CROP Hunger Walk is a success
Grace and peace in the name of Christ! I am pleased to report the success of the Bureau County CROP Hunger Walk that was held Oct. 14. I want to take this opportunity to thank the community and all the participants for supporting the CROP Walk. We had a challenging day with cold, rainy weather, but we had a wonderful group of walkers that were dedicated to the cause! We had 145 walkers and raised $15,596.23 to send to Church World Service! Twenty-five percent of the money comes back to our community to support local food pantries. This year, we supported Bureau County Food Pantry, Walnut Food Pantry, Western Bureau County Food Pantry and Wyanet Food Pantry. Each of these organizations will receive around $970 to help people who need food in our community. In a time of economic hardship and uncertainty, it is encouraging that a group of people can work together to help make our world a better place. What a powerful ministry!
Jesus says in Matthew 25:35-36, 40: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me ... Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Jesus challenges us to care for people in need as though we care for our dearest friend. Last holiday season, Americans spent approximately $471.5 billion. The United Nations projects it would take around $300 billion to end world hunger. Isn’t this statistic staggering? We have the resources to feed Christ in our neighbors. How much do you really need this Christmas? Look what a difference 145 people have made! Please consider this as you make purchases in the coming weeks.
It is such a joy to be part of a community that serves God and our neighbors in this way! Next year’s CROP Hunger Walk will likely be in October 2013. Please consider participating in it by walking or raising money, and if someone approaches you to donate, please consider generously.
Blessings to you this Thanksgiving, Christmas and into the New Year! To God be the glory!
Pastor Brenda Lovick, coordinator of the 2012 Bureau County CROP Walk
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manlius
