WEEK ONE
The Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP)
works in five program areas
DIRECT FOOD ASSISTANCE
More than 460 million people in the world suffer from severe protein-energy malnutrition. While malnutrition and starvation affect more people in developing countries, hunger also stalks the poor in the United States. As Christians, we demonstrate our love for sisters and brothers by supporting programs which ensure that food is available to those in need, while also working on longer-term solutions.
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
Acknowledging that we have much to learn from our sisters and brothers, the PHP encourages and supports land ownership by the poor, appropriate agricultural technology, rural community development, cooperative economic development, effective soil conservation, water resource development, equitable food distribution, community organizing, and nutrition education.
EDUCATION & INTERPRETATION
Learning about hunger and our response to it begins with the Bible. The Old Testament abounds with stories, prophecies, and psalms about God's concern for justice for those who are oppressed and about God's desire that God's people will be instruments of that justice.
Likewise, the life and teachings of Jesus in the New Testament affirm his special love and ministry for the poor, the hungry, and the down-trodden. As his disciples, we are called to follow him in this love and ministry
The PHP provides resources for studying these scriptures, educates the church about hunger-related issues, and shares stories from programs supported by PHP grants. Through these efforts, it nurtures the connections between Presbyterians and God's people around the world.
PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY
The PHP recognizes that Presbyterians must stand for justice in those arenas where the voices of the poor are not heard. It supports organizations and coalitions which advocate for public policies that provide food for poor and hungry people and empower their self-development.
LIFESTYLE INTEGRETY
How we live our individual and family lives is a very personal matter, but it also has global implications. In this world where some go hungry because other consume too much, the PHP encourages families, church groups, and institutions to evaluate their own needs and develop new ways of being more caring and sharing of the world's resources in obedience to the Gospel.
Thought for the Day:
Throughout our sacred scripture we hear the call to "do justice" and to "feed the hungry." The following verses illustrate this theme and are what the Presbyterian Hunger Program is all about. Read and reflect on these verses as you make your mealtime Cents-Ability offering.
Sunday:��Leviticus 19: 9 - 11
.....leave a portion of your harvest to the poor.
Monday:�� 1 John 3: 17 - 18
..... love in deed, not just in action
Tuesday:� Isaiah: 58: 6 - 12
.... pour out yourself to the hungry.���������
Wednesday: James 2: 14 - 17
....having faith is not enough. You must prove your faith through your good works in helping others.
Thursday:�Matthew 25: 31- 46�����������
.... I was hungry and you gave me food.
Friday:��Amos 5: 24���������
.... Let  justice flow down like water.��������
Saturday:���� Psalms 146: 5 - 9
.....the Lord is just and feeds the hungry.
Getting Involved
To get involved or to find out more log onto the Presbyterian Hunger Program website at: www.pcusa.org/hunger
or
�contact Donegal Presbytery's Hunger Action Enabler
Rick Schmidt
tele: 717/252-2970 , cell phone: 717/880-6436
email: [email protected]
Order "Til the World is Fed"
15 minute video explaining more about the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
To receive your church's free copy
call the Presbyterian Marketplace at
800/524-2612
and ask for item PDS #74360-99-323
to go to the Cents-Ability Campaign Week Two click here
to return to the Donegal Presbytery Hunger Program homepage click here
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