Exchanging a free meal for a listening ear: Worm Project shares stories and inspires action

Jessica Walter, Communication and Leadership Resources ManagerOver a meal of well seasoned red beans and rice in a packed banquet hall more than 200 people sat down to hear about the work Claude Good and the Worm Warriors are doing to fight the infestation of intestinal worms that plague whole populations of children and adults across the planet.After all had a chance to enjoy the free meal and the company around their tables Good began the presentation on the Worm Project with a story of how his mother prayed that baby Claude would one day become a missionary. With a thankful spirit he asked, “Where would I be if my mother had not prayed that prayer?”The Worm Warriors then shared their stories of how they came to know Good and how they are fighting intestinal worms all over the world.The Worm Warriors who were able to attend the event included Andrew Crawford of Food for the Hungry, Howard Schiffer of Vitamin Angels, Dr. Priscilla Benner and Dr. Herman Sagastume of the MAMA Project, Sid Gholson of WOW (Wipe Out Worms) Now, Carol and Jeff Morgan of Change a Life International, and Gary Delp a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church and fund-raising volunteer for the Worm Project.Andrew Crawford began his portion of the presentation by awarding Good and Franconia Mennonite Conference with a plaque from Food for the Hungry for Good’s efforts to fight intestinal worms.Many stories and facts were shared about malnutrition not only in third world countries but also in the US. Plans for future distributions were also presented.Shiffer recalled his first encounters with Good and noted his respect for Good’s unreasonableness when it comes to fighting hunger.Dr. Benner shared the story of the malnurishment of a young girl named Abuole who’s mother unwittingly contributed to her debilitating disease due to lack of food and by following unhealthy traditional practices.The Morgans inspired the crowd with their determination to not only get rid of worms in Peru but also to find one plant that would feed everyone in the country.By the end of the evening $9,481 was raised for The Worm Project. Good expects more to come in as the month goes on. Good also noted that there was a 1/3 increase in attendance from last fall’s dinner and that the average donation check was almost 40% greater in spite of the current economic situation.Because Food for the Hungry pays for and handles all shipping expenses, all monies raised will go directly to purchasing the de-worming medication, Albendazole. So far this event has raised enough money to purchase 616, 200 treatments. According to research roughly five pounds of food is saved from worms with every six month treatment. So far this event has saved over 3 million pounds of food.When you ask Good how the Worm Project began and how all the Worm Warriors came together he opens with a wide smile and a joyful laugh saying, “I think that was a God thing.”