| Note: this is an archive of the old 2009 Sale pages. Click Here for the newest pages. |
All are welcome to attend the 41st annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson April 17 & 18. Parking and admission is free. All are welcome to freely enjoy a wide-range of activities.
Each year all over North America, thousands of volunteers come together to raise money for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for the relief of suffering in the world. Over $6 million Cdn./$5 million U.S. was raised in 2005 with 88 percent sent to the field.
In 2006, Relief Sales raised 5,369,519-an increase of 11%.These festivals/auctions offer a little bit of everything - quilts, artwork, crafted woodwork, homemade foods, antiques and crafts. Often there is music and lots of fun activities for kids including an auction just for them. There are over 40 Relief Sales in North America. Go to www.mcc.org/reliefsales or sales.mccsale.org for a complete listing.
The main events at the Kansas sale include: Children's, General, Quilt and Silent Auctions; Friday night musical program; the Feeding of the Multitude -- a German buffet; the Children's Activity Center located in the Pride of Kansas; International and local Crafts; plants; and a wide variety of food booths.
The money generated by the KMRS supports the work of Mennonite Central Committee, a world-relief organization. For more information about programs MCC supports go to www.mcc.org.
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Did you know that MCC was the winner of the St. Boniface Award in 2000, the Global Citizenship Award in 2004 and is listed in the top 500 non-profit organizations named by the American Philanthropy Institute (www.charitywatch.org)? In AIP's view, a reasonable percentage to spend on programs is 60% or greater. They give high grades to organizations that put 75% or more towards program costs. MCC puts an average of 85% towards program costs! |
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, Over 70 Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and Amish congregations in Kansas, and friends, donate their gifts and services for this annual event. Through participation in the Kansas Relief Sale, we share our resources to mend a broken world. We send food to satisfy hunger, clothing to warm the cold, and compassionate people to help build self esteem and community.
For more information about MCC call or write to 21 South 12th St., PO Box 500 Akron, PA 17501-0500 or call 717-859-1151 or toll free 888-563-4676 or go to www.mcc.org. Some photos and materials on this page from www.mcc.org
  
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MCC: Giving the hungry something to eat since 1920Founded in 1920 Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the relief, service and development agency of North American Mennonites and Brethren in Christ. MCC seeks to demonstrate God's love through committed women and men who work among people suffering from poverty, conflict, oppression and natural disaster. Currently over 1300 workers serve in more than 50 countries, including the United States and Canada. MCC strives for peace, justice and dignity of all people by sharing resources, experiences and faith in Jesus Christ. |
Tim Shenk
November 18, 2008
AKRON, Pa. - Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is supporting Zimbabwe's Brethren in Christ Church in providing emergency food supplies to 23 high schools after a four-month delay imposed by the government because of political tensions.
Zimbabwe is in the midst of economic and political crises. Unemployment and skyrocketing prices - with basic foods now costing hundreds of thousands of Zimbabwean dollars - have driven more than 3 million people to flee the country in recent years. Government and opposition political leaders have been deadlocked since March over a disputed presidential election.
The Brethren in Christ Church is distributing 72 tons of wheat and soybeans to 23 high schools in Matobo District, a rural area in southwestern Zimbabwe. Many of Zimbabwe's 33,000 Brethren in Christ live in Matobo, according to Abraham Nyatsanza, a consultant to the Brethren in Christ food relief program.
The food distribution was delayed from June to September because of government restrictions on humanitarian aid following the disputed presidential election, according to Nyatsanza. Food shortages have affected the health of many children in Matobo district, many of whom walk several miles to school.
"I can confirm to you that we did find instances where children were fainting in school because of lack of food," Nyatsanza said.
The food distribution, which started in early October, is allowing schools to serve a mid-morning meal. Some schools resumed sports and drama activities that had been suspended because students were hungry, Nyatsanza said.
However, the food will run out in December, and hunger is expected to be a continuing problem. Many farmers in Zimbabwe are unable to buy seed or fertilizer, Nyatsanza said.
