en-us5http://content.netsuite.com/app/site/hosting/rss.nl?c=364464&feed=cfhinewsNews and Event updates from Canadian Food for the Hungry InternationalThis week I came across a very thought provoking article* by Matthew Parris. His central supposition was that Africa needs God more than aid money – an interesting statement coming from a self proclaimed atheist. Also kindling my curiosity was his observation that Africa's biggest problem is the "crushing passivity of the people's mindset".http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTOn Sunday, January 4, a landslide that buried a road in the northern part of Guatemala left at least 35 people dead, 15 injured and dozens missing.http://www.cfhi.ca/s.nl/it.A/id.6663/.fMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThis past year I have travelled to many countries and met a lot of incredibly wonderful people. Many of these people exemplify the person of Jesus in their ordinary day to day life. http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTToday, Ron, our bio-technician, went to Schaan Health Care Inc. to purchase supplies he needed when he was presented with a big box wrapped up with a bow on top. He brought it back to the warehouse so we could open it together and inside we found 60 new stethoscopes! http://www.cfhi.ca/What-We-Do/Health-DeliveredMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTIn 1977, Domingo was born into a family of 11 in a remote community in rural Guatemala. The country was going through a brutal civil war in his early years and he still vividly remembers the terrible atrocities - months of hiding in the hills and forests, days of near starvation, and the constant fear of losing his father when he was drafted to serve in the army. http://www.cfhi.ca/s.nl/it.I/id.121/.fMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThere are at least half a million people displaced right now, and many have received no help in months. Imagine camping for six months in the rain with only a few dollars, in the rain, with no tent, and a family of six. The situation for many is desperate, and the close, unhygienic quarters have led to increased cases of serious diseases like cholera.http://www.cfhi.ca/Canadian-in-the-CongoMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe spread of HIV/AIDS is not confined to specific populations or lifestyles. It is generalized within the population – everyone is infected, including teachers, government ministers and children. Food for the Hungry walks alongside children, families and communities in Africa to bring hope and healing to those afflicted and affected by HIV/AIDS. Food for the Hungry is in six African countries, caring for orphans, widows and families—people both living with and affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. http://www.cfhi.ca/World-Aids-DayMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTRipples from the global financial crisis are indeed seeping into the lives of families all across Canada, but we must acknowledge that economic devastation has been viciously attacking populations in the developing world for a very long time. Nearly impossible situations for the most vulnerable people in the world are simply getting worse.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTUpdate: CNN Audio - Lindsay Branham, FH US Communications Coordinator is currently on the field in DR Congo and shares a gripping, visual analysis of the current, war-ravaged tragedy distressing hundreds of thousands of Congolese people. http://www.cfhi.ca/CRISIS-IN-DR-CONGO?sc=1&category=-101Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWhile every day is special, especially for those of us with kids and grandkids, today allows us to pause and reflect on the blessings and challenges so many children around the world face. http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTCanadian emergency relief responder, Chris Sheach, arrives in the DR Congo today to meet with FH staff and Congolese community leaders. Sheach will be assessing the current crisis, looking for current gaps in humanitarian aid, establishing areas of greatest need, and proposing a response plan.http://www.cfhi.ca/CRISIS-IN-DR-CONGO?sc=1&category=-101Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTTo alleviate this challenging situation facing our CDP fields, we must, as part of the solution, introduce a moderate increase in the cost of monthly sponsorship from $35 to $38 a month. For current sponsors, this slight increase will begin in February 2009 although you may choose to increase earlier if you so wish. http://www.cfhi.ca/Growing-Food-and-Energy-Crisis-Threatens-CFHIs-Child-Development-ProgramsMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTA year and a half ago, Shawn and Natalie Sagert began their four year term serving with Food for the Hungry in Guatemala. Shawn is using his skills and knowledge as a health professional to help some of the poorest communities improve their standards of living. Here is an update on their experience of walking alongside Guatemalan communities. http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThis week we had a celebratory thank you lunch here at our IMED warehouse to show our deep appreciation to everyone involved in helping us build our RTM (ready to move) house.http://www.cfhi.ca/What-We-Do/Health-DeliveredMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTGratitude to God fills my heart for His provision and mercy for my family. This gratitude continues to fuel my passion to deliver hope and ensure equality to families around the world. http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTLike any mother, Rehena Begum wanted the best for her children. Yet her situation in life seemed to make it impossible to give them everything she