Christian Group Battles 'Perfect Storm'
As the world continues to steer an uneasy course with political, social, and economic instability wrecking havoc on the lives of millions, one Christian ministry is carrying out its commission to feed the hungry and clothe the poor in the face of what has been called the "perfect storm" of worldwide hunger.
"We've gotten reports from every country, every continent that we work in, that food prices have been higher than they've been in years, and they're pushing the poor to the very edge of their limits to be able to feed their children," said Food for the Hungry (FFH) representative Matt Panos, according to Mission Network News.
Panos explained that both increased demand for food among industries and harsh weather conditions that have wiped out crops have culminated in a vicious spiraling of food prices that have watered down the value of local currencies, forcing millions around the world into starvation as they are unable to afford food.
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What's worse, Panos added, was that the lack of food was already beginning to wipe out decades of education and development programs in many nations – damage, he emphasized, that could be irreparable.
"In Bangladesh, in Sudan, in Ethiopia, people are having to take their kids out of school to go wait in long lines to get rice. So their undoing a lot of the development work that's been done over the years," he said.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, however, Panos emphasized that Food for the Hungry would battle hard against the forces of world hunger, and that ultimately the Lord would be the greatest source of strength during these difficult times.
"Families will receive vouchers. They'll be able to go to a local marketplace and use the vouchers to buy food and food only. And then the people in the marketplace would be able to go to the Food for the Hungry offices and be reimbursed for cash. But that means we need cash from the American consumer public," he explained.
"Lack of food, our inability to grow in our fields all means that we need to depend on Him and look to Him for answers," he added.
Founded in 1971 and active in over 26 countries, Food for the Hungry is one of the largest Christian humanitarian organizations dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual hunger of populations worldwide.
