Appropriately chastened

I was greatly affected and chastened by the stories in the current issus of WorldArk, the publication of the Heifer Project. Our family has been involved with the Heifer Project at some level for a while now. I successfully lobbied for the Heifer Project to be one of the mission recipients for funds from Plymouth Congregational Church. Adam did a stint working at the Projects farm in Arkansas.

Perhaps it is because the gospel story for the coming Sunday is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who see the risen Christ as he offers blessings over the shared meal and breaks the bread to give to them that made me particularly susceptible to stories of global need. Among the themes of this familiar story from Luke's gospel are ones of food, of the sharing of food, and of the ministry of hospitality in a shared meal.

At any rate, here are some factoids that ought to chasten you as well.
-- 42% of children under 5 in South Asia are moderately or severely underweight.
-- After-tax income for the top 1% of US households increased by $180,000 in 2005.
-- Some scientists believe that obesity-related diseases will surpass malnutrition as the leading cause of death for the poor because of their limited access to fresh, healthy food.
-- The current USDA W.I.C subsidies for fruits and vegetables is $8.00 per adult per month.
-- Due to a number of factors, including increased subsidies for biofuel production and greater amounts of land dedicated to raise livestock to meet a soaring worldwide demand for meat, the cost of vegetable oil, which is a critical source of calories for the very poor, is increasing.

Again, I believe that the Christian community in America could become - should become - a strong voice in calling for just and ethical policies in trade, in the application of food subsidies, and in the administration of governmental programs, and in committing to the sharing of "excess" wealth, so that we can make a difference in the live of those most needy and marginalized. Wouldn't it be wonderful for this to happen?