I’ve had the worst ever writer’s block lately. No kidding. I have five blog articles in the works, but I can’t seem to complete any of them. Heck, I can’t seem to complete a sentence. It’s crazy! But I have information you need, so I made a deal with God. (I know that’s probably not a great idea, but I can’t think of anyone else who can deliver what I need, so He’s the one I made the deal with.) Here it is: I will fast and pray specifically about what He wants me to share, and then I will share it. (I suspect part of my problem is that I’m writing about things I don’t feel completely comfortable publishing, but I think He may want me to.) In return, I’ve asked Him to help me finish this article right here, right now—the first time through. It’s important.
The kids in Malawi are hungry. I mean, they always are and I can say that truthfully any day of the week. But I’m talking about our kids, the ones in the HUGS for Tomorrow program. We have a weekly Zoom meeting with our African teammates, where we talk about how everyone is doing and what they need from us. Then we post videos on DonorSee.com and photos and updates and requests on Instagram and Facebook and wait for you to respond. The truth is that those kids can’t wait, so we usually end up sending our own money to cover their needs. It’s still critical that you fund our projects because, if not, we’ll eventually run out of money—and sometimes do. I know! We’re not a typical nonprofit. It’s just what we have found works best to be sure the kids we love have their daily needs met and we can sleep at night. It’s a win win.
During our last Zoom meeting, Snoden told us that the price of food has gone up so high they can only afford to feed the kids one time each day. But with the help of our supporters, God has seen fit to develop this program from a few kids eating maize porridge one time per day to 125 kids eating all the major food groups twice per day, and I refuse to believe you’re okay with going backwards. I refuse to believe God is okay with going backwards. I asked the two people on our team who have small children if they would be alright with their own kids eating only one meal a day. The tears in their eyes assured me they would not. So, we are not going to take away their food. We are going to trust that you will read this and maybe skip a meal yourself to send us the money you would otherwise spend on lunch. It goes a lot further there. We’re not asking you to do anything we haven’t done, but we cannot do this alone. Please help us feed these kids.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already giving and we love you for it. Seriously, you are heroes to us and to these children. Please don’t let us make you feel guilty or like you need to do more than God has called you to do. I promise you we have days where we spend way too much on ourselves and don’t think about what’s going on in Malawi, Africa. We are no saints. But I am asking you to pray for the situation. Pray that God will see our collective efforts and bless those kiddos in spite of our shortcomings in caring for them. Pray that more people will start supporting this ministry, even if it’s just a little.
I have brochures explaining what we do and how people can get involved. Ask me for some. I am happy to send them your way, so you don’t feel like you have to know all the answers. (This is my way of saying, please tell people about us.) HUGS for Tomorrow is saving lives and souls, so I’m not shy asking for support. I believe with all my heart this is God’s work and that you will be tremendously blessed to be a part of it. Thank you and God bless you for your prayers and support!
(Well, that took about five minutes. I guess it’s time for me to uphold my end of the bargain. See you soon!) *hit send*
6 Responses
Samantha, WE know completely what you mean and the difficulty with trying to find words to explain what is happening in Malawi. For such a kind and peaceful people it is so sad to see them suffer as they do while the rest of the world moves along unaware. We have been working there for the past 30 years and it never gets easier. Keep up your efforts to help the people there. If you don’t falter, in time, others will begin to pick up on the realization of what is needed and join you. There are so many good people in the world. They just need to know the need is there and that there is a way to get help to the people that does not fall into the wrong hands and be wasted or stolen. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you so much for your encouragement! What part of Malawi do you work with? I feel like I’ve heard of your ministry, but I’m not sure where.
Great stuff. Maybe you just need a break from writing for a time to make room for something else?
Keep up the Kingdom work!
Interesting insight, as always. Thank you guys for your Kingdom hearts and for your undying support and encouragement. We love you!
Thank you for the information. I’d say you got past your writer’s block. This is one of those “Just the facts, ma’am” situations, and we need to hear it.
Would you mind sending me some brochures?
Ha ha! Maybe a little abrupt, but sometimes necessary. I will definitely send you some brochures. Thank you for helping get the word out.