At noon they started arriving, fifty five in total. Little tykes, some as young as four, mostly dressed in traditional Guatemalan garb, all but a few alone, unaccompanied by an adult. Some were clean others dirty, all grinning from ear to ear. They cued into a single line as they had done so many times before, trying to wait patiently. Today was feeding day. Today was one of the three days a week these children could come to the MANNA feeding center in Sumpango, and receive a free meal. As they waited there was an excitement in the air. You could sense the eagerness, the anticipation, in each of the children as they tried to wait patiently for the doors to open.
Finally the doors were open. Each child was checked in and in a matter of minutes it was down to business. No longer did you hear any bantering. Now there was only the occassional voice breaking the silence as they quickly began to consume the meal that was set before them. This food was a matter of need, of sustinance, and from their expressions, you could tell the importance it was in their lives.
The whole process took less than thirty minutes. They came, they ate. As soon as the last morsels were consumed, the laughter started again. Then they were gone.
This was my first trip to visit the Sumpango feeding center in Guatemala. It was part of a survey trip for Shore Fellowship Church to assume control of the financial sponsorship for this individual feeding center. As mentioned, these kids get fed 1 meal, 3 days a week. We would like to see them fed a minimum of 5 days a week. The optimal plan, to increase the number of children, and feed them 7 days a week. However, this goal can only be attained through increased financial support.
Watch “the children of Sumpango” video: CLICK HERE
If your heart is telling you to help, don’t wait! You can make a 100% tax deductible donation by clicking the following link: CLICK HERE
You can be a hero today! You can make a difference!
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