January is Poverty Awareness Month

Poverty USA, an initiative of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, has put together its annual calendar to help us all observe Poverty Awareness month. While the calendar is designed primarily for Roman Catholics, the activities are applicable universally. Incidentally, the CCHD is one of full partners of JustFaith Ministries.

The calendar reminds us that more than 46 million Americans live in Poverty USA. "Americans families were having a difficult time making ends meet before the recession. With continuing unemployment and increasing costs of living, more and more families have to choose between necessities like health care, child care, and even food," said the CCHD. 

So, as we begin the new year, we can start with observing, praying and taking action against poverty in January and throughout the rest of the year. Below is the calendar in pdf format a sample for a few of the days listed in the calendar.
 
January 2014: Poverty Awareness Month
 (Link to Calendar in PDF format)

Beginning with New Year's Day.
As we begin Poverty Awareness Month, reflect on Pope Francis’ inaugural homily: “…amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others…”

January 2
46.5 million people in the U.S. are living in poverty. Ever wonder what poverty is like? 15% of people in the U.S. do not have to wonder. Take the Poverty USA Tour to find out more.

January 9
Continuing National Migration Week, read the Justice Prayer for Immigrants and reflect on the ways immigrant populations are abused. Click here for more information

January 10:
Is poverty getting worse? Who is poor? How much do you really know about poverty in the United States? Take the Poverty Quiz and visit PovertyUSA to find out more.

Christmas Blessings from Bread New Mexico

Look down and offer Him.
The dim adoring light of your belief.
Whose small Heart bleeds with infinite fire.

Shall not this Child
(When we shall hear the bells of His amazing voice)
Conquer the winter of our hateful century?
-Thomas Merton

Stay...Linger...Behold...Wonder.

"The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before ... What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. 

And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. 

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon." -Jan L. Richardson

Sheltered in Your Peace

Enveloped in Your Light, may I be a beacon to those in search of Light. Sheltered in Your Peace, may I offer shelter to those in need of peace. Embraced by Your Presence, so may I be present to others. 

-Rabbi Rami Shapiro

Las Bienaventuranzas

A huge door at Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Cuernavaca, Mexico, conveys an important message to the faithful, the words of Matthew 5:3-12. The word used in Spanish, bienaventurado, offers a more accurate meaning of the one important concept in the Beatitudes passage: fortunate (or one who  has recognized his or her good fortune).  Here are some notes from a Bible scholar. (Our thanks to Judy Coode for sharing this photo).

Photo: Judy Coode

Pope Francis on the Shortcomings of a Capitalist-oriented Economy

Great Video from the Mennonite Central Committee on Christmas Giving

This video is a subtle way by the Mennonite Central Committee to raise funds, but it also has a wonderful message about Christmas giving.

SNAP Cuts: A Perspective from Grant Count

By Michele Giese RN 

One or two times a month Norma and Bob volunteer side by side at the St. Francis Associates food pantry where they work to distribute food to hungry people living in Grant County. They are just a couple of the many volunteers who work at our local food pantries that collectively serve around 4,000 people each month. They don’t have much to give, however what they do hand out is a huge dose of love and compassion. According to Norma, the need for food is steadily increasing with families now stopping by from as far away as Bayard, Santa Clara, and Hurley. Many of these families have young children and it breaks her heart to witness this need for food. This may be just the beginning of hard times for local organizations who feed the poor as looming federal budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may create an even larger hunger deficit in our communities.

SNAP, previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is a government program designed to assist low income families to pay for food. The program is the safety net that thousands of Americans turn to in their darkest hour. Currently, proposed federal budget cuts to SNAP total $40 billion over the next ten years. In fact, a 5% cut was already made to SNAP last month when federal stimulus funding ran out. Those who will suffer the most from these cuts are our senior citizens, who make up approximately 50% of the population receiving food assistance in Grant County, and our young children, many of whom live in families that rely on SNAP to put food on the table.

