Turn on news radio, and we hear it – worldwide injustice. We will hear news of war, famine, refugees and on and on. What can we do? We can try to tune it out. But when it comes to injustice, to do nothing is to allow wrong to continue. Yet, if we do something, however small, a piece of justice can be restored.
When it comes to restoring justice, a seed is a powerful metaphor. We in Central Florida cherish oak seeds for their effort in producing the grand oaks where we find shade. Like the oak seed, a small act of goodness can grow into a bold movement toward a world made right.
In a few weeks, seeds won’t be just a metaphor for fostering peace. On Sept. 23, three Nonahood organizations, University Presbyterian Lake Nona, Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Pioneers, are hosting a seed packing for sustainable agriculture programs in Africa.
As was mentioned in a previous article here [https://nonahoodnews.com/lake-nona-seed-packing-event/], these aren’t just any seeds, they’re heirloom seeds – seeds that can be used to continue gardening for generations. Once we’ve packed these seeds, Cru’s humanitarian arm, Global Aid Network® (GAiN)® [http://www.gainusa.org/], will ship the seeds off to some of the most unjust parts of the world – places where governments, war and famine ravage land and people. These seeds will make a difference.
For example, Odette lives in one of the poorest regions of Rwanda. Widowed for over eight years, she’s struggled to put food on the table. Talking with GAiN staff, she said, “When I first got these seeds, I was so pleased and very grateful because my neighbors were amazed to see how the Lord is caring for me!” She beamed as she showed off the onions she harvested.
Join us as we do our small part and help make this world a better place to live in. We’re looking to have 450 volunteers packing 60,000 seeds. So, it’s likely, with a little water and good tending, over half a million pounds of vegetables will soon be growing in impoverished African communities, feeding 240,000 people! And since there’s plenty of time to chat while we pack seeds, it’ll be an easy way make new friends in the Nonahood community.
The event will be Saturday, Sept. 23, at Pioneers, 10123 William Carey Drive, across from Walmart and RaceTrac. To sign up and for more information, visit upc-lakenona.com/seeds.
