The Worm Project is a global initiative that strives to relieve the suffering of millions of children. The program distributes pills around the world, which purge worms from the intestinal tract. Each pill costs a few cents and is good for six months!
Our goal is to give attention to the most humble — the sick and worm-infested children who seem to have few opportunities to rank on anyone’s priority list.
The Loathsome Worms
Worms thrive in the warm climates. Unfortunately, these areas of the world are home to a significant number of impoverished persons. Their poverty is accentuated by the presence of worms, which cause the depletion of already scarce nutrients in their bodies…read more
The other face of malnutrition
The number of malnourished, overfed people in the world — a statistic that is rising rapidly — recently equaled the number of malnourished, underfed people (1.1 billion). The biggest challenge our world faces is the distribution of our resources…read more
Your “Lunch” Can Feed 5,000
The story is told of a woman who was captivated by a bright idea: if she gave up her dangerous cigarette habit, she could buy a very hot, new red car with the savings. She quit smoking, and as soon as she had accumulated enough for the down payment, she bought the car. To her delight, her monthly payments were also … read more
The medication
A highly effective medication (Albendazole) is now available at a cost of only a few cents per pill. Albendazole effectively treats this condition when taken every six months. The infectious Ascaris worm is then either passed in the person’s stool, vomited out or shamelessly makes its exit through the nose. If giving a cup of cold water deserves a reward, why not the giving of a worm pill? Click here to read more…
More than a suggestion
Sometimes the Bible says, “If you do so and so then such and such….” But Jesus gives us no choice. “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” And what better way to give to the poor than to take the worth of a “thing” and turn it into the brighter eyes and faces of perhaps thousands of children relatively free of worms! Click here to read more…
Purposeful Eating
Malnutrition (badly or poorly nourished) has two main causes:
- Poorly fed and undernourished
- Overly fed AND undernourished
The challenge? How can we somehow make the two serve each other?NBC News recently reported how the average weight of men in the U.S increased from 166 lbs. to 195 lbs. since 1960. For women, the increase in the same period was from 140 lbs. to 165 lbs. Waistline measurements for men increased almost 5″, from 35″ to almost 40″ during that period, while for women, they increased 7″, from 30″ to 37″ The report recommended that the 1960′s waistline sizes would be the ideal.
Needless to say, this is a subject that carries considerable emotional weight. But it can be approached devoid of judgmentalism. Instead of feeling uncomfortable about our appearance, why not see it as an asset? With the low cost of the de-worming tablet (1.55 cents), thousands and even tens of thousands of children could be given a new lease on life with a few dietary changes on our part.
Here is a plan that might help:
- Review what caused the weight build-up
- Curtail or restrict some of its use in the future (sodas, chips, donuts, fries, etc)
- Make food choices recommended by nutritionists
- Form a workable strategy that slowly and deliberately achieves a desired goal
Aiding this strategy would be a “Light Fast,” whereby one makes a commitment to eat more simply and responsibly for the sake of the hungry (less of the more costly refined food, substituting instead more legumes, grains, veggies, etc.). CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A RECIPE. Legitimate fasting is done without fanfare. For that reason it is best to do it mostly at home. And even at home it should not be forced on family members unless all are in agreement.
With just $2.00 a week in savings,1,000 children could enjoy a better life. This “sacrificing” could be a symbolic act that would give extra incentive to carry through on the commitment. The $2.00 a week would enable one treatment every six months for three years. Total cost for each six treatments over three years: 10 cents.
Such a decision would greatly increase the food available to the chronically malnourished. It would also reduce the donor’s risk of contracting diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even some cancers.
The “payback” is a greater sense of well being, both emotionally and physically. Even God gets into the act, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done (Proverbs 19:17). We do a favor to ourselves by serving others.
Encourage Awareness
Few people in the United States encounter worms. Many of your neighbors are probably unaware of the devastating impact worms have on the development of millions of children. Be a voice for others! Encourage them to visit this site.
Donate
If you desire to write a check, please make it payable to Franconia Mennonite Conference, and on the memo line indicate “Worm Project.”
For more information on The Worm Project, email info@wormproject.org