Christians make a difference among starving in Africa

By November 6, 2007

Sudan (MNN) — Darfur rebels say they will not attend a second round of peace talks in December unless U.N.-African Union mediators limit attendance and change the venue.

Over the last 20 years in Sudan, more people have been killed than in any other war since World War II. More than 2 million have died, and over 4 million have been driven from their homes

Because rebels have systematically destroyed many of the towns and villages, an estimated 1.8 million people have been driven into refugee camps. Almost a quarter of the children under five are dying in the camps due to malnutrition and water-borne diseases.

Unfortunately, the story of starvation doesn't end with the borders of one country. Zimbabwe's children are also suffering from malnutrition as a result of economic devastation. 

Hyper-inflation of nearly 2,000% this last year was caused by an "economic meltdown" in the country. Zimbabwe has gone from being the "breadbasket" of Africa and a food exporter to a huge food importer in just a matter of years. Therefore, many simply cannot afford to buy enough food for their families.

However, Global Aid Network is partnering with Christians not only to provide lifesaving meals, but also provide the lifesaving Gospel. The actual meals are distributed through the efforts of local churches and believers in their community.

How does it work? Teams developed a nutritional meal consisting of rice, soy nuggets, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and a vegetarian chicken flavoring to give growing children the critical nutritional elements they need. The balanced food blend packages come in small pouches. Each pouch provides six highly-nutritious meals that are easy to prepare by simply putting the mixture in boiling water. 

Global Aid Network then ships the pouches overseas, transports them to critical areas of need, and properly distributes them to children and adults who are facing malnutrition and famine.  

The end result of a distribution can be thousands of changed lives. For example, in a Zimbabwe village of 10,000, food distribution led to the opportunity to show a film about Jesus. In that village, 3,000 came out to watch the film, and nearly 2,000 indicated a decision for Christ.

It costs roughly 10-cents to make a difference. Click here if you can help.

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