The generosity of Southern Baptists is truly overwhelming. To have a fund set up to feed starving and needy people who are in the remotest areas of the world is an awesome thing.” Those were the words of a Christian worker in China who had helped distribute food and blankets purchased by Human Needs Funds to an unreached people group in southwest China.
During mid-October, the worker was able to distribute $5000 worth of cooking oil, salt and thick winter blankets to people who had walked up to five hours to receive the much needed essentials. Because of heavy rains, it took him and his friends more than two days by truck to reach the remote area.
“We traveled over treacherous, washed-out, rainy, mountainous roads. But when we pulled up to the village that we were using as a distribution point, we were amazed. Even though we had arrived a day late, people were milling around everywhere waiting for us!”
Due to malnourishment, many of the people were sick and some were on the verge of death. They had been existing for months on one meal of corn gruel per day. But the gifts of food for nourishment and blankets to stave off the damp, cold weather will give them a greater chance of surviving the winter. “We kept hearing them say that this was the first time that anyone had cared about them,” said the worker. “We were thanked profusely and we had many opportunities to tell them that this wasn’t from us, but from the God above who loves them.” In addition to tending to the physical needs of the minority group, the visiting workers also made plans to return in the spring to feed the people spiritually.
“When I was in Royal Ambassadors as a child, I often heard these kinds of stories,” concluded the worker. “I was impressed then. But now, having seen firsthand what Southern Baptists did for this minority group, I thank God for working through us to assure that these unfortunate people were not left trapped and alone in this remote area.” (News service)
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