Addressing Hunger

Recently, I have been researching and studying the link between poverty and other factors in a person’s daily living, such as literacy and food insecurity.  We are always prayerfully considering what is the most effective way to address these issues through the ministry center, and as we approach a month of emphasis on World Hunger, it seems appropriate to share my thoughts with you.

            Food insecurity is that element of daily existence that evokes worry about the source of one’s next meal.  According to “Feeding America”, the organization under whose umbrella our Montgomery Area Food Bank exists, 49 million people in the United States experience food insecurity on a daily basis, and 15 million of those people are children.  These numbers reflect a 20% increase since the year 2000. [1]

            The church has sought to reach out to those in need through various ministries, including food pantries, but government has also attempted to address the hunger issue.  In the 1960’s, President Lyndon Johnson proposed “The Great Society”, a program to eradicate poverty.  This was meant to be a boost, or a temporary program to assist those needing to emerge out of impoverished lifestyles.  By the 1990’s, a level of dependency on these governmental programs had become apparent, and President Bill Clinton and in Alabama, Governor Fob James introduced Welfare Reform.  Again, this was not intended to be long term.  However, today, poverty levels are on the increase and food insecurity, as stated earlier, worse than ever.[2]   And food pantries like Forest Park Ministry Center are continually seeking donations to keep the shelves stocked.

            At Forest Park Ministry Center, we see several circumstances that feed this trend.  Yes, there are those who have learned a life of dependency.  We see guests who are living in the 4^th and 5^th generation of poverty.  Their lack of resources goes far beyond the financial means needed for food.  There is a lack of emotional resources that encourage us to persevere and pull ourselves out of tight circumstances.  At the center, we encourage guests to consider alternative ideas like the purchase of meats on sale, small gardens, food box orders like One Harvest Ministries, or using other protein source foods instead of meat, in addition to visiting the food pantry. 

            Another trend is not just unemployment – but underemployment.  More often, employers are cutting workers’ hours in order to save money and to keep their businesses afloat.  Employees are hesitant to quit such jobs because unemployment is still so rampant.  Now we have guests who have to make choices between medicine and food, or rent and food.  EBT (food stamps) do not always adequately provide an entire month’s food, and never cover other household needs such as hygiene and cleaning purchases.  I cannot adequately describe to you the sorrow and fear in a mother’s eyes when she visits the center for food assistance, stating that she just cannot bear to face her children when they arrive home after school hungry, but there is no food in the house for them.

            This summer, the food pantry at Forest Park Ministry Center became woefully scant, yet each month as the year progressed, more and more families visited the center in search of food.  Several guests commented that this food pantry was the only place where they were able to receive fresh produce and frozen meats.  This has been a blessing to provide, helped by the gardens of donors, a local church, and a garden on the ministry center property, supplementing the produce obtained at the food bank.  We continue to need all kinds of food donated!

            Often, donors ask about the food that we obtain from the Montgomery Area Food Bank.  There is a maintenance fee of $.18 per pound assessed on most of the food procured there.  This is a phenomenally good “buy”, and many may wonder why we depend on church donations in addition to the food bank.  The answer is threefold: 1. )  The variety of food available through the food bank is wholly dependent on the donations made to them.  For example, there might be shelves and shelves of snack cakes, but no cans of green vegetables; 2.) Although the funds budgeted for the food bank cover some canned goods, much of the funds are used to obtain fresh and frozen foods; and 3.) There is a powerful blessing for the donor who gives time and energy to select food for those in need.

            So, if you are gardening this fall, consider donating excess produce to the center.  When you shop for groceries, consider purchasing some extra cans, some peanut butter, or some produce for the center.  When your church holds a food drive, give generously.  Together, we can meet the needs of the hungry in our community, and we pledge to continue to encourage and educate our guests, the grateful recipients of your generosity.

