Bad News/Good News
Does it seem like each morning’s news brings a report about another global disaster? In my darkest “oh-no-not-another one” moments, I just want to turn the TV off, push the paper away, and set my internet news pop-ups to “entertainment...
Remember ELCA Disaster Response on May 25
Last Friday I set to work writing a litany remembering survivors of recent disasters. I was inspired by the hymn. “God of the Sparrow,” ELW #740, a recommended hymn for this coming Sunday, May 25. I was moved by the...
Bomblets and hunger
That war is a cause of hunger is not news. War displaces people from their homes, livelihoods, and usual food sources. It recruits and kills working-age men who would otherwise support their families. It disrupts agricultural cycles and destroys fields....
Earthquake in China
Key ELCA Global Mission and World Hunger partners in China are located in the Sichuan province, in the cities of Chengdu and Luzhou–south of the areas worst-hit by the earthquake. We’ve learned that they are safe and that seminary students...
What’s in YOUR Basement?
Say what you will about capitalism, it has its place! If there’s a demand, a supplier will appear. And the latest business I’ve run across is so perfectly American that I can’t help but admire it, although it makes me...
Myanmar Cyclone
This weekend, please remember the people of Myanmar in your prayers and offerings. It is still unclear how many people have lost their lives, and also unclear how the government of Myanmar will serve to help or hinder the international...
Garment factories as role models?
I’ve decided to go out on a limb today. I’m writing about something I probably have no business writing about. I apologize in advance to all whom I offend with my ignorance, and I welcome your comments and corrections. But...
The Bellwether Prize
I stumbled across an intriguing book list recently: winners of the Bellwether Prize. I love to read, and one of my favorite authors is Barbara Kingsolver. So when I read that she had founded a prize for literature, I immediately...
Causes of World Hunger
Looking for a quick way to convey the complexity of why hunger exists in the world? Try a mind map! It works as an individual activity, or with a leader mapping the ideas of a group. Once you’ve pretty much...
More on the Food Price Crisis
Question: How is ELCA World Hunger responding to the food price crises we are hearing about in the news? The Short Answer: Relief, development, education, and advocacy. The Long Answer: Our church understands that the causes of hunger–including the current...