Congratulations to the winners of the FHL Week 2017 Challenge! Here are some of the winners: Shiloh MBC Missional Food Pantry, You Feed Them Missional Food Pantry, UJIMA Community Services and IUPUI Paw’s Pantry. Their innovative ideas could change the image of food pantries and food ministries in Indianapolis and beyond.
FHL Week 2017 was covered with a nice article by The Indianapolis Star at the outset of the week long showcase of outreaches supporting Missional Food Pantries in Indianapolis. FHL Week has been going now for 12 years. As founder Merlin Gonzales observes: ” [FHL Week is] a testimony of what God can do through willing people!”
A registered nurse first assistant is a very specialized area of nursing. An RN first assistant assists the surgeon during a surgical procedure. The exact responsibilities vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual surgeon’s preference. But RN first assistants generally control bleeding, suture incisions and intervene during complications. For example, if a patient develops an abnormal heart rhythm during the procedure, an RN first assistant may administer medication to treat the condition. read more
After our interview at Ch. 8, I had headed back home to finish my work day. I was not my usual self. I felt cranky and frustrated. I shared with others that too much passion without much compassion is not good. Passion is good if directed the right way., otherwise, our passion makes us unaware of others. Our passion becomes our master, not realizing how we act or treat others.
Day 6 was another day of revelation about myself. Where ever I am, on my way home, working and meeting with people, who and what do I see? Do I remind myself that God created people in His image. That whatever we go through, God is watching over us. God holds us in the palm of His hands.
Do I listen what others are saying? Do I see what God is showing me or I just go through the day and not noticing the needs of others. I am not talking about now that I am hungry, but in my daily walk with God. Am I insensitive with others because my mind is focus on my task. Do I miss to treasure my experiences in life?
Hunger could help us to notice on what’s important in life, even the small things that seem insignificant. Do I even realize what others are actually telling me? Am I aware how I treat others or myself? Did I miss what God is doing? Am I aware how I live?
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. read more
TO START THE DAY hungry means that I’ll be thinking about food all day. What does that mean I WON’T be thinking about? When I’m hungry I think about myself so I won’t think about others. When I’m hungry I am consumed by what I will eat, not what I will think. When I’m hungry I think about my next meal, not my next job. When I’m hungry I think about my stomach, not my soul. I have been hungry like this for one week; I can’t imagine being hungry like this for one year. Donate to Faith, Hope & Love not because you know how daily hunger feels but because others do. https://www.fhlcommunity.org/beyond-this-hunger/
Congratulations to the winners of the FHL Week 2017 Challenge! Here are some of the winners: Shiloh MBC Missional Food Pantry, You Feed Them Missional Food Pantry, UJIMA Community Services and IUPUI Paw’s Pantry. Their innovative ideas could change the image of food pantries and food ministries in Indianapolis and beyond.
The second day of my 0-0-1 campaign. (0-breakfast, 0-lunch, but 1-supper) has been tougher than the first! Sunday morning, I was prepared to miss my usual breakfast cereal, but was tempted by the smell of bacon that Sandy was frying for our 3 grandsons who are spending the week with us! Fortunately, I was able to avoid the temptation, and the day went pretty well. I was hungry at dinner-time, and probably ate twice as much as I usually do.
I thought about that this morning, when I still felt full. That is probably normal for folks who are missing meals. They would tend to eat as much as they can, when food is available. That can’t be good for one’s health!
Today, I got off to a good start with a meeting at Panera, where I drank my usual coffee, but had nothing to eat. Then, it was off to Washington Township Park in Avon, so the boys could enjoy some time with their 4 cousins. I drank a lot of water, and had two meetings in the afternoon, and felt hungry much of the time. I was tempted to suck on my favorite cinnamon candies, but didn’t. I realized that I was resisting the temptation to eat snacks that were available, as opposed to wishing that I had something to eat. Those are two totally different thoughts! So, this experiment of skipping meals doesn’t really replicate the activities of those who are missing meals regularly. Hopefully, it will cause you who read this, to realize how good you have it, and to pray for those who don’t!
This evening, a friend pointed out that I wasn’t as patient dealing with a cohort as I usually am. He asked me if that was because of the disruption of my eating habits. I don’t know! This is not the best week for this experiment, because of the disruption of my schedule, with the grandsons in town. For one thing, I didn’t get my afternoon nap! But, it does illustrate the issue that food-insecure people are dealing with, constantly. Life goes on! Many are working more than one job, trying to feed 3 generations of family members, not getting enough rest, and having to deal with the problems of others. That’s what this campaign is all about! Awareness of those in need!
FHL Week 2017 was covered with a nice article by The Indianapolis Star at the outset of the week long showcase of outreaches supporting Missional Food Pantries in Indianapolis. FHL Week has been going now for 12 years. As founder Merlin Gonzales observes: ” [FHL Week is] a testimony of what God can do through willing people!”
“WHEREAS, Faith Hope and Love Week is a week-long period of raising awareness in addressing hunger beyond providing food…”
“Beyond This Hunger” is an event where community leaders, celebrities, business owners and the public embark on a journey of eating one meal per day during “Faith Hope and Love Week”, July 22-28. Each participant will embark on the 0-0-1 campaign. (0-breakfast, 0-lunch, but 1-supper).
In recognition of “Faith Hope and Love Week”, the Ambassadors will only eat one meal per day. We believe that engaging in this activity will help us and others shed some light on what it’s like to go hungry. The goal is to raise money for 100 impoverished Central Indiana families to participate in a 20-week program to learn how to get “Beyond This Hunger” and, to support the FHL operations.
If you’re not an Ambassador yet, it’s not too late to join us. If you wish to support us but are unable to be an Ambassador, there are 3 ways to get involved: Donate and/or Share this event via social media, email, or through your personal conversations and Pray for the Ambassadors that they would have the strength to eat 1 meal a day for 7 days.
