In the Foods Resource Bank (FRB) projects roster for 2009 there are 27 Brethren congregations listed representing ten states. The FRB is an organization involving 16 mainline Christian denominations. Their goal is to alleviate hunger in developing countries through growing projects in the U.S. from which funds are derived that are used to increase food production on small farms where food is in short supply.
Four Kansas churches in Reno and McPherson counties have completed four years in the program. Churches of the Brethren include McPherson, Hutchinson, and Monitor along with the Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson. Land has been supplied in McPherson County by MaryEllen Yoder-Jay and Amy Warner (2007) and Ellis and Rita Yoder (2008, 2009, 2010). Crops grown include wheat, grain sorghum and soybeans.
Funds are raised by the congregations involved to pay for farming expenses so that when the crop is harvested and sold, all of the proceeds will go into a designated project.
Fund-raising has involved soup suppers, Alternative Christmas Fair opportunities, personal gifts and church donations. FRB projects supported have been in Guatemala, Peru and Malawi. During a four year period over $30,000 has been sent as assistance.
Congregations involved have planting and harvest celebrations at the Monitor Church of the Brethren in rural McPherson. Members of the churches supply a carry-in meal or a home-made ice cream and cake feed along with a music program supplied by the host church. Appreciation for the opportunity to serve others is expressed by pastors and/or members of the congregations. The 2011 project will be corn production on the Ellis and Rita Yoder farm.
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In the Foods Resource Bank (FRB) projects roster for 2009 there are 27 Brethren congregations listed representing ten states. The FRB is an organization involving 16 mainline Christian denominations. Their goal is to alleviate hunger in developing countries through growing projects in the U.S. from which funds are derived that are used to increase food production on small farms where food is in short supply.
Four Kansas churches in Reno and McPherson counties have completed four years in the program. Churches of the Brethren include McPherson, Hutchinson, and Monitor along with the Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson. Land has been supplied in McPherson County by MaryEllen Yoder-Jay and Amy Warner (2007) and Ellis and Rita Yoder (2008, 2009, 2010). Crops grown include wheat, grain sorghum and soybeans.
Funds are raised by the congregations involved to pay for farming expenses so that when the crop is harvested and sold, all of the proceeds will go into a designated project.
Fund-raising has involved soup suppers, Alternative Christmas Fair opportunities, personal gifts and church donations. FRB projects supported have been in Guatemala, Peru and Malawi. During a four year period over $30,000 has been sent as assistance.
Congregations involved have planting and harvest celebrations at the Monitor Church of the Brethren in rural McPherson. Members of the churches supply a carry-in meal or a home-made ice cream and cake feed along with a music program supplied by the host church. Appreciation for the opportunity to serve others is expressed by pastors and/or members of the congregations. The 2011 project will be corn production on the Ellis and Rita Yoder farm.
