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From our President…SHARE THE HARVEST 

The end of October I was driving across the southern part of our conference and noticed an extremely large farm machine.  It was called a Gleener.  I was reminded of how gleaning was a common activity during Biblical times.  In fact farmers were to leave a small portion of their crops in the fields for those in need to glean.  Today gleaning is often left to those searching trash cans for food or children stealing from lunch boxes at school.  Why in a country rich by any standard, would people be forced to steal instead of starving?  The US spends more on pet toys and pet food than the yearly budgets of some third world countries.  60 billion dollars per year are spent on products to help people loose weight.   Where are our values?  

The theme for the  2012-2013 Kansas East Conference UMW will be SHARING THE HARVEST.  For many generations Kansas has been part of the breadbasket of the nation.  We are surrounded by farming communities and rich productive soil.  However, we are also surrounded by children and families who experience food deprivation on a daily basis.  How is your UMW unit addressing the hunger within your community?  We as a conference have a challenge before us.  In addition to raising funds to cover our pledge to missions we must find ways to serve the needs of the hungry within our home towns.

 

 Many churches have food pantries and soup kitchens along with backpack ministries for school children.  However, many churches depend on other community organizations to meet the needs of the hungry within their communities.  I ask you, what would Christ have us do?  Should we just hope that either the government or some other local group steps up to feed the hungry or should we make efforts to reach out and find those in need and  make sure they are fed.

 

During the great depression women across the country often dug deep within their pantries to feed the strangers passing through their towns.  My grandmother recalled leaving plates of food on the back steps so that people could have a meal as they walked along the highway near her house.  She found ways to help the hungry even when she had her own six children to feed.

 

Internationally UMW sponsors feeding stations for women, children and youth . Why not use the same system within our local communities.  Food without strings.  Often a young family is too embarrassed to ask for help when their pantry is bare.  Children go to school hungry and might not be eligible for free or reduced lunch due to the fact that last year their family made too much to qualify.  This year one parent is without work and the other parent’s pay has been drastically reduced.  Stories like this exist in every Kansas town. 

 UMW must find creative ways to share the harvest with all those in need.  Why not host a free meal once a month for your community?  Pancake  suppers are a great way to serve and also encourage fellowship within a community.  Open the doors of the church and welcome  everyone.  You might just welcome someone in need of an extra meal.  Why not plan those meals for the last week of the month when the funds and pantries are lowest. Advertise the free meal at local convenience stores, gas stations and even public schools. Maybe your UMW can start a tradition with the other churches in your town and the pancake supper can rotate between churches.  Do whatever it takes to make a dent in the hunger in your town. 

 

If your UMW unit has a special way to reach the hungry families in your community will you share it with our conference? Send your suggestions to me (mazlimo@kc.rr.com) and they will be published in the next issue of A Bridge or they will be posted on the conference website. ( kecumw.org ) Let’s find new ways to reach the hungry and SHARE THE HARVEST.    

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God bless you,

Charlotte Morrow