Rice & Beans Month Blog

Rice & Beans at Grace & Healing Ministry Dodoma

2011-06-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

Rice and beans month was a great success this year. Dozens of families participated and over $6,000 has been raised so far for East African kids in need. The staff of Grace and Healing Ministry of Dodoma was so inspired by the awesome commitment of families here in the US that they also decided to participate.

"We have all been touched by the sacrifices made by so many to help the children here," writes Tiffanee Wright, interim Program Coordinator for GHMD.

In addition to the Rice and Beans commitments made by the staff and their families, staff members also agreed to make personal donations to the Most Vulnerable Children (MVC) program at the end of the month. On March 21st, they held a celebratory party where they tried rice and beans recipes from around the world and took time to thank God for his many provisions and for brothers and sisters in Christ who are standing alongside them in serving the Dodoma community.

Additionally, the staff asked the local church to help contribute to the effort and members responded by bringing sacks of rice and bags of beans as well as cash donations. The food that was donated is being stored and given out as urgent needs arise. Between contributions from the GHMD staff and donations from the church, over $40 was raised! (This is equivalent to the entire monthly income for an average Tanzanian family.)

On the Friday after Easter, GHMD held an Easter celebration and the Prime Minister of Tanzania sent a goat as well as rice, beans, sugar and oil. With this, the staff decided to use some of the money they had contributed to buy additional ingredients to make a real celebratory feast for all the children, their parents and HBC clients (about 175 people).

"Thank you for Rice and Beans Month. We are touched by the generosity of those so far away, as well as those right here in our own community. Campaigns like these help us get a glimpse of the beauty of the Kingdom of Heaven." -Tiffanee Wright

[Photos] Rice & Beans Celebration dinner

2011-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the end of Rice & Beans month, we had a wonderful celebration in Portland on Friday, April 1.

The meal was kicked off with a prayer written by our 5-year old participant Kaya. She shared this prayer:

LAHASH FEAST PRAYER
I know that you are my God.
I will watch over African boys and girls and kids that are sick.
Every star in the sky means that every child is with God.
Let there be light and God said let there be darkness so that we can pray and know that God is with us. AMEN

Various friends shared about the month and the lessons learned.

We enjoyed a delicious BBQ with hamburgers provided by the Werkhoven family and an ice cream bar provided by Judith.

At the end the kids shared decorated containers with the money that they had saved during the month. Thanks to everyone who participated during this past month!

Another delightful Rice & Beans Month...

2011-03-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

We are just hours away from the end of Rice & Beans Month. I was flipping through a magazine the other day filled with luscious photos of pizza, steaks, and ice cream - and needed to wipe the drool off the page a couple times.

I've been thinking a lot about food as "fuel".

Too often I merely see food as "fun" rather than "fuel". We are a society that has been on a steady track toward increasing gluttony - one of the seven deadly sins highlighted by the church for the past several hundred years - and condemned quite often in the Christian scriptures.

I came to a start the other day and realized a pretty sad state of affairs in my own life:

I generally eat what I want to - and eat more than I need

I gain weight because of my gluttony and lack of balance

The money that enables me to eat that food (that I don't need) could be directly used for people that are literally starving to death

So - I choose to get fat at the expense of my brother's and sister's starvation.

Yikes.

It is at those times I realize that I need saved - not just in a nebulous theological philosophical kind of way. My soul needs saved.

It's been another delightful Rice & Beans Month. One that impacts all aspects of my life and that I can truly say "That was worth it!"

My wife and I would like to make some changes in the way we live. Not that life should be purged of feasts, parties, and fun. But we are asking - what if we had a nice big meal once a week - instead of once a day?

Devotional - March 31, 2011

2011-03-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Chronicles 29:10-14
“David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole
assembly, saying, ‘Praise be to you, LORD, the God of
our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours,
LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and
the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven
and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are
exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from
you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are
strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your
glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people,
that we should be able to give as generously as this?
Everything comes from you, and we have given you
only what comes from your hand.’” (NIV)

Reflection
I'm so glad you've walked through a month of the struggles and successes of Rice & Beans Month. I trust that through the sacrifices and self-discipline that your heart has seen the goodness of God and learned to trust him more.

In our passage today we read of David's prayer at the end of his life as he is handing over the kingdom to his son Solomon. David and the people had also just willingly and sacrificially collected resources for God's temple.

