Since I returned from visiting an area development programme (ADP) in one of the countries of West Africa, I cannot forget my experience with the community and staff there.

I was able to see mothers being taught how to prepare and serve nutritious food to their small children. The mothers were happy because their children were being well fed in an environment in which this is a daily challenge. World Vision has the privilege of helping mothers to help their children. We want children to smile when their bellies are full with food.

When I left the ADP, I felt encouraged by our work and in our mission being affirmed. At this ADP, which is located in a non-Christian environment, it is our presence and our service that is our witness to Jesus Christ. It is our faces, our relationships, our service and our loving attitudes that say who we are and why we are there. We know that this is what we are called to be and to do. We live out our call in each place with gratitude, honouring the people of each land we work within.

As we celebrate our call to walk with communities and serve children in places such as West Africa, it is also important to appreciate the work of our staff. They are the ones whose feet do the walking, whose hands do the giving and whose hearts do the touching. They see the need for the children to be adequately fed, as well as the agony of the mothers who need to find a way to provide for them.

Our staff meet communities and begin discussing the possibilities of starting a feeding centre, and even learning from the good practices of local mothers with healthy children. They visit children’s homes in order to help their mothers to grow nutritious food through sustainable agricultural practices and prepare the food at home. In some cases, they even advocate on behalf of children by taking a stand against organisations promoting infant formulas.   

Helping a child to be well-fed is a sacred mission and we do it in the name of Jesus. We should not forget why we choose to serve, especially in difficult circumstances. Every time a new feeding programme starts, a child begins eating well, a mother smiles and God rejoices in heaven. As Jesus said to Mary, that staff member working in that community “chose the best part and this will not be taken from her.”

For reflection:

• Why is feeding a child a sacred mission?
• Why is it important to appreciate staff members?
• How effective is Christian witness through deeds?