Emmanuel is a child from Tijuana and part of the feeding program “Cambiando Vidas (Changing Lives). This feeding ministry is centered in one of the most marginalized zones of Tijuana; a place recognized for its extreme poverty and home to hundreds of families who fight each day to stay alive. Among issues like family abandonment, lack of employment and violence, “Cambiando Vidas” ministry truly has come to bring change to the lives of the families in this community.
"Fed Up": Hunger Action Month
On September 4th Outside the Bowl took a team of 8 people to Port au Prince, Haiti. During our quick 5 day trip, the team visited the OTB kitchen and spent valuable time interacting with our ministry partners and the people they serve. One of our team members, Kim Bryant, shares her experience and the impact it had on her below.
Mexicali ministry - Loving "Los Amigos"
As part of their outreach ministry “Los Amigos” or ‘Friends’ Church', carries out a community feeding program to meet the ever growing needs of the people of Colonia Santo Niño. Santo Niño is a notably marginalized zone, affected by rural abandonment, drugs, alcohol and the predominance of dysfunctional families.
The Walls Are Up!
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: June started out slowly as George, South Africa was hit with heavy rains, hampering our construction efforts. Rain dampened the ground but not our spirits! Once the foundation dried out, we hit the ground running. We hired locals to help install underground plumbing, sewage, electrical piping and pour concrete slab.
Thieves and Bar Tricks in South Africa
The crane-truck that donated the delivery of our container literally did not come to a stand still before 2 boys stole some steel hooks from its tool boxes.
Upon overhearing some ladies talking about it, I walked up to the group of boys that always hang out in the street and asked who would like to make a quick 20 bucks. Needless to say, I had everyone's attention and when I did I said "20 bucks to guy that bring me the items Pitte and his buddy stole" and then I walked away. I think I must have caught them off guard knowing that it happened and also knowing the name of the culprit.
Feeding Adoration School
I spent a little time in the Special Needs classroom at Adoration School today. A particular young girl named Hirlinda caught my attention. Her smile as she was being served her lunch time meal at school was priceless. We are glad to partner with Adoration School as they are educating 380 of the most marginalized children in the city. These kids would otherwise not be in school and most have their only meal of the day at school prepared by OTB.
OTB Meals for El Nino
In April, Outside the Bowl received a request to provide meals for the elderly community served by El Nino Community Center in Tijuana. So often, the elderly are marginalized and many face the challenges of aging alone. Unable to work, they find themselves living on the fringe - alone, helpless and hungry.