You have also sacrificed during this month and there is reason to celebrate and feast and give God praise! As we again enjoy a variety of foods take time to give God honor for sustaining you with the beautiful earth, sun, and rain. With the generous gifts we are able to share with our hungry East African brothers and sisters, we merely acknowledge that “everything we have comes from God” and that we only give back to him “what comes from his hand.”

- Dan Holcomb, Lahash Executive Director

For Kids
Today we read a prayer of King David after he shared a lot of his money to
help build God's Temple. King David gives praise to God. David says that
God is the strongest and most amazing and rich person in the universe.
Even the money that David shared had come from God in the first place.
Did you know that everything in the world belongs to God? What things
do you own? Take time to tell God each thing really belongs to him.

You've come to the last day of Rice & Beans Month. Tomorrow enjoy a big
party with your family and remember to thank God for everything and
everyone there!

Devotional - March 30, 2011

2011-03-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Mark 12:41-44
“And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began
observing how the people were putting money into the
treasury; and many rich people were putting in large
sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper
coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to
Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor
widow put in more than all the contributors to the
treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she,
out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to
live on.’” (NASB)

Reflection
As we reach the end of Rice & Beans Month perhaps some of you are wondering if it was worth it. Sacrificing a varied diet and our favorite foods, but wondering, “Is the small bit of money saved really worth it?”

Jesus encourages us in the parable of the widow's mite that when we give sacrificially, even if it is a small amount, that it is great in His Kingdom. In addition to that important fact, those of us who have traveled with Lahash to visit the partnerships have seen how even what we think of as little can go a long way.

On Christmas Day in Sudan in 2006, we saw the children at St. Bartholomew's Orphanage relish the soda we had purchased for them, perhaps the only soda they had ever had, which went along with the Christmas dinner of corn meal mush. Knowing that we are helping children have a more diverse and healthy diet is surely worth our small sacrifice this month. To quote an ancient saying: “If you save one life you have saved the whole world.”

So let us be encouraged that it is worth it spiritually, as well as in the physical reality of these dear children's lives, to give sacrificially, even though we may feel we have just a small amount to give.

- Lyla Peterson, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
If you had 100 toys, do you think it would be hard to give ten of them
away? Probably not. After all, you would still have lots to play with. But
what if you only had two toys? Would it be hard to give them both away,
knowing you wouldn't have anything left? That might be really hard! But
even though giving ten toys sounds like it's better than only giving two
toys, the Bible says that the person who gave the two toys gave the bigger
gift. Why? Because that person gave EVERYTHING they had. They
made a bigger sacrifice. And God says that the amount of what we give
does not matter; it's how much we are willing to give up, whether that is
big or small!

Devotional - March 29, 2011

2011-03-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 13:3
“And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if
I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love,
it profits me nothing.” (NASB)

Reflection
This verse reminds me of a story in the gospel of Mark. A rich man comes to Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Even though he has fulfilled all of the religious requirements and followed God's law since he was kid, he knows something is missing. Jesus agrees, something is missing. “Go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Mark makes it clear that Jesus is not commanding this action because of His concern for the poor. Before Jesus gives this command, Mark writes that He looked on the rich man and loved him. If all Jesus cared about was providing for the poor, He could multiply loaves and fish or turn stones into bread. Feeding the poor is not the real problem. Our hearts are the real problem. Even when we do make great sacrifices, give generously, or alter our diets for a month, we can find ways to do it selfishly and without love. We can make it worthless. God is not simply concerned with money changing hands from those who have it to those who do not. He is concerned with money changing hearts. It is so easy for us to focus on the transaction that we forget what God really desires is transformation.

If God has stirred your heart to be involved with Rice & Beans Month and given you strength to eat this simple meal for the past 29 days, it is not because he needs your grocery money to help feed the poor. It is because he wants to transform you. God wants to shape our hearts. He wants to break our addictions. He wants to teach us how to love more deeply. He wants us to come and follow Him.

- Casey Schilperoort, Lahash Media Director

For Kids
What motivates you to give? Is it the good feeling you get? Is it because
you want others to think you're nice? Is it because you're told you should?
Or is it out of a real love for others and God? We are told that if we don't
give out of love, then it's useless. If we give but don't love God or others,
then we miss out on what is most important and giving loses all its
meaning. God wants us to love Him and each other.

Almost there...

