Food Shortage Real

These people, over 500 families total, lined up in the cold this past Monday afternoon for a special non-donation 2 P.M. Thanksgiving distribution in North Branch where about 35,000 pounds of food was handed out. We have experienced such an increase in attendance that in three distributions this month we ran out of food even though we plan for an extra 50 families most of the time. This week we will distribute food to over 2200 families and over 4100 families for entire month of November. This is a good thing, a God thing that is only possible because of the generous companies who donate the surplus food, the volunteers who work so very hard and our faithful partners in this ministry. On behalf of the over 12,000 individuals that we will serve this month, THANK YOU!

There doesn’t appear to be any relief in sight for the great need for food. More and more people are losing their jobs as the economy refuses to bounce back even with the stimulus packages and lowered gas prices. We are doing the best we can to meet the need but you could help us if you would. If you know of anyone working for a food manufacturer or distributor, please ask them to for contact persons within their company that we may contact to inquire for their surplus. We also ask that you would pray for us as this is not an easy task.

Financially we are like most families in America, struggling. However, God has graciously provided enough to sustain us as we are working diligently to reduce past debt that we have incurred in the process of developing Ruby’s Pantry. We are thankful for this.

If you feel led to help us during the holidays and the year end please feel free to do so now. You have made over 12,000 people have a happier Thanksgiving!
Lyn Sahr, Executive Director

Donations should be made out to: Home and Away Ministries, PO Box 43, Pine City, MN 55063

Missions in Mexico a Joy!

For the past ten years we have been actively involved in mission out reaches in Mexico. We have made dear friends there. Although our original vision of "sister churches" has never materialized we have supported the pastors and local churches in Monterrey, Mexico with speakers, short term mission teams, conferences, English classes, mobile dental outreaches in the poor areas and friendship.

Friendship is often undervalued as we build relationships that last as brothers and sisters in Christ. If your church is looking for a short term missions experience please contact us for information at lyn.sahr@homeandawayministries.org .

Needed: A self supported staff person to move to Monterrey and teach English. A one year commitment is necessary.

Meeting Holiday Needs

We started the month with our distribution in Danbury, WI setting up in the dark outside. This week we have four distributions. Meeting the need for food during the holidays is a concern because the need is great and food companies are challenged to not have surpluses. Sometimes it is easy to forget that they are in business to make money, not give away food. As a faith based organization we get to be tested in this area periodically.

As the holidays approach please remember to pray for this ministry as we have need for large amounts of food and funding to carry on.