As part of the program, we will boycott all snacks and 2 meals each day encouraging all of our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. via email, text, and social media, to join the “Beyond This Hunger” program by pushing out hunger facts, sharing stories from the field, creating awareness of the need, etc. Starting today, you will also hear us on KLove and other media.
Please prayerfully consider supporting us in our quest to address hunger beyond a bag a food.
God bless,
Merlin
Hot and sweltering 90-degree weather did not stop us as we start the Hunger Awareness Week at the Indianapolis Canal on Saturday, July 20th.
We walked for about 3 miles around the canal holding placards with hunger statistics. A former northern Indiana Mayor stopped by to speak with Sen. Jim Merritt who part of the kick off. I spoke with several people along the way and all of them were surprised to know about the sad reality of hunger in Indiana and Indianapolis. Indianapolis Star covered the reporting of the walk.
At the end of the walk, I felt blisters on my left feet which was unusual. It maybe the heat. Immediately, I thought this is just the start of the week. How could I walk the rest of the week?
Yesterday, was another hot day. I joined the Prayer Walk led by Indy Vineyard Church in Castleton. We split the group into 2, one group stayed in the food pantry to pray and another group walked at the nearby apartment complex and condominiums. We prayed, we offered cold water to the residents and we spoke to them about hunger.
At the end of the prayer walk, we all huddled together to pray for God’s plan to manifest in the food pantries and the neighborhoods. I received prayers from the group, thank God, I needed it! One of the Prayer Walk Area coordinator reported that there were 2000 people who prayed. Fox 59 TV station came to cover the reporting of the walk.
Today, Monday is the start of the Hunger Challenge. Follow my story daily as I trek the streets of Indianapolis from one food pantry to another. Our starting point today is at Second Helpings with a tour of their facilities. Then,I will walk to Cross Church. God bless you!
The doctor will take a complete eye history including your vision problems, your glasses-wearing or contact lenses-wearing habits, your overall health, family history, and current medications.Your vision will be checked with a refraction test. A refraction test is an eye exam where you look through a device with different lenses at an eye chart 20 feet away to help determine any vision deficits.
Acute appendicitis (AA), a common intra-abdominal surgical pathology, requires a comprehensive understanding of its presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and overall operative management. In the United States, AA occurs in approximately 7% of the population, with a mortality of 0.2-0.8%.The morbidity and mortality are related to the presenting stage of disease and increases in cases of perforation.
What would it be like to only eat processed food? What if I were only able to afford the cheapest boxed carbohydrates to feed my family? What if I were unable to afford fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats? How would my mental abilities be affected not only by the lack of food but by the kind of food available? I have been pondering these questions as an Indianapolis non-profit leader telling everyone to support Faith Hope & Love, an organization who helps to address these questions for the good of others. https://www.fhlcommunity.org/beyond-this-hunger/
Sometimes, we look at a bag of food and don’t realize that not only will it ease the hunger pain, but it could also affect our entire being.
Day 4 was a little better than the last 3 days. It seems like my body is adapting to its new routine. I think it’s starting to conserve fuel and energy. My mind was more alert when I got to the office for an important meeting, and I did well during a radio interview later that afternoon.
It was a blessing to visit the newest Missional Food Pantry at Nu Corinthian Baptist Church and witnessed one person accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. In the process of receiving food, a person’s eternal destiny was changed forever!
When I got home, my wife was cooking taco meat. It was hard for me to concentrate; however, my soul (or my principle of life) kept me strong in the midst of the tempting smell of food.
When we give food at food pantries, let’s not forget that the food will only fill the stomach. Since food is one of the basic human needs, it affects our entire being. It affects how we think, how we behave, what our bodies may look like, our internal bodily functions and our emotion. Food is essential for us to live.
As I was eating my one and only meal late in the afternoon at Qdoba, I appreciated the taste; it seemed like it was more delicious than before. I am thankful that I am able to afford to buy food and have the freedom to eat good (healthy and tasty) food. I had a stronger sense of appreciation in eating, knowing that it not only would ease my hunger pains but would also nourish my mind, body, soul and spirit.
MENTAL HEALTH & FOOD I often wonder how poor food consumption adversely impacts a person’s mental state. Vitamins and minerals from fresh produce are often missing from a poverty stricken person’s diet. What kind of connection, then, is there between food, mental health, homelessness, generational poverty, confrontations with law enforcement, the list goes on and on. Support our 0.0.1 campaign this week as we draw attention to the good work of Faith, Hope & Love. https://www.fhlcommunity.org/beyond-this-hunger/
Now, therefore, I, Joseph H. Hogsett, Mayor of the City of Indianapolis, do hereby proclaim July 24-30. 2016 …
Day one of the Beyond this Hunger has been eye-opening. Yes, I was hungry. However, what impacted me more was the feeling of loneliness and isolation.
I cooked dinner for my children but could not sit down and eat with them. I was on the outside looking in while they ate. I was different. I wasn’t a part of the group.
I am a teacher. As I scooped mac ‘n cheese and fruit onto my children’s plates last night, I drooled a little (lol) and then silently wondered how many times a student has come to school feeling hungry. I wondered if they too felt left out because they simply couldn’t afford to buy an ice cream or share their well packed snack with a friend. Breaking bread at a family meal or with friends at school doesn’t just feed our physical bodies. It nourishes our souls to dine with those we care about and love. When you’re too poor to eat with others, you feel left out and sad.
I personally have experienced the isolation of poverty. It makes you feel different than everyone else. I couldn’t just decide to go to the grocery store to feed my family like my neighbors could across the street. I had to plan family meals VERY carefully and track every penny I spent to make it to the next Friday (payday). I used to stretch expensive items- like a pack of chicken- to last for three or four meals instead of just one. Fresh fruit… fresh ANYTHING… was a luxury.