2011-03-28T15:41:00.001-07:00

It’s hard to believe that in just over three days Rice & Beans month will have ended. We undoubtedly arrive at this point in the month with differing questions to ask ourselves. We may be reflecting on what we expected, versus what our experience ended up being. Perhaps we are reflecting on how this experience has impacted those around us, or how we will decide to continue living out our lives. Or maybe we are simply trying to determine where the nearest Ben & Jerry’s shop is. Regardless of where we’re at (though I’m sure at this particular moment we’re all dreaming of different ice cream flavours…), or of the logistics which affected our participation in R&B month, I would encourage us all to intentionally carve out some time in these next few days to reflect, brainstorm, and listen. Also, if you have not yet read today’s devotional, I would encourage you to do so.

Now on to information about our celebration dinner! (Or, as a younger participant referred to it as, a feast!) This Friday, April 1, we will celebrate the completion of R&B month by munching on some non-rice-and-beans food. Bring a tasty dish to share with the community. Hamburgers and a grill will be provided (feel free to bring an alternative meat or veggie option to grill, as well). We would love to see you there if you are in the Portland area!

Devotional - March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 32:6
“For a fool speaks nonsense, and his heart inclines
toward wickedness: to practice ungodliness and to
speak error against the LORD, to keep the hungry
person unsatisfied and to withhold drink from the
thirsty.” (NASB)

Reflection
One of the most consistent themes throughout the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is God’s heart for the vulnerable. In this passage, it is evident exactly how serious God is about our responsibility toward those who hunger and thirst. Wickedness, ungodliness, speaking error against the Lord are equated with depriving the hungry and thirsty. The context of this verse contrasts this foolish person with a person who is just, a person who is like a shelter for those who suffer.

As Rice & Beans Month draws to a close, we face decisions about the way we will conduct our lives even after we return to “normal” eating patterns. These decisions include whether the solidarity, simplicity, and sharing we’ve been focused on this month will continue on into the rest of the year. Let’s be aware of God’s heart for the suffering of the hungry and thirsty while we peruse those aisles of the grocery stores containing items besides rice and beans. Rather than just focusing on the first, favorite foods we will eat, we should consider if we will continue as those who love justice. Are we a refuge for the vulnerable or fools who withhold from the needy?

- Leisha Adams, Lahash Sponsorship Director

For Kids
Lots of times in the Bible God talks about a foolish person, and how God
doesn't want his children to be foolish. Here we find out that the foolish
person wants hungry people to stay hungry and thirsty people to stay
thirsty. Is that what God would want? One of the reasons we have been
eating rice and beans is so that we can remember the people who are
hungry every single day. The money we save from eating rice and beans
instead of more complicated meals goes to feeding those hungry people.
What would you say to those hungry people if you could hand them that
food? Write down, or have your parents write down, what you would want
to tell that hungry person, and send it to Lahash to share with our friends
in East Africa.

Devotional - March 27, 2011

2011-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Revelation 7:16-17
“Never again will they hunger; never again will they
thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any
scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of
living water. And God will wipe away every tear from
their eyes.” (NIV)

Reflection
Today marks five days until the end of Rice & Beans Month. Five more days until you can actualize that list of “what I will eat first.” Five more days of doing without and then a feast of celebration can begin. This passage in Revelation speaks of those that have died in the Tribulation and now stand before the Lord. They have definitely had their share of suffering and doing without. I am sure more than a few days were spent just simply counting down, eagerly awaiting this moment. And then, they stand before Him, and it is His touch at the end of verse 17 that gets me. He wipes their tears. What a celebration! To be touched by the King, the Lamb of God. I would encourage you today, as we anticipate, to not just anticipate the end of Rice & Beans Month, but to celebrate His touch. May we see His touch in a new way because we have stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in East Africa, and may it ultimately remind us of that one day when we too will feel His hand gently upon our cheeks.

- Abbe Schilperoort, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
As we get closer and closer to the end of this month you are no doubt
excited about having some of your favorite non-rice-and-beans foods! It
feels like it has been forever, doesn't it? But you know it is almost done
and you can almost taste that pizza, so you know you can make it. Even in
your young life you've probably had times that were hard, painful times or
sad times, but you know things will get better. That's called hope. Well,
God promises us that one day, one fantastic day, there will be no more sad
or painful times! Jesus will guide you to His perfect heaven! And you
heard that last part of the verse, right? It says “GOD will wipe away every
tear from their eyes.” Imagine that! God reaching out with His very own
Hand to wipe the tears from your precious, beloved face! What will that
feel like? One day we will know! Be joyful, maybe even dance a little, and
tell Him how excited you are! Just love Him! He loves you so much and
delights to see your joy!