Grant County food pantries, which distribute food to the needy, are already struggling to meet the rising demand for food. Budget cuts to SNAP will increase that need. According to New Mexico Voices for Children only 62% of New Mexico families with children that are eligible actually receive SNAP benefits. A recent study conducted by Feeding America, a hunger relief charity shows that New Mexico has the most hungry children of any state in the nation (30.6% of children are hungry). An alarming 2013 report by the AARP Foundation stated that in 2010 hunger costs America approximately $167 billion due to the combination of lost economic productivity, more expensive public education because of poor education outcomes, avoidable health care costs, and the costs of contributions to emergency food organizations.

Easy to Apply in New Mexico

Any New Mexico resident who meets the SNAP income requirements can sign up for the program, including low-income non-citizens and people living in shelters or certain group homes. The program provides participants with a small monthly stipend on a debit card that can only be used to buy food. To qualify, most households have to pass a gross income test, a net income test, or both. Most able-bodied adults must also work to qualify.

Many eligible families are unaware that New Mexico does not require an asset test to qualify for SNAP. In other words, New Mexicans cannot be denied benefits based on assets they own such as a car, a house, or money in a savings or a checking account. In addition, SNAP benefits should not be denied to eligible people who share a house with others, but do not prepare meals together, such as live-in attendants or certain boarders.

Here in Grant County applications for SNAP can be acquired at our local Income Support Division (ISD) office located at 1422 Hwy 180 East in Silver City, (575)- 538-2949. One can also obtain a copy of the Application for Assistance online at NewMexicoResources.org, or call the ISD office and have them send you a copy. Local organizations that assist with SNAP enrollment applications are Hidalgo Medical Services Family Support located at 1007 N Pope St. in Silver City, (575)-388-1511 and, the Silver City Gospel Mission located at 111 South Texas Street (575)-388-5071.

(The author is a member of the New Mexico Department of Health, Southwest Region Health Promotion Team. She  can be reached at michele.giese@state.nm.us or 538-8573 ext 121).

Reprinted with permission of the Silver City Daily Press, which originally published this piece.

Measuring Global Hunger

On Dec. 10, many of us joined Pope Francis in praying for an end to world hunger by 2025, and we also pledged to take action through the Human Family, Food for All campaign. Where do we begin? A first step is to put things into perspective. How do we define hunger? On Thanksgiving 2013, The Global Post published an eye-opening article that compared our average calorie intake in the U.S. with that of 15 poor countries, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa, although the list also included North Korea, the Palestinian territories, Haiti and East Timor.

"The average daily caloric intake of an American is now 3,700 calories," said The Global Post in an article entitled The Hungriest Places on Earth. "On Thanksgiving, that average jumps to 4,500. In contrast, people in 15 countries consumed less than half of that amount each day, if they are lucky, and much, much less if they are not."  (Incidentally, daily calorie intake in the U.S. increased from 3,605 in 2003.  Here is a global map for that year)

Tanzania (Global Hunger Post)

At the top of the list (or bottom) is Burundi, where the average calorie intake is 1,670 calories per day. Eritrea, Zambia, East Timor, and Haiti also recorded daily calorie intakes of less than 2,000 calories a day. The daily calorie intake in the Palestinian territories, Swaziland, Comoros, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and North Korea was below 2,250 calories.

 While Burundi had the smallest daily calorie intake, Comoros (an island off the southeast coast of Africa) experienced the widest calorie deficit at 655. This refers to daily number of calories that each undernourished person would need to eat to become nourished.

Cover Photo for 2013 Global Hunger Index

Global Hunger Index
Another measure is the Global Hunger Index (GHI) which uses a combination of metrics to rank at-risk countries from 1 to 78, with 78 being the most at-risk country. Burundi, Eritrea, Comoros and East Timor scored respective ratings of 78,  77, 76 and 75 on the GHI. Other countries were not far behind: Madagascar (70), Zambia (69), Haiti (67), Mozambique (64), Tanzania (62)and DRC (61).