When I did go to buy food at the store, I used to die a little inside when the person in line ahead of me spent $8-$9 on something like name brand laundry detergent. I would have spent $1 on detergent at the Dollar Store and then fed my children for a few DAYS on the $8 left. I used to think, “What’s it like to go through the checkout and not even think about the money being spent?” Or, “What’s it like to have meat at every meal?” Again, poverty is isolating. It just makes you feel different… because you ARE different.
There were a few times when my family was entirely dependent upon others to eat. I had to plan my week and activities very carefully so I could be sure to make it to the local food pantry when it was open. Again, I couldn’t just decide to get groceries. I was told when to go because of the pantry’s limited hours. When I got to the pantry, I usually had zero say in what is given to me. DO NOT GET ME WRONG. I am grateful for every bit of help that I have ever been given in tough times. However, there is something truly humbling about not being able to choose. Poverty strips you of choice and dignity.
So, as I watched my children eat last night, all those feelings I had from tougher times came flooding back. Isolation. Humiliation. Loneliness.
The Beyond This Hunger campaign isn’t just about going hungry. It is about trying to empathize with those who suffer. I remember your pain: your physical hunger pains and your emotional pain.
Day 5: It’s hard to imagine that my body has been able to sustain having just one meal a day for 5 days!
Nineteen hours after my last meal, I walked to a bus stop. I missed the first bus, but I did not have the energy to run after it, so I waited for the next one. I wanted to share in the experience of those who are hungry and do not have a personal vehicle.
I was very late for my appointment in downtown Indy. Later in the day, I had the privilege of interviewing Rocky, a Dessert Storm veteran. He was sitting at a street corner asking for help. My friend, Todd, asked if he could bring him to a restaurant for lunch, but the veteran refused since his feet were aching. We later found out that someone had stolen his shoes. He ended up with a pair of shoes that were too small for his feet. One of my Facebook friends saw the live posting and offered to give him shoes.
Todd went to Jimmy John’s to buy lunch for Rocky. Meanwhile, I started the interview. You will see the live Facebook posting here: https://www.facebook.com/merling1/videos/10155672500228297/
Rocky’s life changed drastically when he retired from the Armed Forces. He said that 75% of the homeless are veterans. He also mentioned that in a certain area referred to as Tent City, all the homeless were veterans. He told me that some people spit on his face and throw beer cans, but he does not retaliate. I was shocked by his answer. I know I have a short fuse when I’m hungry. I realize that it’s much easier for us to say we forgive our enemies than when we actually experience it in the streets. Rocky has a strong faith in God, who sustains him. He can be calm in the middle of a storm. I have a lot to learn from him. I prayed for him afterwards.
On my way back home, his words stayed with me, “Anyone’s life could change in an instant.” Yes, many people are only a paycheck away from being evicted from their homes and/or from suffering hunger. I feel so fortunate that I don’t have to sleep in shelters or beg in the streets for my next meal. Thank you God!
Thrivent Financial Associates is really getting into the spirit of FHL Week 2016 and is reaching out to support the Indianapolis community with volunteers, seed money and an advertising plan for an outreach.
If you are a business (or organization) in the Indianapolis area, won’t you consider joining Thrivent Financial and create your own outreach? All it takes is:
Just click “Do It” and download the form. Fill it out and mail it to FHL.
To celebrate the 12th Annual FHL Week, Faith Hope and Love Community is giving away $50 each for 5 food pantries in the 46208 zip code area and the surrounding neighborhoods as seed money to improve their pantry site, serve the clients better, food drive, etc. you name it! Only 5 will be selected based on the creativeness of the project. Simple fill out the Project Proposal Form . It’s designed to help you to think creatively and specifically about what kind of outreach you will start with $50 of seed money.
Each participant will fill out a form to provide detailed information on your creative pantry project.
Email the form to [email protected] or snail mail/hand-deliver to Merlin at:
MLK Community Center (care of FHL Community)
40 W. 40th St.
Indianapolis, IN., 46208
The key to this fun-filled project is collaboration, partnership and engagement of the community. Please call Merlin at 317-572-5793 for any questions or for any assistance in putting your project together.
CONCENTRATION Imagine not being able to “think straight.” You snap at people verbally. Your hunger agitation gives you a “short fuse.” You are angry, not at the person in front of you, but at the fact that you cannot concentrate. The lack of food impacts our intellectual abilities, including our ability to control our temper and tongue. Next time you are in the company of a child who has not eaten that morning before school, remember: hunger impacts our humanity. I have experienced the emotions only in a small way during our 0.0.1 Faith, Hope & Love Week 2018. Support https://www.fhlcommunity.org/beyond-this-hunger/
Hunger Challenge 2019
Day Two
What a beautiful day! It was enjoyable to have a chilly morning and to be able to meet the men at the CBMC Indy Eastside breakfast at Lincoln Square Pancake House on E 56th Street. Unfortunately, I was unable to enjoy my usual waffle, but did drink coffee. Conversation is a good distraction from hunger, so I got along fine, even though the other men were eating big breakfasts. Next week! I’ll be able to get back into my routine, then!
I have found that hunger is a distraction with work. I can’t imagine a daily routine of hunger pangs while trying to do meaningful work. I can do it for a week, but would not like it on a regular basis. I was glad I had a discipleship meeting today which distracted me from thoughts of food. I had to get a couple of fillings at the dentist, so they numbed my gums and I think it numbed my brain, as well! It was good to take a nap when I got home. Then, refreshed, I was able to do some work in the yard before a welcome dinner with my wife.
I am really blessed! God has given me so much, and I am concerned for those who are dealing with food insecurity on a regular basis.
Won’t you help Faith, Hope & Love to reach out to those less fortunate? Your generous donation would be very helpful! Any amount would be appreciated! And, please pray with me for those who are struggling to find a meal a day.
