Fed
Posted on Mar 01, 2017 by
Have you ever opened your stocked pantry or refrigerator and became frustrated because there wasn’t anything good to eat? Have you ever sat down at the dinner table and felt disappointed because you didn't like the meal that was being served? I asked our 7th-12th grade youth these questions at last weekends hunger lock-in and they all said this was a pretty regular occurrence in their households. A few students shared that sometimes they tell their parents to go to the grocery store to get the food items that they prefer.
Many in our community struggle with food insecurity on a regular basis. They lack adequate resources to ensure proper nutrition each day. Families often have to make difficult decisions between the basic necessities often forcing them to go hungry as a result. Why in a country that produces enough food to feed everyone do we continue to see so many without enough to eat?
Our middle and high school youth spent last Friday and Saturday focused on the issue of food insecurity in our country and community. Participants began fasting at 7pm on Friday and didn't eat again until Saturday at 12:30p. We spent the bulk of our time engaged in hunger awareness activities, discussions, and a service project down at Metro Lutheran Ministries. The goal was to get out of our comfort zone and truly understand the issues related to food insecurity and how God calls us to respond.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
We enter the Lenten season and take time for self-examination and reflection as well as a renewed focus on our relationship with God. As you learn, gather, pray, and break bread during lent, please also take time to lift up those who are without food. You can also collect non-perishable food items for our pantry pack ministry that is providing vital nutrition for as many as 40 families each week.
How is God calling you to feed the hungry in our community?
Peace- John Holt
Director of Youth and Family Ministries