It is so easy in these difficult economic times to forget that there are those much worse off than we are. When food prices rise and wages don’t, when jobs are lost but there are still mortgages to pay; when we still have car payments and credit card bills and children to feed and clothe and educate, our world can shrink as we fight to keep our financial heads above water.
But there is a scripture verse that we have lived on for many years here at Ancient Path. It’s from the book of Proverbs chapter 28 verse 27: (New International Version)
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing…
It is a principle that holds true in any economic climate, in any nation, crossing all cultural, class and financial boundaries.
During these times, we find the Chifundo Basket funds dwindling away to nothing as faithful, generous people struggle to meet their own family’s needs. These Chifundo funds are used exclusively for the feeding and care of the most desperate children in our African programs – 100% of every dollar given goes directly to the children for their survival. Without these funds, less hungry children will eat. It doesn’t only mean they will eat less – a serious issue in already severely malnourished bodies. For some it may mean they will barely eat at all.
Pastor Moses Mtambo, our Chifundo director in Kalieka township, Malawi recently wrote to tell us that more and more children are coming to his door because the Chifundo program is the only orphan feeding program in this township. A teacher in the Kalieka primary school has told me that orphans faint at the very door of the school some days because they have gone hungry for so long.
In these tough times, may God help us remember that there are those in the world going to bed with empty bellies every night. But if all of us give something, we can feed more than we can begin to imagine.
It’s quite simple – find an old jar (or contact us for a free Chifundo jar, covered in colorful African fabric with a picture of child tied to the cloth). At the end of each day, toss your loose change into that jar, and as it fills perhaps toss in a few dollars here and there, by faith. When your jar is full, write a check for the amount to Ancient Path, Chifundo’s Basket and send it to us. Every penny will go to buy food, medicines, clothing, and blankets for desperate children. Talk to your friends and co-workers. Ask if you can place a jar on your desk at work or in your schoolroom and become a voice for hungry children who have no voice- and little help.
Give generously and you will find God to be more than true to his promises. Those who give to the poor will truly lack nothing – but will gain the joy of knowing that at least one child will not go to bed hungry tonight.
