Aarav enjoys a healthy lunch.  Photo: Pacific Conference of Churches

A bi-monthly news bulletin exploring development, global justice and the work of CWS. An alternative to mainstream media sources. Past issues can be read here

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Give Food and Life

Feeding people who are hungry is CWS’s business.  It is something we have been doing together for 75 years thanks to your generous donations.  The memorable words of Archbishop West Watson that launched that first appeal seeking help for “the millions in the east and the west, who are hungry, cold and homeless” are as true today as they were then.

This Christmas we are very aware of people without food and shelter—especially our neighbours in Fiji.  Our prayers are with the families who lost loved ones during Cyclone Yasa and those who were injured or traumatised by what they have experienced.  Our partners are responding.  SEEP (the Social Empowerment and Education Programme) is looking at providing building materials to families for example.  We will contribute in the new year when plans are clearer.

SEEP like all of our partners is deeply committed to giving all people the basics of life – water, food and justice.

Living among very small peasant farmers, day labourers and fishing people, Jesus would have felt the pressure for people who simply did not have enough to eat.  Praying the words “Give us our daily bread” comes from a hungry place.

If we have food, we have life.  Food is one of the most basic human rights.  Please pray for our world, that all people everywhere will have what they need to sustain life.

Your gift to the 2020 Christmas Appeal will make sure many more people have the food they need today and tomorrow.  Thank you.

Fiji hit by Yasa

On 17/18 December, Yasa caused severe damage, especially on Vanua Levu.  Our partner SEEP is supporting local groups and attending coordination meetings.  Donations to the Fiji Appeal will assist in rebuilding.  Please pray for those affected.

When I was Hungry

Finding a path out of hunger is no easy journey, but the work we do together with our local partners is giving more people the support they need to improve their livelihoods.  Loving your neighbour as yourself demands this kind of action.

Our partners are doing all they can to address the causes of hunger and challenge the ways that people are made hungry by injustice and conflict.  Follow the links to glimpse a snapshot of the work they do.

Tea pickers on Sri Lanka’s plantations established in the colonial era have suffered decades of exploitation.

In a few moments, one more family leaves their home and land in South Sudan in fear of the violence that is enveloping the village.

In Fiji, people come to the Food Bank and take away seeds and skills to plant gardens that will keep hunger away.

 

Your gifts to the Christmas Appeal for people facing hunger and fear will give them food and a path to a better livelihood.

 

In Numbers

• 690 million people were hungry last year.
• In 2019 an estimated 2 billion people did not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.
• An estimated 21.4% of children were stunted and 5.6% overweight.
• Most conservative estimates show healthy diets are unaffordable for 3 billion people. A healthy diet costs on average five times as much as one based on a starchy staple.
• On a preliminary assessment, Covid-19 will add 83 -132 million people to the total undernourished.
• Two thirds of people who are hungry live in rural areas.
• Of 570 million farms, more than 475 million are less than 2 hectares.
• In low income countries more than 2/3 workers are employed on the land.

 

Need a Last Minute Gift

If you are still looking for the perfect present, there are all sorts to choose from at Gifted.  Order as E-cards anytime, even on Christmas Day.

 

CWS Update provides news, information, and stories.  Reproduction of items is encouraged with attribution to CWS.  Current and back issues are available.