"The GHI highlights successes and failures in hunger reduction and provides insights into the drivers of hunger, and food and nutrition insecurity," said the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), which compiled the data. By raising awareness and understanding of regional and country differences, the GHI, it is hoped, will trigger actions to reduce hunger."

"The 2013 Global Hunger Index (GHI), which reflects data from the period 2008–2012, shows that global hunger has improved since 1990, falling by one-third," added the IFPRI. "Despite the progress made, the level of hunger in the world remains 'serious,' with 870 million people going hungry, according to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations."   Here is a link to the full report.

Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes: A Meditation on the Magnificat

Photo: Rene Ronquillo

 (Based on Luke 1.47-55)

My soul magnifies you, O Lord…      
         Your praise is already alive deep within me.
and my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior…
         My heart reaches out to you, who reach out to me.
for you have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servant.
         You see not my status but my belovedness.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
         It is not arrogant but faithful to receive your blessing.
O Mighty One, you have done great things for me.
         May I always be attentive to your grace.
Holy is your name.
         May I keep you always at the center of my life.
From generation to generation you have shown mercy
to those who are in awe of you.
         I hold in my heart the loving things you have done for us.
You have shown strength with your arm.
         You have already disarmed the powers.
You have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
         I am no better than a thief, no less than a saint.
You have brought down the powerful from their thrones.
         The powers of this world are an illusion.
You have lifted up the lowly…
         Those who appear lowly are full of your power and glory.
     
You have filled the hungry with good things…
         You bless those whose blessings are unseen.
You have sent the rich away empty.
         I am prepared to lose as well as to gain for your sake.     
You have helped your servant Israel, in remembrance of your mercy…
         Beloved, your grace changes everything.
according to the promise you made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and Sarah and their descendants forever.
          I will be a part of your new Creation, this world of justice and mercy.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
from Unfolding Light blog

Community of Hope Needs Volunteers for 2014

Community of Hope is an outdoor worship service on the south lawn of Central United Methodist Church (201 University Ave NE) that takes place every Sunday at 1pm. This service centers on sharing a meal, worship, and building community among people street and housed. You can participate by helping to serve a meal, taking part in worship or being present.

In order to make this service happen, organizers need volunteers each week to serve alongside our street community. Volunteer groups can be as small as four people and as many as you can provide. You can help by signing your group up for a date. Click here

For more information contact, Pastor Greg Henneman, gregh@centraltolife.org

An Albuquerque Tribute to Nelson Mandela on Saturday, December 14

Special remarks by Pastor Lungile Sinandile, who attended memorial servives in South Africa this past week. Pastor Sinandile is Mandiba's Great Nephew by lineaage.  (Mandela is known as Mandiba, which means Great Leader).




Collaborating Partners:: Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque, South African Orion Duet Ministries, New Mexico Office of African-American Affairs, New Mexico Martin Luther Jr. Commission, New Mexico Southern Leadership Conference, New Mexico Churches of God in Christ Inc., New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee, New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, New Mexico Baptist Ministers Union, African Studies Dept. University of New Mexico, Albuquerque and Vicinity Ministerial Alliance, Albuquerque Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Albuquerque Sister Cities, and Albuquerque NAACP

Albuquerque Faith Communtiies Join Pope Francis in Offering Prayers for an End to World Hunger

Hanh Ngyuen, Mark Garza, Larry Bernard, Kathy Freeze

On December 10, several faith communities in Albuquerque joined Pope Fancis and communities and individuals in 164 countries in offering a wave of prayers, reflections and a commitment to end hunger.

The global campaign, known as One Human Family, Food for All, was organized by Caritas Internationalis (which is the parent organization for Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services in the U.S.)

Locally, Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe offered a prayer at Noon, as did the Jesuit priests at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Albuquerque and the Norbertine community at Santa Maria de la Vid in the South Valley. The Outreach Committee at All Saints Lutheran Church, the Mission Committee at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Judicatory representatives of the New Mexico Conference of Churches also participated in some form in the days leading to the global wave of prayer. Also, a number of individuals in Albuquerque and other parts of New Mexico pledged to take a few minutes at Noon to offer their own prayers.

