LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 23, 2012) – When you’re poor and hungry, you give up something each day. A parent gives up their cup of rice for their starving child. A young girl gives up her dream of reading—tragically, poverty demands sacrifice.
Congregations and people all around the world will today begin celebrating the season of Lent. As an expression of faith, individuals and families will give something up–coffee, candy, even Facebook or Twitter–-as a daily reminder of the sacrifice made on their behalf. But whether you celebrate Lent or not, giving up something important to you can be profound and send a powerful message.
The average weekly wage in Uganda is just $5.38. According to zagat.com, the national average cost for a meal out in the United States is $35.37, just over six weeks’ wages for a Ugandan family. Imagine the impact you can have by just donating six meals during the six weeks of Lent – the $212 you’d donate to Heifer International could provide a family with a goat, honeybees and three flocks of chicks. To dedicate your season of Lent to helping others and support Heifer International, visit http://www.heifer.org/40days.
You can make this challenge even more impactful by asking family and friends to join you as well. Together, you could feed a whole village and give them the tools to transform. By sacrificing for a short time, you can help create a whole new life free from poverty for families who now sacrifice every day.
The sacrifices you make will mean a world of difference to a family living in poverty; join Heifer International’s mission eradicate hunger and poverty.
Congregation Resources
Did you know that Heifer International offers a variety of resources that will help deepen your congregation’s understanding of stewardship and the power and importance of giving to those in need? From bulletin inserts to complete extended lesson plans, you’ll find some inspiring ways to share your love for Heifer in the context of your faith. Check out our congregation resources at http://www.heifer.org/getinvolved/congregation-resources
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.
For more information, visit http://www.heifer.org/40days or call 1-800-696-1918.
