Presbyterian
Hunger Program
The Presbyterian
Hunger Program (PHP) is a ministry of the
General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
For over thirty years, the PHP has provided a channel
through which Presbyterians can be engaged in the
fight against hunger -- in the United States and
around th
e World. The work of the PHP is guided by
the General Assembly adopted Common Affirmation on
Global Hunger.
Through
giving to the annual One
Great Hour of Sharing offering and year-round support
of the Hunger
Fund, Presbyterians provide the PHP with nearly four
million dollars a year to support ministries of direct
food relief, development assistance, public policy advocacy,
education, and lifestyle integrity.
If
you are building or contiuing to develop a hunger
ministry in your congregation, you are invited to
contact Rev. Jay Olson, Associate for Mission Support, Sierra Mission Partnership. She can assist your congregation in promoting Presbyterian programs,
special offerings, advocacy, and education in the areas
of Hunger Action, Peacemaking, and Restoring Creation.
 Joining
Hands
Joining Hands began in 2000 as an initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger program. It is a global ministry against hunger and poverty. It links U.S. congregations and presbyteries with overseas networkds of churches, non-progit organizations, community groups, and other faith traditions to work for peaceful social change.
How does it work? Joining Hands struggles to restore the balance of power
between the global North and South-both a spiritual and economic task. U.S.
Christians accompany partners as they organize local, national, and global
campaigns to tackle problems. Initiative and control stay in the hands of
marginalized and oppressed communities. The goals include empowering leadership
to effect change, engaging in mission that is not based on money, and working
against the root causes of hunger that charity will never solve. Simultaneously
country-networks initiate just and sustainable economic activities aimed at
bettering lives.
Who is our network partner? Our partner, Chethana, lives and works in South
India. They are the Dalits (formerly referred to as the
untouchables based on the outdated Caste system). Chethana joined with
Sacramento Presbytery to secure decent livelihoods for Dalit outcasts and
people in impoverished farming communities, especially women and traditional
artisans. Land and clean water are also issues.
What can you do?
-
Buy goods from Partners for Just Trade, the fair
trade partnership of Joining Hands
-
Participate in Joining Hands letter-writing and
other advocacy campaigns
-
Follow the news from the region where Joining
Hands partners are living.
-
Include our partners in the prayer life of your
church
-
Fund the work of Joining Hands country-networks
that are challenging corporate greed, toxic pollution, economic deprivation,
and military occupation
If you would like to take part in the Joining Hands
Campaign for peaceful social change,
contact Rev. Garry Cox, Chair. (916) 442-8939 or garrycox@westminsac.org
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