Interfaith Prayers at Luther House
The prayers and reflections at our small gathering in at Luther House on the campus of the Univeristy of New Mexico were diverse but had a very common theme: everyone on Earth is connected, and thus no one should have to go without the basic necessities to live a full life. This is spelled out in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (which we also celebrated on this day).

We started with the prayer offered by Pope Francis, which was read by Kathy Freeze of Catholic Charities (see video below). We also read prayers from South Africa, Bread for the World, and Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger.

A couple of the folks assembled in the chapel at Luther House  brought experiences from overseas. Father Larry Bernard, a Franciscan, spoke about his work with Raramuri (Tarahumara) communities, and how sharing is an important part of daily life. Blood flow, he said, is an important concept in  Raramuri philosophy. Just as blood needs to reach every part for a body to thrive, food is essential for every member of the community.

Cathy Pfefferle, a member of Albuquerque Mennonite Church, spoke of a trip to Calcutta a few years back, and how her sister offered a granola bar to a beggar on the street. Rather than keep the piece of granola for himself, this person cut the bar in half and shared it with a friend who was just  a few feet away. This was a perfect illustration of how people who have less are are more willing to share.

Hanh Nguyen, a  long-time Albuquerque resident and a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, offered a prayer and blessing in her native Vietnamese language.

Lutheran Campus Pastor Anne Morawski and students Ranjavola Antenaina  and Aaron Stout were our gracious hosts. Rev. Rodney Saunders of the Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Campus Ministry); Mark Garza, Gospel Justice Peer Minister at Aquinas Newman Center Campus Ministry; and Sara Koplik, director of Hillel House, also participated in the service, as did Jennifer Murphy-Dye from the Ecumenical Institute of Ministry, Ellen Buelow from Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and Ron and Grace Bousek from Aquinas Newman Center.

We concluded with the words from the Weston Priory song That There May Be Bread.  Sara Koplik then offered a Jewish blessing.  And then we shared soup and bread.

Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless and Universal Declaration on Human Rights

Lord, when we strive after healing in the world and nourishment for those who hunger, we find you at our side. Whenever we long to see your face, help us not to avoid the corners of our communities where you most often dwell. Stir our hearts that we might seek and find you today in those places where you have promised to be. Amen.

- Adapted from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (ABQHCH) had a very clever idea: cite the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (which is observed today, Dec. 10) as part of its pitch to raise funds for its operations. While the organization is up front about raising money, the brochure that was sent out to potential donors also seeks to enlighten, educate and, most of all, celebrate a 65-year-old document that spells out the basic human rights of all individuals on Earth.  Article 25 has special relevance to the mission of ABQHCH.

Pope Francis' Message for Dec. 10 Prayer Wave

Today, Pope Francis issued a video message in support of the Dec. 10 "wave of prayer" to end global hunger. Caritas Internationalis is calling on people around the world to pray tomorrow, at noon local time. This prayer wave across time zones will mark the beginning of a campaign for Roman Catholic-related charities, called "One Human Family, Food for All." In his video,

 Pope Francis gave his the campaign his blessing and said that people across the globe must come together to end the scourge of hunger. “I invite all the institutions of the world, the church, each of us, as one single human family, to give a voice to all those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a road which can shake the world," the pope says in the video.

Lutheran Campus Ministry, Wesley Foundation, Hillel at UNM, Aquinas Newman Center Peace and Social Justice Commision and Bread New Mexico invite you to join us today to offer our own prayers and reflections in solidarity with the call from Pope Francis. We will gather at Noon at Luther House, 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE, University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque. You are invited to bring your own prayers and reflections. Please stay after the conclusion of our prayers to share a bowl of soup.

Eat Pizza on Tuesday (Dec. 10) and Help the Rio Grande Food Project

The Rio Grande Food Project, one of the largest and longest operating food pantries in Albuquerque, had provided emergency food relief to hungry individuals and families throughout the metropolitan area since 1989.  The organization needs your help as a volunteer or as a donor. You can also help by eating at Farina Alto pizzeria. A total of 15% of all dinner sales on Tuesday, Dec. 10, will be donated to the Rio  Grande Food Project. 

