Ten years ago, Feeding The Nations (FTN) fed its first nation. On Sunday, December 26, 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean sparked a deadly tsunami that became one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history. The tsunami killed over 230,000 people in 14 nations. The hardest hit areas were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. But out of this disaster came something good.
Seeing the need to help those whose lives had been devastated by the tsunami, FTN was born in February 2005. “Our very first mission was to get vital food and nutrition to those who were affected by the tsunami,” said Steve Sumrall, president of the organization. “So many people wanted to do something. We saw the need was great and we wanted to help. The tsunami was the jumpstart for Feeding The Nations.”
That was 10 years ago. Today we celebrate that we have had the opportunity to reach 75 nations over this last decade. Through God’s guidance and grace, we have sent 135 million meals to the hungry and hurting around the world. With the support of countless partners, we have given over $90 million in total goods and services worldwide. Over 222 containers of rice meals, soup and dried fruit have been sent to nourish the hungry. In addition, we have supplied vitamins, water purifiers, Bibles, mattresses, toys, blankets, coats, cooking oil, beans, personal care products, financial assistance and more.
We stand in awe of all that God has accomplished through FTN over the last decade. We give thanks and praise for the millions of meals, the countless supplies and the ever-so-important hope that have been given. We thank each and every person and partner who has generously joined with us in this mission to share God’s love both through the spreading of the Gospel and through giving tangible supplies.
The world is hungry. Each nation has its own needs and its own story. But, we also know that one story never changes. The Old and New Testaments show us that God’s compassion for the poor and needy never changes. And, so, we give thanks for 10 years and we look to the future, asking God where to go next, where to continue, where to send His love to those who need it most. Together we will continue to nourish bodies and souls around the world.
