“The nation is near bankruptcy,” reported a Barnabas Aid project partner in a South-East Asian country.
Poor harvests, economic troubles and natural disasters have combined to create a growing crisis. More than a quarter of those in rural areas are experiencing food shortages. Around a third of children have visible signs of malnutrition.
Christians are a minority here. They are often among the poorest of people. Persecution – sometimes violent – adds another level to their hardship.*
Meeting the challenges of a food crisis
Our project partner recently visited a desperately poor Christian community in a region affected by flooding. “When I saw them I was in tears,” he said.
In another part of the country, two elderly widows said that they were close to giving up – steep levels of inflation had made it impossible for them to buy the food they need.
As part of our food.gives project, Barnabas helped to set up a rice-milling initiative in 2022.
This elderly widow told our project partner that she was ready to “give up” before Barnabas-funded rice was delivered to her
Your generous donations allow our partner to buy unmilled rice from Christian farmers. The rice is then processed in a Barnabas-funded milling machine and distributed to our hungry brothers and sisters. As a bonus, rice bran (the by-product of the milling process) can be used as animal feed by the farmers or as fertiliser for mushroom production, another source of food and income.
In 2024 so far, rice has been delivered to more than 21,000 people.
Yet the economic problems continue. The poverty is unending. The hunger grows more acute.
Can you help us to feed hungry Christians?
We are profoundly grateful for all those who have supported the rice-milling project since it began. Thanks to you, thousands have been fed. Could you help us to continue this vital work?
Rice deliveries have brought great joy to those facing immense hardship. Will you help us to continue this important work?
Our project partner must begin now to purchase the rice needed to begin the milling process and continue feeding the hungry in the months ahead.
Thank you for your continued prayerful support.
A gift of any amount is a welcome contribution towards the cost of purchasing unmilled rice and feeding the hungry.
PR1755 Rice milling in South-East Asia
* Country name omitted for security reasons