Continuning to Remember the Victims of Typhoon Haiyan

In the midst of our Advent reflections, it is appropriate to remember the victims of an unimaginable disaster that occurred only a month ago: Typhoon Haiyan.  As part of our prayers and actions, it is useful to get the big picture and become aware of the latest news.   

One month after Typhoon Haiyan tore through six Philippine islands, the death toll stands at 5,924 and 1,779 people are still missing, according to government figures released Sunday (December 8, 2013)," said CNN International. "More than 12 million people have been affected by the monster typhoon that left behind catastrophic scenes of destruction and despair when it made landfall on November 8, the government said. It left entire communities without immediate access to food and medical care.

There are many organizations providing assistance to communities that were ravaged by the storm. While much of the work involves providing food and shelter, UNICEF and others are offering an essential service: restoring water to communties like Tacloban, which was smack in the middle of the path of the storm. 

In this video, Michael Emerson Gnilo, a UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene specialist, explains how UNICEF worked with partners to restore Tacloban’s water supply and what water means to families and children in that city.



Tacloban is also the starting point for a mass measles immunization campaign in coming weeks. Click here to see an Infographic of How UNICEF is helping communities in the six islands affected by Haiyan.

Photo: UNICEF

 Among those urging continued support for the communities affected by Haiyan is actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens. The California native who has roots in The Philippines (via her mother) has tailored her message to urge us to help UNICEF provide assistance for 5.5 million children affected by the typhoon.

Here is what UNICEF says about its work with children in communities devastated by diasters. "When emergency strikes, you can help us make sure no child is forgotten. Within 48 hours UNICEF and its partners are on the ground providing food, shelter and protection. We work to reunite children with their families, care for those orphaned and counsel the traumatized."

Actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens speaks about the 5.5 million children in the Philippines affected by typhoon ‪#‎Haiyan‬. Help rush critical supplies. Donate here: http://uncf.us/187oBEP ‪#‎ThereafterHaiyan‬
Post by UNICEF USA.

Christmas Carols: Two Amazing Renditions

Our senses are a gift from our Creator, and our Advent and Christmas become more special as we give thanks for our enhanced ability to experience our surroundings through sight, scent and sound.

In that spirit, I would like to share a couple of amazing Christmas carols posted on YouTube.  The first is an a capella rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" from Pentatonix  from their PTXmas album.  The group--which consists of vocalists Scott Hoying, Kristie Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan, and Kevin Olusola--won the third season of The Sing-Off on NBC.



The second carol is an interpretation of "Angels We Have Heard on High" from The Piano Guys. Here's how the group describes itself:  What do you get when you mix up a marketing genius that does video, a studio engineer that writes music, a pianist that had a successful solo career, and a cellist that does pretty much everything? The Piano Guys: a miraculous meeting of “guys” with the same intrinsic purpose – to make a positive impact in the lives of people all over the world through music videos.

Nelson Mandela: Hunger is a Moral Issue

Photo from World Food Programme mourns passing of Nelson Mandela (Graphic by Mara Mercado)

"Hunger is an issue of social justice and not economics. Our economic approach to food and its distribution reflects our basic moral values. There are relatively poor countries where almost everyone is reasonably fed and richer ones where there is widespread malnutrition. The economic systems in these countries vary. Those who have succeeded have done so because they have made it a priority to end it. Hunger is a moral issue." 

"Massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges of our times — times in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation — that they have to rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social evil." -Nelson Mandela

Mindful Christmas Shopping (Part 2): Fair Trade, Just Market for the Holidays

In an earlier post, I linked to gift catalogs from Oxfam and Heifer International, which offered presents that helped poor communities overseas. There is another option this Christmas for people of conscience who want to make a difference: purchase fair trade products.

Ten Thousand Villages: One of the first places that comes to mind is Ten Thousand Villages. You can purchase online or through a local store (if there is one your community).  We don't have a Ten Thousand Villages Store in Albuquerque, but there is one 60 miles to the north in Santa Fe.