Devotional - March 26, 2011

2011-03-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Timothy 6:6-8
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with
these we shall be content.” (NKJ)

Reflection
These verses can be hard for the average American to understand when most
of us are bombarded daily with hundreds of advertisements and stores with
artfully displayed products that we never knew we needed but suddenly must
have. We are taught to never be satisfied. However, as we reach the end of
our month of eating rice and beans, these verses have a new ring of truth.
Hopefully during this month we've all found contentment in simple meals
that fill and nourish us and come to a new realization that we have so much
to be thankful for. True contentment comes from being satisfied by our Father
in Heaven and thankful for what He has already given us, not going to the
hippest restaurant or buying the latest products. My hope is that as you
complete this last week of Rice & Beans Month you will desire to continue
practicing simplicity through the rest of the year because you've found
contentment in what you already have. Of course, feel free to eat a steak
every now and then.

- Leah Burkholder, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
We have a little sneaky voice inside us; let's call it the “Wanter.” The Wanter
sees commercials for toys or food, and it whispers how much fun it would
be to have them all for ourselves. Sometimes our Wanter makes us mean or
rude to other people. But exciting toys get old and break. Brand-new books
get ripped, and we outgrow clothes. Our Wanter doesn't think about the future.

The thing that lasts the longest is who God made us to be on the inside. The
Bible tells us that being happy following God is the very best thing. When
we turn off our Wanter, we can hear God's voice better. When we hear
God's voice, we are happier and we love the people around us. Has your
Wanter been loud lately? Take a moment to think about how to turn your
Wanter off and listen for God's voice.

Devotional - March 25, 2011

2011-03-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:11-12
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to
have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content
in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.” (NIV)

Reflection
I was born and brought up in a small village in Kenya, in conditions that to the world standards would be considered below the poverty line. We did not have much, but did not live in despair. I particularly don't remember ever feeling like if we had much, my life would be better than what it was at the time. I trusted God for a bright future, but in the meantime I was so satisfied with what we had. I have seen the Lord lift me from one level of glory to another, both spiritually and physically, and I give him praise.

Contentment is a discipline that not many Christians want to embrace, because they don't want to be uncomfortable. For us to have the character of Christ, we need to learn to be content. We are living in times when people want to have more, more, more, and nothing seems to be enough. People don't know how to behave when in lack. This may explain why people are in
so much debt, and they are being engulfed by greed. They don't know what it is to be in need and still be satisfied and thankful to God.

Being content means we can still be happy when we don't have meat in the fridge, or we don't have fuel in the car and have to walk or catch the bus, or we only have one pair of shoes and our neighbor or friend has more. It also means refusing to use your credit card to buy stuff when you don't have a plan of how to pay the debt.

Being content means you can be willing to give what you have to someone else in need. It means having the joy of the Lord regardless of the prevailing circumstances. It means being able to celebrate God in the face of adversity. It also means being able to remember your maker even when you have plenty.

Contentment is a state of the heart.

- Carol Khamasi, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
Do you think it has been easy or hard to be happy eating mostly rice and
beans? Lots of people–even grown-ups–may have found it kind of
hard. We miss all the yummy food and snacks! But maybe you have
discovered that spending time with your family, playing with your friends,
and helping the poor and needy are what really makes you happy–not
food. The Bible tells us to be content no matter what we have or don't
have. We could have lots of fun toys and delicious food, or we could have
nothing to play with and eat only rice and beans, but we can always be
happy. God tells us that when we love Him, we can always be content!

Encouragement for the Final Week!

2011-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

As we head into this final week of Rice & Beans Month, I'm sure many of us could use some words of encouragement. So we asked Esther Muhagachi, our Lahash partner in Tanzania, what she would say to people who are growing tired of eating rice and beans everyday. Be encouraged by her words of blessing for you!

Devotional - March 24, 2011

2011-03-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 58:10-11
“…if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the
desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the
darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the
LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire
in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you
shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.” (ESV)

Reflection
Today marks one last week of our fast. The verses here from Isaiah seem to be some of the most encouraging, as well as challenging. How beautiful it is to see an image of the dawn rising upon our souls, where the coldness of our gloom can be basked in the warmth of His eternal glow. Where, if we can let go of our pride and fears, we can allow His refreshing waters to pour over us, strengthening us, and cleansing us of all that is stagnant. No longer do we need to store up in the vast silos of our own individual lives, where things may waste away, but now we can feed and be fed of the true living bread. There are no needs for silos in God's kingdom. Whether we are full of the sadness of gloom or the anger of scorched places, today we can pour all of ourselves out for the vulnerable, knowing that we will be filled with the eternal spring of God, and be full.

