is one who becomes like a little child and that the Father’s plan is that not one of these little ones shall ever come to grief. In the OT reading from Ezekiel, God makes him eat a scroll, which despite describing lamentation, wailing and woe, was nevertheless as sweet as honey in his mouth. The Psalm’s response is: “How sweet to my taste is your promise!”
There is a distinct link between His saving Word and food. (Think Eucharist).
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus takes time to patiently unravel the mysteries of salvation history. The disciples fail to recognize Him and do not do so until He breaks and blesses the bread.
The term “little ones” does not confine itself to children but in fact goes on to embrace all of God’s people, especially the poor and the deprived. Their hunger for physical food needs to be first satisfied in order for them to be able to assimilate spiritual food.
My brothers, we continue to appeal for your help for us to provide food, shelter, medical and educational supplies, potable water, and micro enterprise development/training for ‘”the little ones”.Do come aboard.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ways and Means/Miracle House
How can one help?
There are many ways (and means).
Recently, a friend was preparing for ordination.
He told his many friends that he did not want the usual presents at the function that was to be held in celebration of the event.
He solicited my help and asked that I send him a suitable publication, which he could use as an invitational flyer. I chose one which concentrated on what could be done to help needy children, which are to be found in abundance in the several countries where we serve.
The friends were encouraged to donate to a fund, which would be used to build a “Miracle House”, which would take a family, previously homeless, and have them placed in a safe, sound habitation.
The total cost for the house has not yet been realized however, suffice to say that the funding is well on the way. Very soon, the dream called “Miracle House” will become reality.
How can one help?
There are many ways (and means).
How can one help?
There are many ways (and means).
Recently, a friend was preparing for ordination.
He told his many friends that he did not want the usual presents at the function that was to be held in celebration of the event.
He solicited my help and asked that I send him a suitable publication, which he could use as an invitational flyer. I chose one which concentrated on what could be done to help needy children, which are to be found in abundance in the several countries where we serve.
The friends were encouraged to donate to a fund, which would be used to build a “Miracle House”, which would take a family, previously homeless, and have them placed in a safe, sound habitation.
The total cost for the house has not yet been realized however, suffice to say that the funding is well on the way. Very soon, the dream called “Miracle House” will become reality.
How can one help?
There are many ways (and means).
Monday, June 2, 2008
Quo Vadis?
I am not alluding to the nineteen fifties movie. It is a nice short way to ponder; ‘whither goest thou’. Where are we going?
As a fully functioning charity, we here at Food For The Poor are acutely aware that food staples are virtually being priced out of our reach over the past year. Flour, rice, beans and cooking oil (the standard staples for the poor) have all tripled or quadrupled in price. The cost to ship product to the countries which we serve, has sky-rocketed, thanks to oil prices which seem headed for some unknown stratosphere. Question: how will the poorest of the poor survive?
As if high costs and food shortages were not enough, all across the world, natural disaster is taking its toll: Myanmar, China, Central America, and vicious tornadoes in many areas of this country. Here in Florida, we gear up for a Hurricane Season, which started yesterday.
Were it not for the fact that we do know that we are totally dependent upon a merciful and awesome God, we would, in all likelihood, succumb to deep distress and despair. BUT:
“If God brings us to it – He will bring us through it!”
In the meantime, we are also minded that He will help us especially if we take the necessary steps to help ourselves.
I am fully aware that not all of my readers can physically partner with us in this ministry, BUT you can all partner with us in prayer.
We will pray to Him and He will show us the way.Quo vadis…….indeed!
I am not alluding to the nineteen fifties movie. It is a nice short way to ponder; ‘whither goest thou’. Where are we going?
As a fully functioning charity, we here at Food For The Poor are acutely aware that food staples are virtually being priced out of our reach over the past year. Flour, rice, beans and cooking oil (the standard staples for the poor) have all tripled or quadrupled in price. The cost to ship product to the countries which we serve, has sky-rocketed, thanks to oil prices which seem headed for some unknown stratosphere. Question: how will the poorest of the poor survive?
As if high costs and food shortages were not enough, all across the world, natural disaster is taking its toll: Myanmar, China, Central America, and vicious tornadoes in many areas of this country. Here in Florida, we gear up for a Hurricane Season, which started yesterday.
Were it not for the fact that we do know that we are totally dependent upon a merciful and awesome God, we would, in all likelihood, succumb to deep distress and despair. BUT:
“If God brings us to it – He will bring us through it!”
In the meantime, we are also minded that He will help us especially if we take the necessary steps to help ourselves.
I am fully aware that not all of my readers can physically partner with us in this ministry, BUT you can all partner with us in prayer.
We will pray to Him and He will show us the way.Quo vadis…….indeed!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Haiti
Haiti
My brothers,
Far be it from me to want to inflict a ‘guilt trip’, but I am constrained to tell you that conditions in Haiti could not be worse. I am sure that you have seen something of this in various news media.
Here at Food For The Poor, we have had to suspend our trips for first-time lay pilgrims to Haiti for the time being. You will have noticed that the U.S. Government has renewed its adverse travel advisory to U.S. citizens who may be in Haiti or who desire to travel to Haiti. Nonetheless, a contingent of our Speakers (priests/pastors and a deacon) accompanied by our Executive Director and the Director of the Speakers Bureau, will be going to Haiti next week and you may well imagine that security will be a major concern. It is our hope that their level of discernment for the plight of His poor will certainly be heightened and that their subsequent appeals to the churches in North America should take on renewed/heightened fervor.
