"Project Sunflower"
Weeks after Mike's wife Denise was diagnosed with cancer, they took a long-planned weeklong vacation. Upon their return, they found that a huge, wild sunflower, about 5 feet tall, sprouted up outside Denise's closet window. Sunflowers and daisies are her favorite flower. The Gallaghers are convinced that the wild sunflower is a direct sign that God is truly in control.
“…Because through these things their catch is large, and their food is plentiful.” Habakkuk 1:16
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him today. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Our Start in Life Program breaks the cycle of poverty with the skills training and tools essential for earning a living in sewing, auto body repair, welding, computers, electrical engineering, animal rearing and fishing.
Fishing Villages
To help break the cycle of poverty and despair, Food For The Poor has developed a long-term, sustainable solution to improve the economic situation for these communities. We provide them with seaworthy boats, reliable engines, fishing tackle and safety equipment. This enables the fishermen to work in deeper, more bountiful waters with larger and more marketable fish. We also provide them with coolers and freezers to store their catch and storage sheds to keep their gear safe and protected when not in use.
In return for this assistance, the fishermen must agree to contribute a minimum of five percent of their catch to help feed others in their communities who are less fortunate. Those working on the boats are required to pass along their skills and knowledge to younger members of the community and are expected to look after the needs of the elderly. Food For The Poor’s fishing villages benefit not only the fishermen, but also their families and communities. Villagers are taught deep-sea fishing and business practices that are both ecologically friendly and economically sound. Community service and sustainability are key aspects of the program. Local clergy are involved to ensure that those in need who cannot fish receive help and assistance. With your help, we can transform an entire village. The total cost of establishing a fishing village is $50,000. Your generosity and compassion has turned despair into opportunity and brought hope to families eager to earn a living.