This Sunday, we welcomed Pastor Bob Schmeelcke, a representative from Food for the Poor, to St. Paul’s. Pr. Schmeelcke’s sermon shared a little bit about some of the work FFTP does in 17 countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Originally started by a set of brothers to alleviate hunger, FFTP has expanded to include efforts to bring sanitation services, clean water, basic medical care, and safe housing to communities around the region. Their mission is to support the people and organizations who are already doing work on the ground, rather than setting up new programs or sending in staff from overseas to administer those programs.

After describing that work, Pr. Schmeelcke had a message for us: that this kind of ministry is what we are called to be engaged in as God’s people in Christ Jesus. The one who invites all people to the banquet and provides abundantly for us wills that this abundance be shared with all people. It’s not a matter of not having enough food or water or money to meet the challenge, it’s a matter of not having the will to see that things get done. We can make a difference in the lives of people struggling with poverty and hunger and lack of access to basic services if we have the will to do so.

If you would like more information about FFTP, visit them online at www.foodforthepoor.org.