“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
On Friday, November 26, 2021, the feast day of St. John Chrysostom, the Teen Youth Group of Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, volunteered at “Feed My Starving Children”, a Christian non-profit organization that helps feed starving and malnourished children all over the world, especially in Africa. One of every nine children in the world go to bed hungry. These statistics have a worse ratio in countries of Africa. To a starving child, hope can only begin with a reliable source of nutritious food. About 19 million children are facing extreme hunger in the world today.
The youth were able to put our Orthodox Christian faith in action and help pack simple meals that children eagerly look forward to receive just to stay alive. The parents, family members and the Cathedral Clergy also joined the youth group to offer support and to help in the efforts to pack meals. This year, our noble endeavor was supported by His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica-Midwestern American Diocese. All present were overwhelmed with joy to see among us our Hierarch, who by His personal example leads His flock in love and virtue towards our neighbors.
On the doorstep of Advent and in the spirit of almsgiving, the youth were happy to see how their volunteering had a direct impact on helping feed hungry children. Through our efforts, we were able to pack 15,336 meal packets that will help feed 42 children for ONE year in Africa. The youth understand that we have so many of God’s blessings to be thankful for, and that we should always try to help those in need.
We truly share the mission of “Feed My Starving Children” that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has called us to feed the hungry and serve those in need, and that we should follow His calling every day in all that we do. When we “love our neighbors as ourselves,” our lives are enriched. (Mark 12:31) Every child has a right to be fed a nutritious meal. “For I was hungry and you gave Me food.” (Matthew 25:35) The Teen Youth Group of the Serbian Cathedral in Chicago is led by Protinica Jelena Milunovic.