Donate
Hunger Challenge 2019
Day Three
Today was a great day, although it started slowly! I had difficulty getting up, and traded some of my exercise time and my treadmill time for an extra half hour of sleep. I am attributing that tiredness to weight-loss more than hunger. When I weighed this morning, I had hit a low point that I haven’t seen for 30 or 40 years! I can’t remember when I have weighed that little! I never got that low on Weight Watchers, which was 13 years ago.
I had a cup of coffee at McDonald’s for morning meetings, then switched my eating schedule to 1:00pm for a pre-scheduled two-hour business lunch with CBMC associates. That was an easy choice since someone else was paying for it! I figured that was pretty realistic for anyone trying to survive on a meal a day! You grab food when it is offered to you!
A discipleship meeting followed that, and I traded a 6:00pm prayer meeting for my usual dinner time, so I didn’t have to watch my wife eating alone. So, this day went pretty well!
Tomorrow, I will be dealing with 27 hours without food, since I will be back on the supper-only routine. I talked with two of my friends, today, about their experiences on the Hunger Challenge. Each of us is dealing with it in a different manner, and each of us is learning something different. We are probably learning more about ourselves and our own eating habits, than about those who chronically miss meals, but it is a good exercise, anyway. It is always good to learn new things!
I hope you are learning some things as you read my emails! I hope you will consider donating to the cause! Thank you, if you have already given!
Blessings
Eldon
Hunger Challenge 2019
Day One
It’s 9:00 in the evening and I’m “hungry-tired.” I’m ready to go to bed, but feel like I want a snack, as well. I had a good dinner, but maybe that just woke up my stomach! At 8:30pm I was feeling hungry. I have a rule that I never eat anything after 8:30. I started that when I did Weight Watchers 13 years ago. Most evenings I’m not hungry then, anyway, but I am tonight!
I did pretty well all day, skipping breakfast and lunch. I used water instead of grape juice, to take my morning pills, but had my usual Monday morning coffee at Panera. I had to work at keeping myself busy, once I returned home, because I am used to taking a lunch break, then taking a nap, and snacking on something sweet when I get up. I took an earlier nap, but that made the afternoon go longer, and I had a tiredness that I can attribute to the lack of food.
I feel for those who are limited in the amount of food that they have access to. I know there are some people who only fix one meal per day, but nibble on it whenever they are hungry. Others lack the resources to do that, and may not have more than a snack, when they do eat.
I hope you can get a picture of that for yourself. What would it be like if that were your daily routine?
Please help us at Faith, Hope & Love to meet the needs of these people, both from a food standpoint and from a spiritual standpoint!
Hunger Challenge 2019
Day Four
This was a pretty good day! I think the 800 calorie cookie that I had for dessert after lunch yesterday, was enough to tide me over till dinner time today! Hunger was not the issue today, but lack of energy was! I had some good meetings, and felt good while I was engaged with someone, but I didn’t get much work done in between.
I started the day with a friend at Panera, so I had plenty of coffee to get me started. I was successful in getting some writing done after he left, but didn’t accomplish much until two afternoon meetings. The nap around noon was very appealing!
I was finally able to finish a project after a nice dinner on the back porch. Haven’t these last few days been delightful?
I don’t know about you, but I am energized by meaningful conversation. Maybe that’s why I love discipleship so much! I can come into an Operation Timothy meeting feeling tired and lacking motivation, but leave full of energy and enthusiasm! I don’t feel hungry during the meeting but often have a cinnamon disk as I drive away. I have been missing those this week because I didn’t think they were appropriate if I’m restricting myself to one meal a day. I have sworn off snacks this week and that has been a little tough.
Well, one more day and I can return to normal!
I feel for those for whom normal is my last four days. I am sure I could get used to it, but it would not be my desire. I would like for everyone to have the freedom and the resources to choose to eat when they want to, rather than forced to eat when they have to, or scrounge for food just to survive.
Please pray for the food-insecure people and for Faith, Hope & Love as we seek to “Shorten the Line.” Your generous gifts to FHL would help us achieve that!
Blessings
Eldon
Faith, Hope and Love is a 15 year-old local organization dedicated to the development of Missional Food Pantries, in the effort to “Shorten the Line” of folks getting free food, by guiding them to a relationship with Jesus Christ, helping them get a job, or training them to better handle their finances. In the past year, Faith, Hope and Love has incubated three new food pantries, and their network of food pantries has led nearly 300 people to receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior! Compare that with the number of salvations in your church in the past year!
I have been on the FHL Board since 2006, when we incorporated the ministry and have seen many changes. Faith, Hope and Love began by gathering churches, annually, to do service projects. That effort expanded to distributing food from a truck, during the year. Food pantries were birthed and the concept of the Missional Food Pantry developed, so that food distribution moved from transactional to relational. Efforts were made to focus on the clients’ specific needs by getting to know them, and by praying for them. We learned that one of the greatest needs was to know Jesus Christ, personally, so the presentation of the Gospel became an integral part of the process.
Faith, Hope and Love developed a Training Manual and a process for training churches to have their own Missional Food Pantry. It has been gratifying to see churches shut down a struggling food pantry, have their church people trained by Faith, Hope and Love, re-open as a Missional Food Pantry, and see multiple people come to Christ, and have an abundance of volunteers among their church members!
That’s why I am excited about participating in the 0-0-1 Hunger Challenge to raise awareness for the fact that many people in our city are going hungry on a daily basis, and to raise money for Faith, Hope and Love, as we seek to “Shorten the Line.”
This week, Monday through Friday, I will eat only one meal per day, skipping breakfast and lunch, and eating only at dinner time. We are told that many people in our city are forced into this pattern, because of their lack of resources. I will write, daily, to share my experiences with this process. Last year, when I engaged in this pattern for the first time, I found that by “pigging-out” at supper, I was able to survive the next day pretty well. I want to restrain myself this year, by eating a more normal dinner. I will let you know how it goes!
