Recently I’ve come in contact with a non-profit that I have fallen in love with, Food for the Hungry. I was perusing their site and came across some staggering statistics.
Hunger kills Did you know every day 25,000 people die from hunger and hunger related causes? Of those, 18,000 are children. One person dies of hunger every 3.6 seconds. That is more than 17 people each minute; 1,042 each hour; which translates into 9,125,000 every single year! One in six people on the planet is hungry.
I know how easy it is to read that and to gloss it over. Or maybe you’ll pass over this entire post because it’s easier to turn away than to see the truth. But even when we see the numbers and see the images on tv we’re so immune that we don’t make the connection that the children we’re seeing may not be alive tomorrow. I see more posts on Facebook about saving animals than even comes close to saving human lives. So what can we do, as individuals, to help our fellow brothers and sisters from dying of starvation?
1. Pray
Pray for God to open your heart. To show you where you can sacrifice in order to be able to give and serve others.
2. Seek out a reputable non-profit
I hate to even have to put this but not everybody is honest about how they’re using your donations. Do your homework and go with the company you trust most. Four recommendations I have are Food for the Hungry, World Vision, Compassion and Convoy of Hope.
3. Fast
Take even one day away from food. My goodness, walk away from just one meal and realize how much we take for granted. I know food easily becomes an idol for me. So any time I feel my stomach growl my heart is drawn that much closer to those sweet children who have no pantry to walk into. No refrigerator to stand in front of. No grocery store to replenish at. God bless, some don’t even have water.
4. Do something – now
These sweet souls may not have much longer. If you feel that tug to donate then do it. Don’t hesitate. $10 is better than nothing. Do you have a desire to go overseas and help? Go out! Don’t wait for a sign from God, consider this your sign. Go! Leave a legacy worth something. Save a life.
I came across this photo on Flickr by phitar in 2006 and I pray, oh I pray, this sweet young boy is doing well. I think of his face often. And how many more little ones are there? I pray we will all step outside of ourselves and serve the poor, the needy, the helpless. Many prayers. So much eucharisteo.
Blessings!