Catholic Relief Services: Another great option is the Catholic Relief Services, which offers a variety of fair trade products from partner organizations.  Here is what CRS says about chocolate:  Show your solidarity with small family farmers abroad!  Whether you’re a fan of  milk, mint, toffee, nut, caramel or milk chocolate, you’ll find what you’re looking for from our partners. Fair Trade isn’t only about paying a fair price to producers; it’s also about honoring the care they put into their crops by producing high quality products.

By the way, CRS also has a gift catalog available, similar to the ones offered by Heifer and Oxfam, where you can directly help poor communities overseas.

Fair Trade USA: Fair Trade USA also has a catalog with a list of products and partners. Here is what the organization says about the purchase of fair-trade apparel. Americans buy more clothing than any other nation in the world, so let's make every purchase matter! The Fair Trade Certified Apparel and Home Goods program is the first of its kind, enabling consumers to consider the social, economic and environmental bottom line when they shop.

The Christmas season also goes beyond purchasing presents for loved ones. Many people take time to prepare baked goods. So why not use use fair trade ingredients?  Looking for ideas? There are plenty in the 
Fair Trade Recipe Blog.  But it's not just baked goods. How about fair trade cocktails.  Here's a description of the Fairly Modest Mule: What better way to celebrate the Holidays than by sipping on a Fair Trade cocktail? This recipe come to us from our friends FAIR. Spirits, a company dedicated to high quality ingredients that are sourced ethically and sustainably. FAIR. Quinoa Vodka is a one-of-a-kind spirit made with Fair Trade quinoa from Bolivia and expertly distilled in France.

Just Market in Downtown Albuquerque
Finally, I'd like to highlight a great event in Albuquerque, sponsored by the Justice and Life Ministry at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. There will be local and fair trade crafts, nativities, art and olive oil!  The Christmas Just Market will take place at the adjacent St. Mary's Gym, 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.  More details in the poster below.

Mindful Christmas Shopping (Part 1) Gift Ideas from Oxfam and Heifer International

Are you seeking a stress-free Christmas, where the purchase of presents becomes a meaningful exercise? Buy gifts that  connect you with the global community and  get into the true spirit of the season.  (And in the process Advent becomes more meaningful). Check out the Oxfam and Heifer International catalogs for meaningful presents.  

 Oxfam offers clever gifts ideas through its Oxfam Unwrapped campaign. For example, a gift of $12 can help buy a pack of seeds A farmer who lost his or her harvest to drought can get a fresh start by planting these hardy varieties of corn, tomatoes, and more. Invest in rural communities and feed the hungry with this fruitful gift.

Or how about a gift of $75 for an alpaca meadow in the Andes? Forget the fleecy mittens and glitzy gadgets! This gift has it all. Alpacas are long-necked and doe-eyed with cashmere-soft fur and——we’re told——a tendency to hum pleasantly. They flourish at altitudes well over 10,000 feet. Because few other animals are as hardy, these camelids are vital to alpaca-dependent Andean communities. Your gift of an alpaca meadow ensures plenty of nutrient-rich grass to help herds weather tough winters. And that means a lot to families who rely on these critters. 

Visit the Oxfam Unwrapped Gift Catalog to see a wide array of gift possibilities.

Check out Oxfam's entertaining and award-winning video, released in 2009, as part of its campaign.



The Heifer Gift Catalog
Heifer International has traditionally been the organization that provided opportunities during Christmas for people in the U.S. (and other countries) to donate a goat, a pig, a chicken, a hive of honey bees, and other animals to families in poor countries The families who receive a gift become donors as they pass on the gift to other families in their community. This allows them to help others as you have helped them. The Heifer Gift Catalog continues to offer great opportunities to provide the gift of an animal (or clean water!) during the Christmas season.