Blessings,

Donna

---

[1] ABC News

[2] “Circles” presentation, UMC, August 2013

Thank You, Mike Satterfield

        I have been thirsty.  Like I have been totally drained, and needing refreshment.  A hectic and wonderful summer of ministry, followed by a week of missions in the southern region of Mexico.  That week was spiritually high, seeing lives changed, people loved and cared for, seeing our old friends from the Forest Park neighborhood - and it was gut-wrenching to leave them, to see and hear the pain in the lives of those we met, to share in their sorrow as I had the opportunity to hear their stories and to rejoice with them when they saw renewed hope.
        Return home, and we don't skip a beat.  Ministry needs of center guests, health needs of family members, and on and on.  So, honestly, I was asking God for some infusion of vision, enthusiasm, energy.  Enter Mike Satterfield.
        This gifted teaching pastor and evangelist was the guest speaker tonight at Heritage's Seek God Revival.  And here's his word from THE WORD:
*Follow Completely
*Faith Completely
*Finish Completely
*Let God Do the Rest
        My thoughts go to the vision that has been laid on my heart for ministry through Forest Park Ministry Center.  Recently, I completed graduate studies and received licensure as a counselor in the State of Alabama.  As long and arduous as that process was, it is only the beginning of the vision, because while life changing ministry does involve adequate preparation and training, organizing, planning, seeking wise counsel, and waiting on God's timing for the growth of services and ministries is just as vital.  With each step that we take to grow the ministry, to reach more people, to instill compassionate dignity in the guests who we meet, I am reminded that what I learned tonight is exactly what I needed to hear and remember:
1. Follow completely in the direction that God is leading.
2. Faith completely that He will bring to fruition what He has laid on our hearts.
3. Finish completely, don't give up, because His timing is not necessarily my timing.
4. Let go and let God complete His work in His way.
         So, thank you, Mike Satterfield, for being God's instrument tonight by giving me a refreshed vision of His plan for His work in Montgomery, Alabama.  To God be the glory.
Joyfully serving,
Donna

What Is God Doing?

        Do you ever have that question?  I can remember times in my life - quite often, in fact, when I would make the statement to God, "I trust you, I know that you have the best in mind for me, but would you give me a peek?"  He shows me time and again that faith is about not peeking, but wholly leaning on His will and His understanding, not my own.
         During the spring, as we planned for summer outreach, the issue of who would be leading these activities loomed large.  Time after time, a candidate for summer missionary intern would appear only to realize that their schedule did not permit the commitment or another ministry opportunity was available for them, and although I can honestly say God helped me to not panic, I did begin to wonder whether the plans made for this summer were in fact what He wanted or not!
        Add to that the waiting, waiting, waiting, as graduate work was completed but the licensure exam had to be taken, and then I waited months more for the results of the certification exam.  God, what were You doing?  Showing me dependence on You, and how waiting produces perseverance and faithfulness.  As it turned out, not only did God allow passage of the exam, but the licensure procedure has gone more smoothly than I had anticipated.  Within a few weeks, you will see A.L.C., N.C.C. beside my name on ministry center business cards, meaning that the counseling services offered through  the center are by a state-licensed, nationally certified counselor.  To God be the glory!
        The population that we serve through Forest Park Ministry Center represents life issues compounded by years of scraping by through whatever survival means necessary.  These precious souls often have not had the opportunity to seek professional counseling, partly because of limited financial resources, but largely because of a "what's the use" mindset of hopelessness.  As we seek to build relationship and trust, would you covenant to pray with me that people in need of godly counseling will be open to it, and that long term life change will result?
        And back to the issue of summer missionary interns.......  well, look to the picture to the right.  God has provided in both Angelique and Clint just the right people.  Angelique is reaching young women both by talking and praying with them at the center and as she teaches everything from etiquette to cooking at different sites throughout the city.  Likewise, Clint is an effective leader who exudes passion for the lost, and it shows as he talks and prays with guests, and as he leads boys during Flag Football "Half-Time Devotions".   I thank God that He provided so bountifully with these two precious young adults who love Him so faithfully.
        Speaking of provisions, your faithful donations of food, clothing, and finances continue to be a blessing.  Right now, the food and clothing needs are tremendous, so keep them coming!!  You will see a brand new donation bin that has been constructed for after hours donations, thanks to Tommy McGough, Doyle Blackwell, and Forest Park trustees.  Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
        Hoping you enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July!
Blessings along the Way,
Donna