Won’t you help with this process by praying for Faith, Hope and Love and by giving to this great organization?
You can engage in the process by clicking on the Donate button!
You can learn more about volunteering, yourself, at FHL Community
Blessings
Eldon Kibbey, Interim Board Chair
I returned home from a war zone in 2009. I went from hero to zero in 3.5 seconds with no warning. I became a homeless Hoosier veteran standing on street corners begging for change to eat. Then 1 day God found me. He said “Hey follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men.” In 2011 I started following the way.
God has taught me how to not only feed myself, but become a self sustainable outreach and feed others for minimal out of pocket cost. It’s been a journey for sure. If God is for us then who can be against us?!? Hooah
Hills and valleys
My body was adjusting to my eating schedule this week. I was not craving lunch but dinner time was always hard since I eat my one meal for the day during breakfast.
My hunger experience last year taught me to be more mindful of myself. This year’s hunger (0-0-1) challenge was more tolerable than last year. I did not pick fight with my wife and I learned how to cope better with hunger. I became more aware of my surroundings as well.
Yesterday, 16 children walked with us. I have to be mindful of our surroundings to make sure the children are safe walking in the streets. We started counting our steps as we were getting close to our destination since the children were getting tired and 1 of them was getting hungry.
As I was writing this, I was reminded of a young mother I met at one of the food pantries we helped started. She was a single mother trying to calm down her child as she was approaching the pantry. I was also reminded of a parent in food pantry line who was trying to calm down her children because they were hungry. It’s hard to calm down a hungry child.
I woke up a little late this morning, probably eating less and walking everyday were catching up on me. It was hard for me to focus this morning but after a cup of coffee and good breakfast, I was ready for the day.
Today, Aarik and Sandy joined me. Also Mike, Bruce and Wade came in a truck to make sure that we are safe. On our way to our destination, we met several local residents. Greg, was a neighborhood leader in the past. He said that he grew up in the same house he is living now. He takes care of his yard and is proud of his neighborhood. We prayed for him.
Next, we met Jimmy who used to work for an automotive company many years ago. He was making good money but was cut off from his job and started using drugs. He is still hopeful that he would be able to start a small business growing weeds that would also help him calm down and relax.
As we were halfway to our destination, a person said that hunger is for real in their neighborhood. He said we are brave to walk the neighborhood since it is the most dangerous place in Indianapolis and in the nation.
Upon reaching our destination, I Googled which neighborhood in the US is most dangerous or violent. I found our that the neighborhood we passed is #2 in violent crime in the entire US!
We decided to walk back after a 3.2 miles walk. It was getting hot and our legs were starting to get tired. I was glad that I had 2 companions walking with me today, not only to keep me company but also for security.
This week has been a journey of hills and valleys. There were times that I was joyful and full of zest, sometimes I was down and discouraged. I have seen intimidating people and I have seen encouraging people. I have seen many abandoned houses and well maintained properties.
We encounter opportunities and griefs in our short lives here on earth. Our lives are fragile and every life is precious to God. Everyone matters.
This hunger challenge was rewarding and challenging. I am glad it is over (for now) but I am also sad because I will miss the God-encounters along the way and the people I met in the streets. I will miss the faces of local residents smiling and waving at me as they encourage me that what I am doing is appreciated. But I know I will not miss the growling stomach, the loss of energy and the pain of hunger.
I thank God for the opportunity that He provided me by experiencing how it feels to be hungry. I thank God for His provision and protection. I thank God for the different organizations that help the food insecure. I thank God for you for supporting me in this journey.
Thank you for those who have contributed financially. If you haven’t yet, please prayerfully consider giving to help those in need.
God bless you,
Merlin
FHL Week 2016 will include helping a local day care in upgrading its surroundings and creating a vegetable garden in the backyard. This 24-hr daycare is a ministry of a couple who have a heart for the children of Central Indiana. The daycare is located in a neighborhood that is high on the list of socially deteriorating areas in Indianapolis.
Sign up for FHL Week or donate and see how you can be a part of blessing these children and their families.
The cardiac examination is rich with tradition and time-honored techniques. Increasingly, there is evidence for the predictive value of the dynamic cardiac exam. read more
In one of his last acts as Governor of Indiana, Governor Pence recognized FHL Week as a wonderful opportunity for Hoosiers to come together to transform lives by virtue of hope!
Early in the morning, I was still thinking about how self-absorbed I was yesterday. I felt so bad. Then, I got busy preparing to go to an event.
Day 7 was a little hard for me. Jocelyn, one of the ambassador and I went to a Back to School event where they provided different resources for kids going back to school. Although it was not as hot as the previous weeks, the sun was intense.
After 2 hours being under the sun, I started to feel weak and dizzy. Jocelyn encouraged me to eat some cut fruits that she brought for the crowd. I immediately felt better. How could the food insecure walk in the middle of summer to go to work, to a pantry or do errands? What about the kids who did not have dinner the night before plus no breakfast the following day? How could they focus on their classes? What about the elderly who are on fixed income, deciding which they’re going to spend their money between prescription medicine and healthy food?
At the event, I met different community agencies. There were a few ladies from the same church who wanted their church to get involved in setting up Missional Food Pantry. Here’s a short video clip of one of the interviews that day.
Later that day, we had a celebration dinner for the week with several Ambassadors. We shared stories and testimonials. It was great to hear their hearts as they express their feelings beyond being hungry and in expanding their awareness about what’s happening in the neighborhoods.
I shared with everyone that I and a few other ambassadors will continue the challenge of eating one meal a day for the next 7 days until August 4th. For me, I would like to go deeper than experiencing how it feels to be hungry but to get me closer to God as I rely on His strength to continue on. You will hear more about this journey beyond being hungry for 7 days.
