Gov. Theodore R. Kulongoski and his wife, Mary Oberst, are used to eating the best their state has to offer: salmon, huckleberries and mushrooms foraged from the Cascade mountains.This is an example pastors, and not just politicians, could stand to emulate. Get in the folks' shoes, walk around in them and see how they live for a while. You might find out they are a lot different than you are. Then you really will be equipped for service and ministry.The coming week will be different. They will spend just $3 a day each on their meals, $42 in all, to match the amount spent by the average food stamp recipient in Oregon.
Mr. Kulongoski, a Democrat, and Ms. Oberst are the most prominent people yet to take part in a “food stamp challenge,” a trend sponsored by religious groups, community activists and food pantries across the country.
Those who have done the challenge say shopping on such a tight budget requires plenty of planning, a reliance on inexpensive staples like legumes, beans, rice and peanut butter and a lack of more expensive protein and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Meeting friends for a slice of pizza or a cup of coffee becomes a nearly unaffordable luxury.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Can you Eat on $42 a Month?
Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski and his wife Mary are. My family and I did it in seminary, and I don't care to relive it, but this is an incredible testimony of living where the people whom you serve are.
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This is an example pastors, and not just politicians, could stand to emulate. Get in the folks' shoes, walk around in them and see how they live for a while. You might find out they are a lot different than you are. Then you really will be equipped for service and ministry.
Amen, Tony :)
Thanks for sharing ...
~Heather
Bro. Tony I relate very well with what you say in your post? You see I'm one of those people but wait!! I also am one of Gods children and He supplies my every need ? I have to plan for every month what I am going to have to eat each month ? You have to learn which foods stick to your ribs and don't have anything left for junk foods ! I live on approximately $125.00 to $145.00 a month for seven months of the year and the other 5 months [the hottest months] I live off approximately $75.00 to $100.00 dollars a month ? I also have good friends at the farmers market that help me to have fresh fruits and vegetables at a reasonably price but I also grow some of fresh fruits and some vegetables in my yard which I thank God every day for taking care of them ? I thank God every day that He allows me to wake up ? I thank God for my family and for all my friends and a beautiful country that He allows me to live in ? I have always shared the extra fruits and vegetables that God grows every day ! You see when you humble yourself to God and depend on His word and ask him to guide you every day He will bless you everyday ! You have to learn the virture of patience as God ask us to do, when He says Be still and you will know I'M there! So many are spoiled to having the things they need and want each day ? I will say that I have learned these things the last 5 1/2 years of my life ? I am writing this comment but I ask no sympathy just be a friend and pray for those who are less fortunate than you and I ! I apoligize for rambling so much but I share the truth with you and it is only as rough as a person makes it by not trusting in His word ! I'm hope that God is as satisfied with me as I am with Him ? Blessings . Ron.
Bro. Tony I am just wanting to say That my comment was talking about the amount of groceries I have each month but I still have all the responsibility of a household bills the same as others do ? Blessings . Ron.
Great post, Tony. My response is that we might also want to do more about poverty.
Heather,
Amen!
Brother Ron,
Never worry about the length of your comments, OK?
Your testimony is really inspiring, Ron. I know so many folks who live on a restricted income as yourself and they trust God to make up for the difference, and He always does.
This story of this governor really touched me because it is a good example, maybe not the best, of how we ought to respond to those who are less fortunate than we are. We should really try to put ourselves in their shoes, not just say something comforting but try living the way they do, then we will see how terribly hard it is sometimes and maybe, just maybe, we will learn to trust God, much in the same way that you do.
These verses come to mind: If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? James 2:15-16
Thanks for commenting Ron; it has been a true encouragement.
I'm hope that God is as satisfied with me as I am with Him. I hope so, too, my friend.
Streak--
I agree. Yes, that is the first step, and it is refreshing to see a politician getting out of his comfort zone, actually working with the people. I hope it will prod him (and consequently, us) to actually do something about it and not just talk, like some. Or deny it exists.
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