Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9
The Bible is full of food stories, from manna in the wilderness to loaves and fishes for more than 5,000 people by the lake.
Our lives are full of food stories, too. For you it might be about the side dish that makes Thanksgiving, or a traditional birthday treat, or a Saturday morning breakfast ritual. For many of us, the meaning of food goes beyond the basics of nutrition and fuel for our bodies. At least some of the time food helps us make meaning in our lives, creates community, enriches celebrations. We Lutherans believe that a simple meal of bread and wine received in faith is even a means of God's grace.
How amazing, then, to be able to share food with children thousands of miles away. Rice and beans can sustain their bodies and power their learning. The sharing forges a bond between us: their well-being is connected to our own and the Packathon helps us remember that.
I encourage you to contribute to the Gallatin Valley Packathon for Haiti as generously as you can. There is blessing in the sharing. Gratefully, Pr. Lindean Barnett Christenson
On October 19, our Christ the King Lutheran Church family will be at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman. We will gather with over three hundred local volunteers to pack 30,000 nutritious lunches. These meals, consisting of vitamin-fortified rice, soy protein, and dehydrated vegetables, will support 190 Haitian students through 2025, including the summer months.
Our Goals:
- $30,000: Provide lunches for 190 students through 2025
- 30,000 Meals: Packed at our event, with additional meals sourced locally in Haiti as needed
Why Haiti Needs Our Help:
- Literacy Rates: Only 60% of adults can read at a 6th-grade level.
- Income: The average annual income is $350.
- Food Insecurity: Many children cannot count on even one meal a day.
- Political Situation: Despite government disarray and gang violence in the capital, our partner communities in the mountains continue school each day, offering hope for better days ahead.
Our Packathon food has always arrived safely, though sometimes delayed. With Kenya leading an international security force to bolster Haitian police, there is real hope for improvement soon.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Just $70 can provide lunches for one student for an entire year. Your contribution can make a significant impact!
- Join Us: If you'd like to volunteer, you can register now to pack meals with us.
Donate Now to help us reach our goal of providing lunches for these students. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create a brighter future for children in Haiti.
If you prefer to donate by check, please write it to Future Forward for Haiti and mail it to 3805 Toole Street, Bozeman, MT 59718. Future Forward for Haiti, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no paid employees, ensuring that over 95% of your donation goes directly to providing meals.