- Nate Grubbs, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
Have you ever worked so hard at something that you felt like you were
going to just fall over from being so tired? Maybe it was from weeding the
garden or cleaning the garage. That's kind of what it means to “pour
yourself out” for someone else. To get totally exhausted, worn out, helping
someone who is suffering or hungry. That's hard work, isn't it? But God
tells us that if we work that hard for Him, He will make even our hardest
times a light for Him. He will keep us strong. If we let Him, He will show
us where to go and what to do. That way we can shine His light to help
people who do not know Him. Today, ask Him to guide and strengthen
you to pour yourself out for someone else.

We're almost done with our Rice & Beans Month, and I'm sure you are
thinking you don't want to see another bean again! Ask Him to help you
finish out this week shining your light the brightest it can be!

Devotional - March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Philippians 3:7-9
“I once thought all these things were so very important,
but now I consider them worthless because of what
Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when
compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ
Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else,
counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and
become one with him. I no longer count on my own
goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust
Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right
with himself depends on faith.” (NLT)

Reflection
We might be inclined to think...so, a whole month of rice and beans! That's impressive! I mean, who else in my church is sacrificing like I am?

Hold on! In this passage, Paul said he could out-match anyone with his list of religious accomplishments. Yet the things on his list were of no more value for improving his status before God than all the “flying toilets” in a Kibera slum! When compared to...CHRIST! Christ alone had made him acceptable in God's eyes.

Paul understood he was a debtor. His zeal no longer focused on how to impress God but on getting to know the One who had made him right with God.

What is our focus during this month of rice and beans?

- Ron Holcomb, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
What is the best thing you have? Is it a special toy or some sports
equipment or a nice new dress? God's servant Paul looked at everything
he had, even the nicest things he had, and said that Jesus is so wonderful
that even his nicest things are like garbage compared to Jesus! Paul said
that even though those were good things that God had given him, he
wanted Jesus instead of the nicest things that ANYONE had! Draw a
picture of the best things you own, then draw a picture of Jesus. Would
you rather have the things, or would you rather have Jesus? Draw yourself
next to what you choose, then ask your parents to send your picture to
Lahash!

New Video - Rice & Beans with Bethany!

2011-03-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Even as we all eat together in solidarity, each of our individual experiences during Rice & Beans Month are unique. We all wonder if this month is just as challenging for everyone else, is anyone else battling cravings, am I doing it right? Well, just to put your mind at ease, the answer to these questions is YES. And to further convince you, check out this video of Bethany sharing her Rice & Beans Month experiences. Take comfort knowing that you are sharing this meal with people around the world. All of our experiences are different, and if you have chosen to participate at all, you are doing it right. Thanks for joining us this month!

Special thanks to Bethany for sharing her story and to Tim for putting this great video together.

Devotional - March 22, 2011

2011-03-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Jude 1:24-25
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our
Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and ever. Amen.” (KJV)

Reflection
The book of Jude is all about people messing up. Distractions have crept into the Church, and Jude uses this letter to crack down on their negligence. We are two thirds into Rice & Beans Month now, and perhaps you can identify with being sidetracked from the goal, discouraged or on the verge of giving up.

Yet after his stern rebuke, Jude ends with this hopeful, truthful doxology–our powerful God is able to keep us from falling, to make us blameless. And in the midst of our brokenness, He views us with “exceeding joy.” I love knowing that this bright passage follows a litany of failures by God's people.

I am encouraged that as we strive for solidarity with Christian brothers and sisters around the world today, God looks at his family and delights! Let's choose to join in God's celebration, especially while we fast, knowing that it is God's Spirit that perfectly sustains us. That is reason to rejoice!

- Erin Holcomb, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
Do you remember the first time you rode a two-wheel bike? Maybe you
are still learning. It is scary to try to ride it the first few times, and it is easy
to tip right over and fall! That's why so many kids start out with training
wheels.

Following in God's ways can be even harder than trying to learn to ride a
bike. Sometimes we do the wrong thing and start to tip over. But God tells
us that he is able to “keep us from falling.” We can be brave and do hard
things for God–even eating rice and beans for a month–because he is right
beside us the whole time.

Devotional - March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope. And hope does not put us to
shame, because God's love has been poured out
into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has
been given to us.” (ESV)

Reflection
I recently came across “confident expectation” as a definition for Biblical hope, which is vastly different from how I normally use the word hope. When I hope for something it's more often than not actually a wish or desire. I hope that traffic cooperates with my to do list for the evening or I hope the next ten days go quickly so I can eat the burger and fries that have been appearing in my dreams for the last week. Hope in Christ is infinitely more than a desire or wish. It's a confident expectation that we can trust in Him.

