HOPE IN THE HEART OF HUNGER

Letter from Franklin Graham

Dear Friend,

Every minute, 35 children are born into circumstances where they will grow up hungry. That’s over 18 million children last year alone. Conflicts, natural disasters, and poverty prevent millions of people, especially children, from getting the nutrition they need.

In some countries where Samaritan’s Purse is working in Jesus’ Name, a third of those under 5 years old don’t have enough to eat. Malnutrition affects every part of a child’s life. It doesn’t just stunt their growth or give them stomach pains, dizziness, and headaches. Many times, children who are undernourished can’t concentrate long enough to learn anything in school.

We thank God that He’s working through Samaritan’s Purse Canada to provide nutritious dried vegetables, grown by Canadian farmers, so that hungry children can have hot meals at school. These programs are opening doors to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Asia and Africa. “I was hungry and you gave Me food” (Matthew 25:35). We want to boost the local economies as well, so we purchase staples and spices in the countries where we’re working.

In this newsletter, you can read about a girl named Avani* who has been helped by one of our projects in Sri Lanka. She’s grateful that she’s able to focus on her studies instead of her aching stomach, but more importantly, she’s learning that God loves her.

Samaritan’s Purse Canada is also delivering emergency food and providing hot meals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Chad, Niger, Mozambique, and Madagascar. “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst’” (John 6:35).

Please pray that hungry people around the world will be open to hearing the Good News as we provide food and help in Jesus’ Name.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham

Sharing the Bread of Life with Hungry Children

When Avani* talks about hunger, her brown eyes fill with tears. The 11-year-old knows what it’s like to be too dizzy to focus on schoolwork. Too weak to play chase. Too anxious about her next meal to be happy and carefree.

“I feel worried and down when I don’t have enough to eat,” she said. “I have a headache when I don’t have food, and my belly hurts.” Avani is very small for her age. It’s a lifelong consequence of facing the relentlessness of hunger, day in and day out, while growing up.

But today is different. At school, Avani is delighted with a bowlful of hearty lunch thanks to friends like you who have shared generously in Jesus’ Name.

Through your gifts, Samaritan’s Purse works with partners in countries, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Chad, and Niger—all desperate hunger hot spots—to distribute nutrient-rich dried vegetables grown in Canada.

This critical food aid is supplemented by oil, spices, rice, and other grains purchased from local markets. It’s then delivered to communities where schools and churches provide meal programs for children suffering from hunger.

In Sri Lanka, 810 elementary-aged children—many of whom eat once every 24 hours—are now receiving regular lunches.

For Avani, the gift of a steaming, fragrant dish of food is a powerful expression of God’s love in her life. “I was so happy when I found out I would get a lunch!” she said with a smile. “When my belly is full of food, I don’t feel any pain.”

Her teacher described how students used to falter throughout each school day. Many would be unable to return for afternoon classes because they were too tired from hunger. “Previously, 50 percent of kids would be absent, but now they all attend. Because of the meal, I think the children will pass their exams,” he shared. “I want them to have a better future.”

The meals have made it possible to teach students a values class in school and invite families to attend Bible lessons at local churches to hear about Jesus.

“We have church volunteers starting kids’ clubs in which children can learn more about the Gospel,” our partner said. “Our true desire is for them to see the love of Christ.”

Thank you for your partnership, which makes it possible to nourish these boys and girls around the world and share with them the fulfillment found only in Jesus Christ. “It feels good to know I am loved,” said Avani.

Helping Canadians Facing Wildfires

Volunteers at our Calgary warehouse are working tirelessly to put together care kits, including pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, and other essential items for Canadians evacuated due to wildfires. Out-of-control blazes in multiple provinces have already displaced more than 30,000 Canadians over the past two months. As residents are moved to safer host communities, our team has mass care specialists ready to facilitate safe and secure shelter, providing spiritual and emotional support to residents, and activities for children, youth, and families.

More of our relief resources are on standby as the situation develops quickly. Please pray for Canadians hurting because of these fires, first responders, and our teams sharing comfort and help in Jesus’ Name.

*Name changed.