"Some 5 million people may be in need of food in January," he said.
MCC is planning further food distributions to schools and communities in Zimbabwe, according to Willie Reimer, MCC's director of food, disaster and material resources programs.
Zimbabwean schools are also struggling with other issues. Inflation has reduced teachers' monthly salaries to less than $4 U.S., which is the price of a loaf of bread, Nyatsanza said.
Many teachers are on strike, and some schools in Matobo are only taught by one headmaster, according to Nyatsanza.
The economic crisis is leading able-bodied adults to seek work in South Africa or other countries. Parents are leaving their children with relatives or other caretakers in order to earn money abroad and send it home, Nyatsanza said.
Zimbabwe's political leaders are currently negotiating a power-sharing agreement, but few people envision a quick solution to Zimbabwe's political and economic troubles.
"People are going ahead with their plans to leave the country," Nyatsanza said. "I think it's a situation where people are giving up on the politicians."
Tim Shenk is a writer for Mennonite Central Committee.
Shalom Wiebe and Cathryn Clinton
February 3, 2009
AKRON, Pa. - Mennonite Brethren churches in the Choco region of Colombia provide alternative agricultural projects for families in the "Food not Coca" program. The program, funded by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), supports the efforts of more than 100 families.
Coca cultivation has changed the economy by inflating local prices. Traditional crop prices don't sustain farmer's families. Coca, when processed illegally, produces cocaine which is a sure income.
"There is definitely a temptation to grow coca, especially in rural communities," explains Manuel Mosquera, pastor of the Istmina Mennonite Brethren Church and coordinator of "Food not Coca."
"Our vision is to improve the living standards of the participants, to help them keep farming food crops and keep them from getting involved in the production of coca," says Mosquera.
MCC supports the Food not Coca project with funds from Foods Resource Bank (FRB), an ecumenical organization that supports international agricultural projects through MCC and other Christian organizations. FRB is funded by contributions from U.S. farmers and their churches and communities. More information is available online at foodsresourcebank.org.
The first participants in the Food not Coca project were church members from the 14 communities where Mennonite Brethren churches are located. Community participants were added in the second year. Pastors selected all the participants based on need. The projects matched the farmer's experience.
The project provides materials rather than money. For those with crops, fertilizer and labor for maintenance are offered. For others, seed or animals such as piglets, chicks or fry for fish ponds are provided.
"The support made a big difference for my farm. Without maintenance it would be a jungle," said farmer Jesus Alfredo Benitez. Fertilizing non-productive plants back into production meant that Benitez was able to sell his guava, corn and plantain in the town of Istmina.
Four church communities, Boca de Suruco, Basur£, Pait¢ and Pie de Pepe formed cooperatives involving all the families in each congregation. They raise pigs, chickens and yucca.
The Pie de Pepe cooperative is located in an active conflict zone. Unemployment is a problem as many can't work in their fields because of the presence of illegal armed groups.
"The chicken project has been a great blessing," says Aurelina Borga, pastor of the Pie de Pepe Mennonite Brethren church. "We are the only people in town who are in the chicken business, and we have been able to sell a lot of chickens."
Education on sustainable practices is also an essential element of the project. Mosquera encourages a focus on maintaining healthy soil and a quality product.
Few are living off proceeds from the project, but Mosquera is encouraged. "Production is still not enough to enjoy the benefits," notes Mosquera, "but they are learning how to work together, how to share responsibilities."
He plans to encourage people living in towns to begin small gardens in their own yards. "It will involve more education," says Mosquera. "Even if they aren't able to earn money by selling what their gardens produce, they can save money and use it on something else."
Mosquera has many new ideas for the region. "An integral part of our identity as Anabaptists is service, and that is why we see this kind of community project as part of our mission as a church."
Shalom Wiebe is a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) worker in Bogotá, Colombia. Cathryn Clinton is a writer for MCC.