Thank you for all the ambassadors, the donors and for you who have supported us in various ways.
God bless you,
Merlin
Day 2: it was a challenging day. I started the day with low energy and feeling cold almost the entire day. I did not want to move and it’s hard to focus on my work. I was feeling hungry the entire day and all I can think of is how many more hours till my next meal.
A thought came to mind. I know I have food at 5pm, plenty of cooked food and
More in my refrigerator and pantry. What if I don’t have food waiting for me?
Recently, I read posting from someone I know who lives more than 10 miles away from a supermarket, no means of transportation. As I monitor the social media conversations during that time, the person said that all she needs is a jug of orange juice to balance her blood sugar. Later on, a community church came and brought her to town. A day later, my wife and I brought her groceries from one of FHL Missional Food pantries.
I live 2 miles away from 2 supermarkets. My wife and I visit one of the stores a few times a week.
Food desert, what is it? Find out more about it here.
Faith Hope and Love Mission Week. Help Hawthorne Place Apt Food Pantry. We are accepting can goods and non perishable items. Drop off at the main office 5244 E 32ND. For Every 25 items we have to do a HAPPY DANCE!!! #FHLWEEK2016 #HOPEINDPLS #Faithhopeandlovecommunity.inc
Posted by Kholdpretty Black Child on Monday, July 25, 2016
Faith Hope and Love Mission Week. Help Hawthorne Place Apt Food Pantry. We are accepting can goods and non perishable items. Drop off at the main office 5244 E 32ND. For Every 25 items we have to do a HAPPY DANCE!!! #FHLWEEK2016 #HOPEINDPLS #Faithhopeandlovecommunity.inc
Posted by Kholdpretty Black Child on Monday, July 25, 2016
Celebrating the start of Faith Hope and Love week at our 12th annual prayer celebration connecting 4 contiguous neighborhoods together for the 1st time to serve and minister to the city.
Posted by Donna ‘Murr’ Cherry on Sunday, July 24, 2016
I am so blessed to be able to work with you in our effort to engage and to involve the community through projects and outreaches during FHL Week. Everyone has done a wonderful job!
Even before the projects started, we already reached our goal – to connect with one another and to meet new friends. We have answered the question: “What would our neighborhoods look like if we could say, The Kingdom of God was here?”
I know everyone is working hard but if your project next week did not go as you have planned, don’t sweat it. Keep in mind that we already expanded and deepened our relationship with our community through our regular interactions at the planning meetings and in canvassing the neighborhoods. It’s already a breakthrough!
Let’s go out there to demonstrate the tangible expression of God’s love to everyone!
We touched many people at the ending of FHL Hunger Awareness Week with our Community Gathering at the Indiana Interchurch Center including prayers, recognizing the services of missional food pantries and fellowship.
Thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors and friends who prayed and supported the FHL Community and Hunger Awareness Week 2019.
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The residents of Hope Indianapolis at Hawthorne Place Apartments got together and decided to make a change for their community and address the food insecurity some were experiencing. As a result, Hope Indianapolis Food Pantry opened for the apartment residents during FHL Week 2016 providing hope to those who are in need. Hawthorne Place had been operating a food pantry for some time with Faith, Hope and Love as a sponsor.
Merlin spoke with some of the potential clients and the women running this new food pantry about what they think this food pantry will mean for their community.
It was an exciting step forward for this community as its members worked together to make it happen and FHL was there to support them. Merlin also spoke with a volunteer from the original Hawthorne Place food pantry to get her perspective on the changes they have experienced.
Officer John with the IMPD Bike Unit volunteers with FHL to teach kids mountain bike skills and build good relations with the police. #FHLWeek2016
Over 70 school-aged Children in the Forest Ridge Apartment Homes were blessed and grateful to receive a back-pack filled with much needed supplies for the new school year. They learned about the love of God, having a heart like God and watching for God in their lives. The children also have the opportunity to remember the day by leaving their colorful handprint on a large canvas representing their unique identity in Christ. They played “Freeze Dance” where every time the music stopped they had to freeze where they were and yell out “What I See God In” which we hoped would be a wonderful reminder to them to be aware of the presence of God in all creation. Most importantly, over 30 children and 3 adults that day accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior!
One of FHL’s Staff received a kind gift marking FHL Week 2016 this year. It’s a beautifully worked cut glass picture celebrating Faith Hope and Love!
FHL Week is about a week of faith-based outreaches in the Indianapolis area. But that doesn’t stop volunteers from outside Indianapolis from coming to help and being blessed by God for so doing.
This past week a group of young volunteers from Evangelical Community Church in Bloomington , IN came in their van with their youth pastor, Rob Girvin to help out with the FHL Warehouse stocking shelves, lifting refrigeration units and doing general clean up both inside and out. Before coming down to Indianapolis, the group stopped by the home of a local disabled woman who works from home and blessed her with some groceries that the children had donated.
Listen as Merlin talks with this youth group about how volunteering with FHL to help others has blessed them
Merlin spoke with one of the winners of the FHL $50 Challenge at the 25th Street Baptist Church on 525 W. 25th. during FHL Week 2016: a group of clients from a soup kitchen.
The 25th Street Food Ministry serves a group of very appreciative clients with a community soup kitchen and they in turn wanted to give back to the volunteers who serve them. So they put together a meal prepared by a working chef who volunteered his time.
Listen as Merlin interviews the clients of a very special soup kitchen in Indianapolis, 46208
Posted by Faith Hope and Love Community, Inc. on Monday, July 25, 2016
Within an hour after one meal the entire day (Sunday, 7/22/18), I went to the bathroom with diarrhea; maybe my stomach is not used to receiving food just once a day. To avoid the experience of hunger pains and growling stomach, I went to bed earlier than my usual schedule. However, I woke up at 3am, feeling cold. Eating a meal in this first day of FHL Week 2018, I lost half a pound and felt week (I drank more water than normal to ease my hunger).
