I would like to share information about a charity that is near and dear to my heart: Food for the Poor. We have been faithfully giving to this wonderful organization for a few years now. I can’t begin to describe how it has touched my heart and filled me with such a sense of urgency in assisting the poor and needy.

Food for the Poor is a ministry that was established in 1982 to assist the impoverished people in 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. This ministry strives to reflect God’s unconditional love with every person it serves. A Christian organization, it believes that our living Lord can best be served by assisting those in greatest need. In fact, the scripture that is at the core of the ministry is Matthew 25:31-46.

Despite the fact that Food for the Poor is the number one international relief and development charity in the United States, the wonderful people associated with it take the time to call their contributors and thank them personally as well as take the time to listen to prayer requests and pray with them. I’ve talked with a representative at least twice and each time it has been a heart-warming experience. I truly feel the love of Christ and the sincerity in these people. Prayer is an integral part of their ministry and they believe passionately that it is an indispensable part of it.

Food for the Poor operates by raising funds and providing direct relief assistance to the poor, usually purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through churches and other charitable organizations local to the areas being served. This amazing ministry feeds 2 million poor every day. The services provided include food, housing, health care, education, clean water projects and emergency relief.

More than 97% of all donations received go directly to programs that help the poor. And what’s wonderful is that Food for the Poor offers many ways you can contribute. You can just make a general donation or become a monthly donor. You can even specify what program whether it be food, education, housing or medical that you want your donation to go to. A personal favorite of mine is their Gift Catalog. This is a very personal way for you to involve your children in selecting “gifts” for those in needs. This can be a dozen chicks, a goat for a family, piglets, educational supplies and so much more. In addition, you can make a contribution in someone’s name.

If you are looking for a charity to contribute to, I ask you to prayerfully consider Food for the Poor. I believe this organization is one that truly seeks to build God’s Kingdom by humbly serving those most in need. You may find out more about them by visiting http://www.foodforthepoor.org.

Andrea Schumann
Assistant to Jay Peroni