From volunteers, to farmers, donors, fundraisers, speakers, and everyone in between, I find it incredibly rewarding to be serving our supporters as they work over and above their daily life – not to help themselves, but to help and serve others.
In November, I had the opportunity to go overseas on a Foodgrains Bank learning tour to Malawi. Together, we visited partner organizations connected with our members and were able to spend time with people living in Malawi who are actively participating in community programs to improve their own food security.
One couple that stood out to me was Raphael and Rebecca Sauti. They had been voted by their community to be the first family in that area to try conservation agriculture (CA). A few hours later and I had learned much about the CA process from the Sauti’s – they were very knowledgeable, and often shared their expertise with other community members.
Both of them smiled a lot while talking about the positive changes they’ve experienced through the program implemented by Brethren in Christ Church Malawi – Compassionate and Development Services (BICC-CODES), partner of Mennonite Central Committee. Their food security has improved, and their family relationships have been strengthened.
It was a blessing to see how the work we support is positively impacting their lives, and to see them building a happy, loving home with each other.
What I found really encouraging was the kindness of the learning tour participants, their love for their global neighbours, and their compassion for those in need. They came home to Canada and started speaking to community groups, presenting on the trip and actively sharing their learnings. They didn’t forget the need they saw; they came home and are working even harder on this mission to end hunger.
It takes all of us working together to end hunger, and I’m grateful for the contagious enthusiasm of Canadians like you who choose to be part of the journey.
Stephanie Ball,
Supporter relations officer
This story was originally published in the 2024 Spring edition of Breaking Bread.