Time is crawling when you are hungry and it reveals a different reality as compared to our common experience. One of the topics of Beyond This Hunger (BTH) curriculum is being aware of ourselves. The Bible tells us many stories of transformation when people fast such as Moses and our Lord Jesus Christ. Somehow, in the midst of distress, our spiritual eyes are sharpened and we are more receptive to revelations. Maybe this is one of the reasons why the Bible tells us “blessed are the poor…”
Please support me as I journey through hunger to raise awareness of this perpetual challenge in the cities of the greatest country in the world and to raise money to send 100 individuals to a 20-week transforming program. Click here to Donate https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/Beyondthis/MerlinGonzales
Excited to get started
I woke up at 4:30am and can’t go back to sleep. Perhaps excited to get started.
Thank God, it was much cooler today; the early morning rain helped. I put 3 bottles of cold water, portable phone charger, an extra shirt and raincoat in my backpack. The meeting place today was at Second Helpings. Patti spent almost an hour showing us around and explained their operations, which was excellent.
By the time we headed out, the rain stopped. My wife was my buddy since she can track down my location with her iPhone. While walking, I noticed Salvation Army building. I remembered that their food pantry director visited the Table Talk twice last year.
I stopped by unannounced but the pantry director was kind enough to visit with me and let me interview her about their operations. Visit https://www.facebook.com/FHL.Community/ for the interview and other Live coverage of the day. On my way out, a teenager shook my hand and introduced himself. He is a son of one of the volunteers at a missional food pantry that we trained a few years ago. He is now a Youth leader at Salvation Army. This made my day! I know that we are touching lives in Indianapolis!
Immediately after leaving the building, I received a call from WFYI for a phone interview. Here’s the article: https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/local-nonprofit-holds-events-for-hunger-awareness-week
After walking for almost 3 miles, a man asked me What’s the deal with the sign I was holding – Hunger Awareness. After explaining to him of the purpose, he asked me buy him pizza. I did not bring my wallet and even left my wedding ring at home. I offered him water in my knapsack and he graciously accepted it. He thanked me as he proceeded on his way.
I arrived at Cross Church after 2.5 hours of walking and a stop over. It was so nice that their pantry director and the pastor opened the doors for me with cold bottled water!
My wife met me there with our car; I was starting to feel loss of energy. We went home and I was tempted to take a nap but my adrenaline was still pumping in my veins; maybe because of the different kinds of people I came across with along my 5-mile-walk.
As I am writing this, I started to feel cold; my hands and feet were cold as well – my body is asking for fuel. After drinking a glass of water, I felt a little better but pain of hunger is still there. I am just happy that I can still think clearly – we’ll see how it goes later on tonight.
This was a full day and can’t wait to get started again tomorrow to meet people along the way to Barnes UMC and then a tour at Cleo’s Bodega.
Detours
We had a great walk yesterday from FHL to Cleo’s Bodega and to “You Feed Them” MFP.
Halfway to our first stop, a local resident waved and stopped her car to say Hi. She told me that her mother passed away. We detoured to a nearby parking lot and prayed for her.
We had a great visit to Cleo’s Bodega, a grocery store with Cafe. This establishment is needed and a solution to food access in the local area.
Our next stop was at You Feed Them Missional Food Pantry where FHL’s MFP Director, Lydia Davis shared with the walkers about the difference of this kind of food pantry as compared with traditional pantry.
Today, Wednesday the 24th, Neil walked with me from Shiloh MBC to Community Cupboard food pantry. I had the honor to help it get started a few years ago.
There were areas along 38th St. that do not have sidewalks., dangerous for walkers since this street is a major street. We walked on the grass and noticed foot tracks that are being used by people who do not have transportation. On our way there, we had a detour. A bridge was under construction and there’s no way for us to cross it.
We decided walk through a small neighborhood next to a railroad track. Fortunately, we saw a clearing in the middle of thick bushes and were able to cross the railroad tracks going to the main road.
This journey today is eye opening for me. I experienced being hungry and experienced the process of accessing food without your own transportation.
The Pantry Director at the Cupboard was very kind to show us their operation; she had chilled bottled water for us to take. This pantry serves 1600 families per month. They have a very good system, computerized check ins and large facility.
After the interview, I felt tired and ready to take a nap. I thought about big lunch but I cannot; I have to wait till tomorrow morning. I know I will have breakfast again tomorrow which is an assurance for me. But for the food insecure, they may have to allocate their resources to make sure they have enough for the next days. For the seniors who are on fixed income, it is always a decision to see how they would spend their money – prescription drugs, other necessities or healthy food.
There are detours in our lives and we never know when it may happen to us. Many people do not have enough reserves to be sustainable for several weeks if they got cut-off from their jobs, sudden sickness, etc.
Detours in life happens. We can prepare but for the food insecure population, it’s a matter of “Do we have enough for today, just for today.”
It’s important not to eat or drink anything if you think you’ve broken your arm because you may need a general anaesthetic so that the bone can be realigned. Before reaching hospital, a sling may help stabilise the arm (this goes under the arm and around the neck). Avoid trying to straighten the arm. read more
Hunger
Day 1 makes you very aware of how often we eat without thinking about it. It makes you realize how hard it must be for those that don’t have that option…..
DAY 1:
I started participating with FHL during the dance your shoes off event in 2012. I started volunteering the following year in 2013. I was just getting back on my feet, and people couldn’t tell by looking at me that I had once been homeless. I hid that part of my story for many reasons. I haven’t met anyone that enjoys needing help, let alone sharing the stories openly.
