Giving Up? Give Back: 40 Days to Make a Difference

By Brooke Edwards

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: February 22, 2012

Whenyou’re poor and hungry, you give up something each day. A parent gives up theircup of rice for their starving child. A young girl gives up her dream ofreading—tragically, poverty demands sacrifice.


Congregationsand people all around the world will today begin celebrating the season ofLent. As an expression of faith, individuals and families will give somethingup­–coffee, candy, even Facebook or Twitter–as a daily reminder of thesacrifice made on their behalf. But whetheryou celebrate Lent or not, giving up something important to you can be profoundand send a powerful message if you dedicate your season of Lent to HeiferInternational.

Photo by Russell Powell, courtesy of Heifer International
Theaverage weekly wage in Uganda is just $5.38. According to zagat.com, the nationalaverage cost for a meal out in the United States is $35.37, just over sixweeks’ wages for a Ugandan family. Imagine the impact you can have by justdonating six meals during the six weeks of Lent – the $210 you’d donate toHeifer could provide a community with a goat, honeybees and three flocks ofchicks. What a life-changing gift that would be!

Youcan make this challenge even more impactful by asking family and friends tojoin you as well. Together, you could feed a whole village and give them thetools to transform. By sacrificing for a short time, you can help create awhole new life free from poverty for families who now sacrifice every day.

Thesacrifices you make will mean a world of difference to a family living inpoverty; join Heifer International’s mission eradicate hunger and poverty.

Congregation Resources
Did you know that Heifer International offers a variety of resources that willhelp deepen your congregation’s understanding of stewardship and the power andimportance of giving to those in need? From bulletin inserts to completeextended lesson plans, you’ll find some inspiring ways to share your love forHeifer in the context of your faith. Check out our congregation resources.