A Half Billion Meals Served

I have exciting news to share with you! Many years ago, I was visiting one of our outreaches in India, where we feed so many hungry kids. And I remember saying to my son, David, that I would love to one day feed a million children. It was something God put on my heart, and at the time, that number felt staggering!

But guess what? We just passed the milestone of serving one half billion meals to hungry kids and families. (We now support 775 feeding sites in 26 countries around the world!) I hope you're just as excited as I am, because I love helping hurting people—and I know that you do too. So, thank you for being a part of making that happen! To celebrate this incredible milestone, we want to show you some of the faces and tell you a few of the stories of the people you’ve helped to feed!

“When I’m hungry, I can’t learn.”

Those were the words of Racheal, a young girl who struggled to pay attention at her school in Zambia, due to extreme hunger. Each day, as she walked an hour and a half each way to get to her classes, she did so on an empty stomach because food was not a guarantee in her home—it was a luxury.

Mapulanga Kakumbi, the head teacher at the Sankandi School in Zambia, explained, “The children were sleepy, were not concentrating. There were others who complained they are sick.”

But life changed dramatically for these young classmates when Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries, began a feeding program for the students at the school.

Racheal has seen a noticeable difference in her education since having something nutritious to eat regularly. “Before the meal, I was not attending the class very well,” she explained. “Because when I'm hungry, I can't learn. So, it's better to eat. That's why now I can concentrate in class!”

Mapulanga confirmed that he’s noticed a change in attendance, too. “[The students] know when they’re at school, there is feeding,” he said. “Even those who are coming from far places, they know…there's feeding at lunch. So, they don't worry.”

Outcasted. Unwanted. Rejected.

These were the words that overshadowed Anushka’s life since she could remember. Even though she and her parents were healthy, her grandparents had suffered from leprosy. This meant they were also forced to live in a leprosy colony, secluded from others—complete outsiders in their community.

Oftentimes life felt hopeless. Because of the rejection they faced, it was difficult for Anushaka’s parents to find work, so the family struggled financially. They did their best to put food on the table, but it was never easy. Meals were scarce and poverty was overwhelming at times.

But that was when friends like you stepped in to help! Thanks to the support of our partners, Hand of Hope works with Embrace a Village in India to reach out to families impacted by leprosy. Together, we show the love of Christ by providing medical support, nutritious food, specially made shoes, and other necessities.

Not only did Anushka’s family receive help, but she was also enrolled in Embrace a Village’s after-school program, Little Lights, where she enjoys a quality education, spiritual development through Bible classes, and regular nutritious meals. Her parents have even marveled at her academic progress!

Thank you once again for being a vital part of making these life-changing stories possible!

These stories are just a few of the many lives transformed around the world, all thanks to the unwavering support of partners like you. We want to share even more stories with you and would be thrilled if you read our Annual Report, as it’s always a joy to reflect on how God has used your prayers and incredible generosity to work miracles in the lives of others.

Visit our Annual Report today and be inspired by other amazing stories of God's power at work!