wished. http://www.cfhi.ca/Child-Development-Program-Helps-Fulfil-a-Mothers-DreamMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTFour years. That’s how long I waited to visit Safia. When our church began a relationship with the community of Bufukhula in Uganda, we received profiles of all the children needing sponsors. I knew immediately I wanted to sponsor a little girl. I chose Safia.http://www.cfhi.ca/ChosenMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe exterior of the home is completed and the inside is ready for drywall. We'll be moving the house at the end of October so watch for a picture of the proud new owners and if you live in the Saskatoon area, keep an eye out for this thing heading down the road!http://www.cfhi.ca/What-We-Do/Health-DeliveredMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe room was simply electric. When I saw Andrew’s beaming smile I knew I didn’t need to ask him how he felt about his upcoming assignment to Burundi, Africa, his excitement literally saturated the small meeting room.http://www.cfhi.ca/Compassion-Takes-ActionMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTCurrently the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) and CFHI are joining together to bring help and hope to the Haitian hurricane-crushed communities.http://www.cfhi.ca/HURRICANES-BATTER-THE-CARRIBEANMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTLife had already thrown Andy some pretty painful curve. His father had abandoned his mother and three young sons in favour of alcohol, and the family hadn’t received any support for some time. Andy’s mother frequently stayed out all night. Then, as if things weren’t already difficult, suddenly one night his life flipped violently upside down.http://www.cfhi.ca/Education-Helps-Turn-Tragedy-into-TriumphMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTEdmonton: Mon, Sept 29 - Tues, Sept 30 9am - 4:30pm The Sawridge Inn, 4235 Gateway Blvd. Cost: $100 Calgary: Thurs, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 3 9am - 4:30pm Holiday Inn Express - Airport, 45 Hopewell Way NE Cost: $100http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/Alberta-Worldview-and-Advocacy-TrainingMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWe are excited that the house has already been sold to a couple who are thrilled their need for a home can also bless families overseas.http://www.cfhi.ca/What-We-Do/Health-DeliveredMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe CFHI IMED team was asked if wanted the old beds. Our answer, of course, was: Yes!http://www.cfhi.ca/What-We-Do/Health-DeliveredMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTTime blurred. Sirens screamed. Paramedics. Police. Neighbours. Television broadcasts carried our story into homes all across Canada. Thousands of people genuinely experiencing heartbreak from the tragedy of two innocent lives threatened. http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWhen I ask my boys what they want to be when they grow up, what I really want to hear is the limitlessness of their possibilities - I want to hear their visions, their dreams, the confidence they feel that they can be and do anything.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThus we sat, on the verge of completely abandoning the Toyota in favour of walking. Then, from the side of the road came a guy, a bystander. He took charge.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThis is the contrast of being in Africa. There are times when one is witness to the unspeakable horrors of violence and poverty. Then there are others when you get to dance and sing. Both of these make up the character of the places we have been over the past ten days.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTNothing makes much sense here. There is no equity even in the misery this area suffers - they have far more than their fair share. I can somehow rationalize the 'man made' issues like violence - its the fault of someone - but add to that 'Acts of God' and it falls apart for me.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTCanadian Food for the Hungry's Phase 1 Training is an interactive and dynamic 3 day exploration of what it means to be an advocate for the poor. You are called to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9 If you're going to speak, you MAY want to know what you're talking about!http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/Phase-1-Worldview-and-Advocacy-TrainingMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTI was in Bukavu 4 years ago. Back then I wasn't able to walk the streets or spend anytime in town. Military or rebel militia roadblocks would appear overnight. We were searched at gun point. I was woken by machine gun fire. Now I am hanging out in a cafe with young and hopeful Congolese.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWhy come all the way to Africa? - why come back to places I have already been? I found the best answer to that question on the wall of the Kigali Genocide Memorial yesterday - "If you knew me, and really knew yourself, you would not have killed me"http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWe were off again. and after about 2 hours we arrived and Rubura - a rural community - where we were to have a look at the Health clinic and attached hospital that serves over 250,000 people in the area.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTOur destination was a very large, very flat, piece of dirt....the first lady has great plans to build a hospital, orphanage, old folks home, school, vocational school, hotel, and sundry soccer fields and playgrounds.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTUnbelievable. Here is the President of a Country with 7.6 Million people which is struggling against a rebellion that threatens a tentative peace, showing incredible vulnerability and humility. In other words, he was acting like a human being - just like everybody else in the room.