I don't think I would call our choice this month suffering, but I am positive we can have hope this month as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are suffering. I hope and pray that the sacrifices we willingly choose this month produce perseverance, character and hope within each of us in our communities and that in some small way it gives hope to our brothers and sisters truly suffering in East Africa.

- Erin Gleason, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
When you play a video game, you know that the first level is usually pretty
easy. But the levels get harder and harder the longer you play. If we started
out playing the hardest level, many of us would probably quit right away.
But when we practice, we get better and stronger, and we are able to play
the harder levels. “Perseverance” means that you keep going even when
things are hard. The Bible tells us that if something is hard, like eating rice
and beans, God will make us strong. When we practice doing hard things
with God in our hearts, those hard things will become easier and easier! So
even when things are difficult or make you sad, God will be there to give
you the strength to persevere!

Devotional - March 20, 2011

2011-03-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 55:1-2
“Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and
you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come,
buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor
on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat
what is good, and you will delight in the richest of
fare.” (NIV)

Reflection
I love invitations to parties. Even better if it's with friends. And better yet if I haven't eaten all day. That's what makes this passage so appealing. This is a passage for people who have gone without, like you and me this month. Oh, I know, we've done it voluntarily and for a worthy cause. But by now you have probably exhausted your recipe options for rice and beans and are looking forward to a change in diet. Actually, you're looking for a party... WITH REAL FOOD! But if food is all you desire, you're missing the best part of this passage. These verses are screaming invitation: COME, COME, COME, COME! You've been given a personal invitation, but not just to a party. You've got to sneak a peek at verse 3 to find out the best part. “...come to ME...!” This party includes food and drink, but who cares! We will get to party with the Savior! The God of the universe is inviting you and me to join him! It's not about the food, it's about the Provider! It's not even about the party; we'll be sitting with the Master. THAT ought to season your rice and beans!

- Doug Hazen, Lahash Board Member

For Kids
Many of you have heard the word “delight” before. We usually mean it's
something that is nice, or fun, or good. But “delight” means so much more
than that! It means “super awesome” or even “the best thing in the history
of ever!!” Think of your absolute most favorite food and what it feels like
when you eat it–not just the taste, but the wonderful smell, what it looks
like, how it makes your mouth and body feel. Now try and think of
something even more fantastic than that. That is “delight!” We can delight
in God when we talk to Him. We can delight in God when we pray to
Him. What are some other ways you can “delight in God?”

Devotional - March 19, 2011

2011-03-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Peter 4:8-9
“And above all things, have fervent love for one another,
for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to
one another without grumbling.” (NKJV)

Reflection
For anyone who has studied a new language, trained for an athletic event, or undertaken a new venture that requires time and determination, there eventually comes a point when the question arises, “what was I thinking!?” Wouldn't it be easier to quit now and avoid the pain of practicing one more set of verb conjugations? Wouldn't it be easier to sleep in this morning and forgo the six-mile run?

Thankfully, God is able to use these experiences to mature us and remind us of His greater call for our lives. Peter's words in this verse both challenge and encourage us to love others with the same intensity as a runner who is pushing himself beyond what his body is capable of. The word “fervent” means “to be stretched” or “to be strained.” Just as you are stretched to meet your personal goals, are you stretched to love others? Do you allow your love of God and others to be the motivating factor when life causes you to make sacrifices that would otherwise cause complaint?

The Greek root of “hospitable” means “love of strangers.” I love this! Were we not strangers to God before He called us to himself? And are our sins not covered over by the depth of Christ's great love and sacrifice? It's exciting to me that we're invited to share and extend this kind of love to others. Keep fighting the good fight and remember Him who paved the way so you could.

- Faye Meyer, Lahash Sponsor

For Kids
When I was growing up, I had a pet dog named “Spud.” I loved Spud so
much. But I didn't always love taking care of her, because it was hard
work. Going out in the cold and dark and rain to feed her, giving her baths,
and picking up her messes in the yard wasn't very fun at all. I would
complain a lot. I would be a “Grumble Grub.” But by taking care of Spud, I
was showing her a lot of love. It was always worth it, even if I didn't like it!
Jesus says to love everybody all the time without being a “Grumble Grub.”
God loves us so much more than we can imagine, and He tells us we are
worth it! And He wants us to share His love with the people around us,
because they are worth it.