The root of the matter was daddy issues 7 generational curses. My biological father was missing in action growing up. I spent most of my life trying to be the boy he always wanted. Not realizing that I was not the issue at all. I grew up clueless to what society deemed a normal family.
By the time I reached high school I lived on my own starting at 16. I attended school because I needed an education. At that time, I had No positive parental authority or role models to show me how to adult properly.
It took me many years to figure out the above mentioned emotional trauma. By the time I got home from the Army in 2009, my biological father was a full blown addict. When most young adults have trouble, they can turn to their parents. I learned the hard way that was not an option for me whatsoever.
I got saved, sobered, and delivered in the blink of an eye in the middle of the street on 11/1/11. I was 33 years old when I made the final decision to serve God. There was no more back and forth. I could visibly see the path that I was on would lead to my death and ultimate destruction. God audibly reminded me that was where I was headed. Many of my friends didn’t make it out with me. I became a lone survivor to an invisible war.
God has provided me with many mentor’s over the years. Some became spiritual fathers. Men that are set apart to be examples of the father’s love for his children on earth. One of my spiritual fathers just happened to be Merlin Gonzales. Then just like that, God sent me a husband that could further love me the way God intended us to be loved.
I have tried to get down to the meetings leading up to FHL Week this year. In fact, I’ve been trying to get with my kingdom tribe since Jan. 27, 2018. That is the last time that I got to connect with Merlin and FHL. That happened to be the same day that my biological father passed away. I returned home from the Jan 27th event and learned about my father’s passing by a fb post.
The last few years has catapulted me into arenas that I didn’t want. I don’t like knowing what it feels like to be alone and hungry. I don’t like knowing what it feels like to be orphaned even though physically I had parents. But neither of them were equipped to teach me what I needed for a calling that only the heavenly father knows. For only HE truly knows the vessels and souls that he forms before creation.
To some my story/testimony is so intense that they can’t hear the stories. I spent 40 years trying to apologize for being my biological father’s child. I may have been birthed through a physical process, but I was created with a spiritual purpose. Until certain criteria was met, that purpose would not be revealed to me. God has showed up and showed out for me once again. I look forward to sharing all the updates.
These days my past does not define me. The way I handle my past or choose to carry it does. I choose to share my past, to show others how bright my future became. I look forward to sharing the stories of both the struggle, and the blessings that came because I didn’t give up or quit.
Day 1 Challenge: Complete
I even got to help feed a couple people with my farm fresh eggs, and some leftovers that no one was going to eat. Someone just happened to show up hungry, and found the charred bratwurst a delightful meal. To us it was trash. To them they got to eat.
I’m thankful that I get to participate 1 soul @ a time, mine included!!
I tagged in Day 1 of the Hunger Awareness Challenge at the awakening of the dawn.
Shalom
Nicole Schuyler Kapuscinski
These days my past does not define me. The way I handle my past or choose to carry it does. I choose to share my past, to show others how bright my future became.I look forward to sharing the stories of both the struggle, and the blessings that came because I didn’t give up or quit.
Day 1 Challenge: Complete
I even got to help feed a couple people with my farm fresh eggs, and some leftovers that no one was going to eat. Someone just happened to show up hungry, and found the charred bratwurst a delightful meal. To us it was trash. To them they got to eat. I’m thankful that I get to participate 1 soul @ a time, mine included!!
I tagged in Day 1 of the Hunger Awareness Challenge at the awakening of the dawn.
Shalom
Nicole Schuyler Kapuscinski
My stomach is constantly rumbling. I find my thinking is interrupted by my desire to eat. As an author, a professor, and a non-profit leader I depend on my mind. I identify in only a small way with those who are hungry like this every day, every week, every month. Take a moment to consider my words and donate to Faith Hope & Love, an organization who serves those whose stomachs rumble every day. https://www.fhlcommunity.org/beyond-this-hunger/
Compared to Day 2, I felt better. I am more alert, have more energy, and more clarity of mind. I had the energy to walk for 3 hours to share FHL Week’s Beyond This Hunger Campaign along Massachusetts Avenue. I spoke with several people about hunger and poverty in the city. Some people were surprised to know that Indianapolis is one of the worst cities for food deserts. Approx. 80,000 children in metro Indy go to bed hungry. Indiana is one of the hungriest states in the country. How could that be, in the greatest country of the world? One of the topics of the Beyond This Hunger program is empathy. As I spoke with the people, some were very empathetic, and some were judgmental. When I got tired of walking, I sat on a bench next to a lady whom I thought dropped something under the iron bench. So I offered her help and she said, “Could you pick up that dime under the bench? You’ll be surprised how many coins get dropped under the bench, and that’s what I do every day.” Another person nearby who just woke up from laying on the bench waved at me and he said he asks for money every day. I told him “I’m not able to give you money.” He said, “No, I’m just telling you what I do every day.” As I prepared to walk again, I saw him pull his toothbrush and toothpaste out and proceed to one of the shops, where I assumed he would ask for water. I can only imagine how hard it is to sit on a street corner smelling bacon, ham and eggs while; all this while watching people walking and snacking, and all you have in your pocket is a dime. It was hard for me, because I know I can just go into one of the restaurants on Mass Ave and purchase a good meal, but I chose to be hungry. Later, I met the rest of our group at the circle in downtown Indianapolis. We interviewed people live on Facebook , so you can check my Facebook https://www.facebook.com/merling1 for some interesting conversations. One thing that resonated with me, was the feeling of loneliness and separation from society that the people I spoke with expressed. A man I met who lives on the street goes to a technical school and is not losing hope, even though he has to scour food from garbage cans. This has been a different day, experiencing being with the people who are hungry, but do not choose it. When it was mealtime, I heard my wife say, “slow down,” because I was devouring the food out of hunger. After I ate my meal for the day, I was so thankful, and I felt blessed. I regained my strength within an hour, and actually ended my day vacuuming the house.