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTI am very happy to be here, and anticipate yet another life altering trip, but right now I can't wait to lie down.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTGuest blogger Rory Holland relates his recent experiences in Central Africahttp://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PST June 24, Powerful Storm Rocks the Philippines Typhoon Fengshen hit the Philippines on Saturday, June 21st with wind speeds over 120 kph. The powerful typhoon triggered landslides, flooding and knocked out power for about 12 hours.http://www.cfhi.ca/Powerful-Storm-Rocks-the-PhilippinesMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWe are living in a food price crisis. This is a fact that can easily be confirmed. Prices have risen by as much as 130% globally. In some countries where FH works, inflation of food prices are estimated at 400% over last year.http://www.cfhi.ca/June-23-Global-Food-Crisis-UpdateMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTCFHI recently received an email from Archbishop Charles Bo, the Catholic Archbishop of Yangon in Myanmar. He shares a moving story of life asserting itself in very difficult circumstances as well as a plea for continued help on behalf of the Burmese people who still need our prayers and support. http://www.cfhi.ca/June-9-2008-Fighting-Death-Through-Symbols-of-LifeMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe official death toll from China’s May 12 earthquake has risen to 69,107 according to state run media. Another 373,577 people were injured and 18,230 are still missing. FH staff on the ground recently sent this report. http://www.cfhi.ca/Thousands-Dead-in-Chinese-Quake?sc=1&category=-101Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWith Myanmar’s government allowing foreign aid workers of all nationalities to enter the devastated country, hopes are up that thousands of people in the delta area could be saved from starvation and death.http://www.cfhi.ca/Myanmar-cyclone-claims-nearly-20-000-lives-Food-for-the-Hungry-responding-to-devastation?sc=8&category=26Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTEarly reports show that 8,500 people have been killed, including many students buried in the rubble of a school. http://www.cfhi.ca/Thousands-Dead-in-Chinese-Quake?sc=1&category=-101Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWhen: May 31, 2008 Where: The Fifth Avenue Club in Calgaryhttp://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/Run-for-BeloMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTIt has been just over nine months since the devastating earthquake here in Peru and there are still many things that haven't been touched. It seems the world quickly forgot about this tragedy even though there are 500,000 people in the one city of Chincha alone.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWith the heat, humidity, and sixteen hour days I'm beginning to fade.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe need for more food is still urgent. There is need for more cereals and grain to supplement what has already been sent. Many young people have been forced to leave school due to this lack of food. Either the students are so hungry they can't learn or they are needed by their families to work.http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTAt only six months old, Blake Edwards is already making a compassionate impact on others. His parents share about why they entered the Night to Light Walk, what they learned and why your family should be involved next year.http://www.cfhi.ca/Six-Month-Old-Generates-A-Big-GiveMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTJonathon Yao, and his wife Janet, wanted to open a small garment factory in Southeast Asia to create jobs for those struggling to find fair wage work. They never dreamed that God had something so much bigger in mind for them. http://www.cfhi.ca/Building-Hope-through-PotteryMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTUsually the birth of a new baby is accompanied by joy, but this was not the case for Ringku's family.http://www.cfhi.ca/Something-to-smile-about?sc=2&category=7521Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTGod's creation continually amazes me – just look at the spiritual, emotional, social and physical nature of the human race. And just as we recognize the complexity of humanity, we must also recognize the complexity of poverty. http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/BlogMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTRebekka and her mom sent out Christmas letters inviting their family and friends to join in their efforts to buy a house and Rebekka started her campaign by donating $50 of her own money towards the project. Through the generosity of their family and friends over $1,500.00 was raised! http://www.cfhi.ca/Multiple-Your-LoveMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWhen: March 29th 2008 - 10am Where: Langley Secondary School, 21405 56th Ave. Langley, BC http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/Night-to-Light-WalkMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTThe funding will support three main projects: training for the maintenance of health and hygiene, providing organized and structured activities for children and youth and addressing housing issues for 550 families.http://www.cfhi.ca/CIDA-Approves-100-000-Grant-to-PeruMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PSTWhen: March 6-8, 2008 Where: Toronto Congress Centre http://www.cfhi.ca/Media-Centre/Missionsfest-TorontoMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:11 PST