Devotional - March 18, 2011

2011-03-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it
all for the glory of God.” (NIV)

Reflection
Sometimes it's hard to say we can “do all for the glory of God,” when in a real sense our bodies have been created weak. However, our God is compassionate and loving. Take heart, and know that through our sacrifice each passing hour we are feeding, educating, clothing and even housing children who cannot do this for themselves.

Therefore, instead of grumbling, let us allow the Lord take charge of what we cannot do. Let us ask God to give us the grace to overcome what our bodies cannot.

Let us glorify God in everything.

- Christine Angote, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
God says that even when we eat food or when we drink, we should do it
“for God's glory.” That means anything we do should show other people
how awesome God is and how much we love Him. It means that when we
do good things, that we don't get the credit for it because we're doing those
things for God. As you go through today, say out loud what you are doing
“for God's glory.” For example, if you are making your bed, say “I am
making my bed for God's glory!” Or if you are sharing with your sister,
say “I am sharing with you for God's glory!” Or “I am eating rice and
beans for God's glory!” If you are doing something like whining or
throwing a temper tantrum or disrespecting your mom and dad, are you
doing that thing for God's glory? Try to think of special things you can do
for God's glory.

Devotional - March 17, 2011

2011-03-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 30:20-21
“Although the Lord has given you bread of privation
and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no
longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your
Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is
the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to
the left.” (NASB)

Reflection
The association of bread and water with privation (from the same root as “deprived”) and oppression is not a word picture that springs easily to mind for many of us who have never suffered real hunger or thirst. However March 17th marks the halfway point in a month where even reading the word “bread” has our mouths watering. In fact the themes of this verse might seem more appropriately written, “Although the Lord has given you rice of privation and beans of oppression….” The encouraging thing about these verses is the promise that when we find ourselves deprived or oppressed, the Lord is our Teacher. I don't think I could go so far as saying that all bad things happen for a reason, but I am reassured that in the times when we are struggling or needy, our Teacher is present. His is the voice whispering in our ears which way to go. My prayer is that today, in the midst of our chosen season of “privation,” we will be aware of the presence and voice of our Teacher saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”

- Leisha Adams, Lahash Sponsorship Director

For Kids
God says that He is our teacher when we are going through hard things.
He says that when we don't know what to do, we can listen to hear God
telling us what to do. Try this game: Close your eyes, and have your friend
walk behind you as you go across the living room or the back yard. When
you aren't sure where to go, don't open your eyes. Listen for your friend
behind you telling you which way to go. The more you practice, the easier
it will be, just like when we are listening for God to tell us which way to go
in our lives.

Devotional - March 16, 2011

2011-03-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

II Thessalonians 2:16-17
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our
Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us
eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage
your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed
and word.” (NIV)

Reflection
Have you taken a look around you lately? It seems that evil has lurked its way into every fabric of society. Sometimes it is easy to spot and other times it is not. You wonder if there truly is any hope left anywhere! Paul tells us that the lawless one will do whatever it takes to have control over everyone.

Yet there is hope, brothers and sisters. Through God's grace He chose you to be His first fruits and to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. He knows what you have done in His will and He will protect His children. Do not despair, the Creator of the universe encourages you to continue on, being His light, His word to those in darkness and to remember there is always hope when you have God on your side.

- Eric Chapman, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
Where do you get your strength and encouragement to love others? Have
you ever asked God to help you? By now you are probably so tired of
eating rice and beans. It's not an easy thing to do. Thankfully we have a
God who encourages our hearts and strengthens us to keep doing good
even when it's hard. When you are feeling tired this month, talk to God
about it and trust that He will help you and encourage you. He loves you
and is so excited you want to talk to Him and love others.

Some Expert Advice on How to Cook Beans

2011-03-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

For many of us, Rice & Beans Month is a culinary journey into the unknown. This style of cooking is foreign to a western culture accustomed to processed, prepackaged convenience foods. Most of us are probably finding that in this month focused on simplified diets, we end up working harder and spending more time in the kitchen than ever before.

Thankfully our brothers and sisters in East Africa are there to support us this month with their encouragement and wisdom. So here is some expert cooking advice from Mama Susan, the founder of Amazing Grace Children's Home. She and her staff regularly cook beans for over 30 kids in the Lahash sponsorship program in Uganda, so she knows what she is talking about! She knows it takes a lot of time to cook and eat this way, but this advice will definitely help you save time in the kitchen by cooking up larger batches and saving the beans in the fridge for later use.

Thanks to Mama Susan for sharing her wisdom with us this month!