Our CEO has sought to prioritize the raising of funds to cover the cost of shipping foodstuff to our neighbor to the south.It would be a blessing to hear that some of my brothers will want to be a part of our efforts to alleviate Third World multi-generational destitution.
My brothers,
Far be it from me to want to inflict a ‘guilt trip’, but I am constrained to tell you that conditions in Haiti could not be worse. I am sure that you have seen something of this in various news media.
Here at Food For The Poor, we have had to suspend our trips for first-time lay pilgrims to Haiti for the time being. You will have noticed that the U.S. Government has renewed its adverse travel advisory to U.S. citizens who may be in Haiti or who desire to travel to Haiti. Nonetheless, a contingent of our Speakers (priests/pastors and a deacon) accompanied by our Executive Director and the Director of the Speakers Bureau, will be going to Haiti next week and you may well imagine that security will be a major concern. It is our hope that their level of discernment for the plight of His poor will certainly be heightened and that their subsequent appeals to the churches in North America should take on renewed/heightened fervor.
Our CEO has sought to prioritize the raising of funds to cover the cost of shipping foodstuff to our neighbor to the south.It would be a blessing to hear that some of my brothers will want to be a part of our efforts to alleviate Third World multi-generational destitution.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Happy Easter
He is risen, indeed!
For us Christians, a Happy Easter follows a well-spent Lenten season.
In my last posting, I enjoined my brothers to take up something for Lent.
Life’s hectic schedule, in all likelihood precluded the optimum time for the required degree of introspection that should have been integral to our Lenten observance. The Easter season has arrived early this year. It seems like only a short few weeks ago that we were wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Perhaps it only seems that way to one of my advanced years, but…….c’est la vie!
Since time seems to be so fleeting these days, shall we indeed be making it (time, that is) to encounter Him by gazing into that prism wherein the pure white light of first world blessings separates into the distressing colors of third world poverty and destitution?
Our mandate to love one another has not been/will never be rescinded.
He is risen, indeed!
For us Christians, a Happy Easter follows a well-spent Lenten season.
In my last posting, I enjoined my brothers to take up something for Lent.
Life’s hectic schedule, in all likelihood precluded the optimum time for the required degree of introspection that should have been integral to our Lenten observance. The Easter season has arrived early this year. It seems like only a short few weeks ago that we were wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Perhaps it only seems that way to one of my advanced years, but…….c’est la vie!
Since time seems to be so fleeting these days, shall we indeed be making it (time, that is) to encounter Him by gazing into that prism wherein the pure white light of first world blessings separates into the distressing colors of third world poverty and destitution?
Our mandate to love one another has not been/will never be rescinded.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lenten Observance
Dear Brothers
What did you give up for Lent?
Is this not a popular question that we are sometimes called to answer?
I gave up nothing for Lent. I have not done this for some years.
In fact, what I have been trying to do, is to: ‘take up’ something for Lent.
Although, despite that we are almost halfway through the period, it may not be too late to make that adoption for Lent. As a time for introspection, we could very well find that a ‘spiritual journey’ may be just what we need. A journey where we encounter Him amongst His poor, may be just what ‘the doctor ordered’.
This ministry stands ready to assist your desire to fulfillment
Dear Brothers
What did you give up for Lent?
Is this not a popular question that we are sometimes called to answer?
I gave up nothing for Lent. I have not done this for some years.
In fact, what I have been trying to do, is to: ‘take up’ something for Lent.
Although, despite that we are almost halfway through the period, it may not be too late to make that adoption for Lent. As a time for introspection, we could very well find that a ‘spiritual journey’ may be just what we need. A journey where we encounter Him amongst His poor, may be just what ‘the doctor ordered’.
This ministry stands ready to assist your desire to fulfillment
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
2007 - A Very Good Year
2007 – A Very Good Year
Anyone old enough to remember that popular song by Frank Sinatra?
“It was a very good year!”
Our ministry is thankful to the Almighty that for us 2007 was a very good year.
Here are a few highlights:
4,338 containers shipped – approx. value - $960 million.
6,345 homes built
45 tilapia ponds established
200 water wells/pumps installed
20 cisterns built
10 water distribution systems established
7 fishing villages established (Haiti)
87 schools repaired/refurbished
686 schools supplied with furniture
263 various projects completed
3,585 children sponsored in various orphanages/homes
Medical supplies to various clinics (100,000 people affected)
Ratio (cost/income) 3.3%
It was a very good year……thanks to those of you who are already a part of us and for those yet to join us, we stand ready heartily welcome you!
Anyone old enough to remember that popular song by Frank Sinatra?
“It was a very good year!”
Our ministry is thankful to the Almighty that for us 2007 was a very good year.
Here are a few highlights:
4,338 containers shipped – approx. value - $960 million.
6,345 homes built
45 tilapia ponds established
200 water wells/pumps installed
20 cisterns built
10 water distribution systems established
7 fishing villages established (Haiti)
87 schools repaired/refurbished
686 schools supplied with furniture
263 various projects completed
3,585 children sponsored in various orphanages/homes
Medical supplies to various clinics (100,000 people affected)
Ratio (cost/income) 3.3%
It was a very good year……thanks to those of you who are already a part of us and for those yet to join us, we stand ready heartily welcome you!
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