“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
By Lauri Brunner, Mission of Hope Haiti, Food Packing Event at KUMC
Last August I participated in an incredible food-packing assembly line for Mission of Hope Haiti. Stations with plastic tubs of rice, soy, vitamins & minerals, and dried vegetables were set up. Every ingredient was measured exactly, weighed, sealed, flattened, counted, placed in boxes, and loaded on a truck. Members from our church, including families and youth, gathered to make more than 55,000 meals for the people of Haiti.
Witnessing this monumental effort gave me pause. I have been blessed to have gone to Haiti twice. It was life-changing. The first time I saw a baby with a distended stomach, orange-tipped hair, and the vacant stare…I cried. Our team had children and adults come up to us begging for food. When we spoke with our Mission of Hope intern, we were told not to share our food because it could make them very ill. I felt overwhelmed. It was also a harsh reality to witness coming from a world of so much.
I’m reminded of God’s word in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” It’s not about me. It’s about my relationship with Christ and how His Glory can be revealed. Christ tells us to feed the hungry, both their physical and spiritual needs. Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). I need to do nothing more than open my heart, my mind, and my eyes. God will provide the “food”. All I have to do is be willing.
That August day of joy in the newly constructed KUMC Commons, we exceeded our goal of 55,000 meals. In November, when I returned to Haiti, we gave those meals to families. I witnessed the hope of Haitians. They are a beautiful people with beautiful smiles and a beauty that radiates from within. Christ is alive in Haiti and He is feeding them one meal at a time.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Over the last weeks, KUMC members have given testimonies of their mission experiences our church supports. As a family of believers, we are given an extraordinary opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Just as He walked and shared the Good News, we are able to do the same by donating our time and service, financial support, and continued prayer for the so many people who do this daily. Christ wants us to be bold. He will prepare the road ahead. All He asks of us is to trust and follow.
For me, the Lenten season is a time to renew my spirit, reflect on God’s promises and deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pray for:
- God’s presence would continue to grow and strengthen in Haiti
- The people of Haiti and the continued recovery from the earthquake for both their spiritual and physical needs
- The many missionaries and volunteers who give so much to the Haitians
Did you know:
- August 2016, KUMC assembled 56,900 meals
- KUMC used more than 160 volunteers working 2 shifts in teams of 12 persons
Contacts:
- Mission of Hope Haiti
- Donations accepted through the KUMC church office; Designate: Mission of Hope Haiti
- Cathy Parva, KUMC Missions Director
- KUMC Church Office: 281-358-2137
- email @ cathy.parva@kingwoodmethodist.org
See previous posts of the Mission’s Lenten Journey:
Week 1: Feed My Lambs
Week 2: Joy in the Harvest
Week 3: Society of St. Stephen
Week 4: UM ARMY
Week 5: Living Water International
Week 6: Helping Hands
Week 7: Aleluya Mission of Hope
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