Devotional - March 15, 2011

2011-03-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we
will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we
have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and
especially to those who are of the household of
faith.” (NASB)

Reflection
My little 4-year-old body was shaking. Tears of exhaustion and frustration were gushing like a salty, mini-Niagara. Due to my wheezing and sobbing, I was making a noise that could only be described as “asthmatic walrus.”

Unleashing the unearthly audible power only a 4-year-old can muster, I screamed, “B-b-but…th-th-this…ISN'T…FAIR!!” I stomped my foot, both to emphasize the “rightness” of my point as well as imbue all humanity with my unimpeachable sense of absolute, distilled justice. Then I heard those words. I was looked straight in the eye and told, “You know what? Life isn't fair.”

My poor little brain imploded like a bad soufflé. Huh? What kind of lesson was that?! If life isn't fair, then what's the point? Why would I bust my hump, follow the rules, or do anything right or good at all just to watch injustice after injustice wash over an Earth where nobody gets what they
ought to have? No sir. I was not on board with that.

I was too young to realize it at the time, but the concept of “Not Fair” is the most beautiful gift God ever gave to us. Because grace isn't fair. Grace is the opposite of what we deserve; the opposite of what we “ought to have.” “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Thank the Lord we don't get what we deserve!

The things of this life--the rewards, the pats-on-the-back, our perceptions of justice--are not the harvest we are called to reap. We are called to be the ambassadors of Christ here on Earth, and our reward comes in due time when we are delivered into the Kingdom of Heaven. Just the simple task of altering our eating habits will reap great rewards for those who are vulnerable, yet it can be a tedious and often tiring slog. But let us not grow weary in this life. In every opportunity, let us never tire of doing good to all people in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

- Todd Werkhoven, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
I imagine that a lot of you may not be super happy that you have to eat
mostly rice and beans for a whole month. In fact, you are probably really,
really sick and tired of it! And that's OK. Even though you know that you
are doing a good thing, and that you are helping raise money for the poor
and needy, eating rice and beans for a whole month is definitely not easy
or fun! But God encourages us to keep doing good for other people even
when it is hard and tiring. He knows it is difficult sometimes, but He will
always bless us for doing the right thing.

Nearly HALFWAY there!

2011-03-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends around the world!

We are nearly at the halfway point for Rice & Beans month! It's been such a wonderful couple of weeks so far - I've personally been encouraged by hearing all of your stories. A couple ways to stay connected to people:

Twitter: Thanks to HungerIsGood and Panagotia for tweeting about the month!

Blogs: Check out Main St., The Ewens, the Haaks, and Rod & Lin Willett.

Facebook: Our facebook page now is facebook.com/eatriceandbeans

I appreciated the entry on the Ewen's blog recently:

"One thing that we've noticed about our dinners, is that even though they are tasty, and we all eat our fill, just a few hours later I find myself hungry again. And really hungry. I can just tell that there is something missing in my diet and my body is wanting more. It's one thing to talk about knowing people around the world need more in their diets, but it's completely different when you physically are experiencing it yourself. Kinda makes you wake-up to it even that much more. Cause I don't like that feeling of being hungry, not one little bit."

My wife Erin and I have also been cutting out snacks, so when it does come time for supper - we are really hungry. But when we are eating for fuel instead of pleasure we find that we eat just about the right amount until we are hungry at the next meal time. But that hunger as we approach meal time helps me center my thoughts on our brothers and sisters in East Africa.

she continues

"After watching this video, spending time soaking my beans, and eating (many times overcooked) rice for 31 days seems like a privilege, not a sacrifice."

Melinda Haak writes

"...This was after a dinner conversation that was sparked by one of the LAHASH videos featuring a little boy who was saying "thank you" for the food that was given him this last year. He could now eat 3 meals a day. My kids were a little slack-jawed when I pointed out that 3 meals a day now means that he ate less than 3 meals a day before."

"I think the little boy smiling at them from the computer and talking from the other side of the world and saying "thank you" with a giggle and smile was more impacting to my kids than "eat your rice and beans because there are other little children starving in Africa who would be glad to have them" speech."

This past weekend my family (made up of Holcombs and Cooks) celebrated our March birthdays (we have 5 in March!).

Our family got super creative and made a variety of foods for the party including Garbanzo bean crepes and birthday cake - along with sticky rice with coconut milk. We had lots of good discussion about how the month was progressing. My brother Doug mentioned that he and his family are thinking of incorporating much of Rice & Beans month into their daily lives. The simple economical nutritious meals just make sense. Here are some pictures of our event...