Jesus once said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Gethsemane youth has had the opportunity to experience the full blessing of these words more than once through partnership with FMSC.
Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and FMSC ships the meals to nearly 70 countries around the world.
Volunteering two hours of time at FMSC is, to a certain degree, a life-changing experience. The information, statistics, and photos that are discussed expose how much pain and suffering is happening around the world. It shows us how thankful we should be to God for His love and mercy.
Throughout the course of packing, the building is filled with a very positive vibe from people who realize that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Volunteers work in groups – every person has a station for which he or she is responsible. The stations include the four main ingredients: chicken, veggies, soy, rice; bagging; weighing; and packaging. Smiling faces abound and the energy level soars!
It is always great to experience Jesus’ words on a practical level. The Bible has many verses that talk about helping those in need.
1 John 3:17-19
But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won’t help him–how can God’s love be within him?
Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.
Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.
Prov. 19:17
When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord–and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!
Prov. 14:31
Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.
Prov. 28:27
If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty.
Luke 6:49
For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give–large or small–will be used to measure what is given back to you.”