For $20 you can help buy a  a starter flock of geese. Your donation will also provide training and education in the birds' care. A flock of geese makes a great gift because they provide much needed nutrition for hungry children, produce manure for gardens, boosting crop yields, promote security for others by multiplying quickly and passing on the gift. Geese can lay up to 75 eggs a year, so the benefits add up quickly for families in need of protein and a means of income. Your gift of geese grants the opportunity to lift a community out of hunger and poverty.

  Here is a video from Heifer about the impact of its gifts.

Heifer has also partnered with The ONE Campaign to donate goats to underprivileged farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. "This unique new partnership is an opportunity for members and supporters of both organizations to combine the policy advocacy of ONE with the programmatic impact of Heifer International — a double whammy against extreme poverty! All proceeds from the sale of the Limited Edition ONE Goat will go to Heifer International."  

Click here to donate a goat through this join effort, entitled "Exterme Poverty Got your Goat?)

Join Us at the UNM Campus on December 10 for Interfaith Prayers and a Commitment to Act to End World Hunger

A week from today (Tuesday, December 10), Pope Francis will ask people of faith and conscience around the world to pray and act to end world hunger by 2025. The prayer coincides with the gobal commemoration of  the UN's Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including "the right to food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services (Article 25)."

At noon local time, a “Global Wave of Prayer” called One Human Family, Food for All," will begin in Tonga and will progress around the world until it reaches American Samoa some 24 hours and more than 164 countries later!

Lutheran Campus Ministry, Wesley Foundation, Hillel at UNM, Aquinas Newman Center Peace and Social Justice Commision and Bread New Mexico invite you to join us on Tuesday, December 10,  to offer our own prayers and reflections in solidarity with the call from Pope Francis. We will gather at Noon at Luther House, 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE, University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque. You are invited to bring your own prayers and reflections. Please stay after the conclusion of our prayers to share a bowl of soup. RSVP on Facebook.

If you are unable to join us, please feel free to observe the call to prayer and action at your own church or congregation this weekend.  You can add a simple prayer to your regular intercessions.  And on Dec. 10, take a minute or two to say a prayer for an end to world hunger.

Rick Steves' GIft

Many of the festive traditions that we celebrate during the Advent and Christmas season were brought to our country by European immigrants.  Travel writer and television host brings us to the source of these traditions in his show  show "European Christmas." Below is a clip, and here is a link to the full show on Hulu.

Receive European Christmas Package or autographed book

Rick Steves would the first to remind us that celebrating tradition is only a part of Advent and Christmas. The wonderful sounds, scents and visuals of the season go hand-in-hand with efforts to reach out to our neighbors near and far.

As part of his traditional celebration of the Christmas season, Rick Steves, a good friend of Bread for the World, also promotes the work of the organization.  He raises funds for Bread via his network “Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door."

Here are some excerpts from this year's appeal.

 If these times seem tough for our friends and family, imagine how tough they are for hungry and poor people. 

This year the needs and rewards are particularly great. I’d love to send you a special Christmas package in thanks for your gift to empower Bread’s work. This gift package was so overwhelmingly popular last year that I want to offer it again so you can share it with even more of your loved ones. 

Here's my challenge to you this Christmas: make a gift of $100 or more and as a thank you, I'll match your gift (up to $100,000) and send you my European Christmas gift package OR an autographed copy of my book Travel as a Political Act. 

Click here to participate in Rick Steves' Challenge   He explains the challenge in this video.

The European Christmas package includes:

•  My Rick Steves’ European Christmas DVD; 
• Our European Christmas coffee table book; and 
• A Christmas music CD featuring 20 of our favourite European carols.

While the charitable work we do as caring citizens is important, it’s important to remember that all the food provided by these charities amounts to just 5 percent of the food available for poor and hungry people. The government provides the rest. That means Bread’s advocacy has a huge impact on caring for the most vulnerable people among us. I’m convinced that supporting Bread is the best way to leverage my charitable giving. That’s why I’ve been a Bread member for 30 years. (Click here to see other ways in which Rick Steves has helped raise funds for Bread).

Shalom

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness ... all the good things.”

-Maya Angelou