Seeing the Faces

It's sad to admit, but I often worry that Americans have grown numb to the recent onslaught of world hunger commercials, usually inundated with sad pictures of starving children wearing raggedy clothes and covered in flies. I think maybe we steel ourselves to these realities partly because the idea is overwhelming, and what could we possibly do about it? I think the other factor in our avoidance is the mere disconnect with the reality of the situation. How bad could it really be? Surely somebody is going to take care of the situation.
I've been blessed enough to visit several developing countries and missions around the world. I have always come back feeling that the people have changed and served me more than I could possibly serve them. I have built wonderful relationships and learned many great life lessons from the friends I have made.
Harvest of Talents is a very personal experience for me, because I have MET the people that this endeavor works to benefit. Two summers ago, I had the great privilege of visiting and working with the Massai people in Kenya. They were a happy people group, hardly like the sad faces you see in the commercials. But they are also a group of people in great need. I have learned recently that the people that I met in Nchishi are currently suffering from an overwhelming famine. The friends that we made, and the students we taught, are literally starving to death. HOW could I possibly sit by, knowing that my friends, and brothers & sisters in Christ, are STARVING?

Katie with some of her 4th graders

Denise, teaching 3rd grade

Rachel, with some of her 6th graders

Denise & Students

Team with students at a local traditional dance competition.

Rachel, teaching class

I hope that, even if you have not had a chance to meet some of these people, you would really look at them. Imagine your own child, or sibling, or parent literally dying because there is no food.
I am SO excited about Harvest of Talents. And I am comforted to know that, while our Harvest of Talents is still a little ways out, IDES has already stepped in to help my friends in Nchishi, Kenya. They are using funds from programs like Harvest of Talents.
Friends, YOU can make a difference. Our talents were given to us through the grace of God. He is the all-powerful and the epitome of creative. Who are we to underestimate or undermine what he has created in us? Whether it's car maintenance, tutoring skills, a craft, music, food... anything... YOU can feed my friends in Nchishi, and our brothers and sisters all around the world.
See you in May! And again in October :)
- Denise

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 
1 Peter 10. 

HOT Testimony

NICM uses money from HOT to feed children
at a village school.

A missionary who uses Harvest of Talents funds wrote us expressing their thanks, 

"I want to express a big thank you to IDES for the funds you have granted. We are so blessed and we praise God for organizations like IDES who stand along side missionaries to provided needed resources. I would share with you how much the HOT program has meant to us over the past 2 years. During that time we have fed thousands of children, homeless families and lepers. It has opened more doors to the Gospel than I can ever tell you about.

NICM uses money from HOT to feed members of a local
leper community.

For example, the HOT program has given NICM the means to reach out to the people at two leper colonies and life there has improved in so many ways. At that time the only means lepers had to obtain food was by begging. Some days they would receive enough to buy a meal and somedays they they did not. Now, through the generosity of the HOT program enough rice is provided each month for one hot meal a day. Through this outreach, we have been able to share the Gospel and today many of the colony residents have accepted Christ as Savior. It is amazing how the love of Jesus, exhibited by the giving of a bag of rice in loving kindness has brought happiness where there once was none." 

The Harvest that Started it All...

Unity Harvest 2011: Batman, Piggie,
& Butterfly... taking part in the face-
painting talent of a Unity Christian Church
member.

Last month, these three college roommates embarked on an adventure to Marion, Indiana. For Katie and I, this was our first HOT ever. For years we have heard Rachel rave about Harvest of Talents and bubble over with excitement and passion about the time & energy that these people are investing to do their part in relieving world hunger. Finally, Katie and I had our turn to travel to Marion... and the experience was life-changing. We were so inspired by the love and generosity of the community there. We knew that this was something that our community in East Tennessee needed to experience! We are confident that our community is stock-full of big hearts and amazing talents. So now we  embark on yet another adventure... planning HOT East Tennessee! We are so excited to share this year with all of you! 


Totally excited!!!
HOT Team Member,
Denise