Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Body of Christ

As the food availability in our area decreases and the desperation rises, Leslie stumbled upon this article this morning. Written by World Food Programme (a United Nations' organization that has been helping provide food in our area through a program that requires certain work projects to be done in return), this article discusses some of the continuing problems in our area. Posted this morning and titled Guatemala Pushed to Hunger Tipping Point, here are some of the highlights (the full story can be found at http://www.wfp.org/stories/guatemala-pushed-hunger-tipping-point).

"Sustained drought, soaring food prices and a sharp drop in money from relatives working abroad have left many thousands of Guatemalan families struggling to feed themselves...

...Guatemala's rising need has put enormous strain on WFP's food stocks in the country, which have fallen to their lowest level in years. No food distributions have taken place since the end of January 2010. The situation in the extended 'dry corridor' is getting worse.

In order to survive until the September harvest, the Ramos family and thousands of others like them are in dire need of additional assistance. "

Sadly, this is the situation for the people in our area as well. And because of the commitment required to continue distributing, at the height of the need we have now had to officially close the project to any more people being added as we struggle to maintain the people already in the program with the resources that we have.

It is in these times that we are reminded of the abundance that God has blessed us with as Americans... very few of us have ever wondered where our next meal is going to come from or had to watch our children slowly become more and more malnourished feeling helpless to do anything. Yet it is also in these times that the beauty of the worldwide body of Christ can be seen as those who have give to those who have none. We thank all of you who have given your support through prayers and resources.

Please continue to pray that we will have soft hearts and discernment for the people that continue to come to us in need.