tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42658737121485356722024-02-21T00:24:28.638-05:00Matthew 25: MinistriesMatthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-51764839074988446612012-09-14T14:14:00.001-04:002012-09-14T14:23:58.770-04:00Retail Sustainability Conference 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PGspfzrzs3xdT2ov0m728ULSurpZHOSrq7UaAvhltSmDVrgpchRA1pTQEAj9T4rmzgRFoJ7t7VMU_fnIsPSpgRsLTiyRIYLfUG6HHmD-LXChu5AQLhuiVnsVBAdfldTsUlrajhX-mHI/s1600/Banner_564x98-frogs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PGspfzrzs3xdT2ov0m728ULSurpZHOSrq7UaAvhltSmDVrgpchRA1pTQEAj9T4rmzgRFoJ7t7VMU_fnIsPSpgRsLTiyRIYLfUG6HHmD-LXChu5AQLhuiVnsVBAdfldTsUlrajhX-mHI/s1600/Banner_564x98-frogs2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Members from our Corporate Donations Team will be representing Matthew 25: Ministries at the Retail Sustainability Conference in Phoenix, Arizona next week. This conference is an extraordinary opportunity to share what we do with sustainability and compliance executives from all retail segments. We’re honored to be a part of this top-notch event hosted by Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), one of the top organizations in the nation representing America’s leading retailers.
<br/>
<br/>
</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Corporate waste is an inevitable part of doing business, but Matthew 25: Ministries offers a sustainable, humanitarian alternative to throwing away overstock, off-spec, and unsalable products. Donating to Matthew 25: Ministries provides corporations with many financial incentives, saves products from the landfill, and helps the poorest of the poor and disaster victims. It’s a win, win, win for everybody! We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share about our work with so many retailers and consumer product companies. Thank you, RILA, for this amazing opportunity.
<br/>
<br/>
Visit the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) <a _target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Retail-Industry-Leaders-Association-RILA/115486715232" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for more information.</span></div>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-61704632371877747312012-06-15T16:33:00.000-04:002012-06-15T16:34:02.905-04:00Be Careful What You Wish For<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I was swimming in the ocean to cool down after one of our
many clinics in Haiti. The mountains can be easily seen from the water.
They are breathtaking, truly one of the most beautiful things I have ever
seen. I commented to the other members of the team that I would love to
see those mountains up close someday. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The entire trip continued smoothly, and we accomplished so
much. Our last day was scheduled to be a free day in order to give the
team members an opportunity to experience Haiti beyond our typical work sites. But what started out as an “easy” day suddenly turned into a very long
day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">First, part of our team got stuck in bumper to bumper
traffic heading back to where we stay because the road was closed due to a
group of Haitians demonstrating—they were unhappy with some political issues.
So the team members turned around and headed back toward the city. Along the
way they had a close encounter with a carjacking, but they eventually got back
safe and sound to Port-au-Prince to meet up with the rest of us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So we decided to go the long way around through the
mountains to get back to where we were staying. This trek was 4 and half
hours instead of the usual 2 that we were accustomed to, but I was happy we
went on this long drive. Our entire team got to view some of the most
beautiful parts of Haiti. When people think of Haiti, they often think of
hot and densely populated areas with a lot of concrete. But up in the
mountains it was the complete opposite. It was cool and the people were
spread out, not on top of each other. The landscape was covered by beautiful
plants that had not been cut down for fuel. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Halfway through the trip I remembered the comment I had made
in the water. While I don’t believe that God made all of those bad things
happen, I do believe that he used them to teach me a lesson—no matter how
hard I plan, things out of my control will happen. The beautiful country side
was a way for me to find peace in what had happened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Haiti is a place that is improving. The love that I have for
the people there grew even more on this trip.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ6d_n6SGyzrJjG1VsBmxH8Y0aJsfYQCEnFb_MHPYD7RDvBXVcvWoNgEBXft7Or4qQh2yXCnhCTZWo3922cqeuD0LGn5x4kQr5z579H2GSruo_IdDTl5N_5WLdleB_9HoSN_ObihzXgw/s1600/DSC_6689_fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ6d_n6SGyzrJjG1VsBmxH8Y0aJsfYQCEnFb_MHPYD7RDvBXVcvWoNgEBXft7Or4qQh2yXCnhCTZWo3922cqeuD0LGn5x4kQr5z579H2GSruo_IdDTl5N_5WLdleB_9HoSN_ObihzXgw/s640/DSC_6689_fixed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and
all links to outside sources and materials are intended for
reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily
represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its
affiliates.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-12426901779740909712012-05-07T15:10:00.003-04:002012-05-07T15:10:38.985-04:00How Can I Get Involved?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When the tornadoes hit the
Midwest, I began planning to visit the affected
areas and see how Matthew 25: Ministries could help. One of my close friends,
Levi, lives very close to some of the hardest hit areas. When I needed a place
to stay, Levi and his wife Kristin, along with their two children Colton and Kylie, welcomed
me in. After seeing the hardship and devastation caused by the tornadoes, it
was so great to be with him and his family. I was able to escape from
everything for a few hours and “recharge my batteries." This was very important
for me, because it helped to clear my mind. Being away from my family is hard
for me and spending time with Levi and his family was exactly what I needed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I want to thank Levi, Kristin,
Colton and Kylie
for the help they gave me during the first couple weeks after the tornadoes. A
lot of people admire Matthew 25: Ministries’ work with the poor, but it’s only
accomplished through the support of many people. Without friends, family,
volunteers, staff and partners, we would not be able to do what we do. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The next time you want to get
involved and help others in need through Matthew 25: Ministries, remember it's
as easy as lending a hand, time or resources.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and
all links to outside sources and materials are intended for
reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily
represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its
affiliates.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-35542918197561875772012-04-19T12:50:00.000-04:002012-04-19T12:50:51.180-04:00Jamaica Mission Trip<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I recently got back from a trip to Jamaica. I wasn't on an exotic cruise or a vacation to one of the top resorts. I went with a Matthew 25: Ministries’ mission team to visit places that we support. The country of Jamaica is so beautiful and the people mirror their surroundings, but they are in dire need.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We visited several hospitals that were packed full of patients hoping to see a doctor. Unfortunately, most would be turned away, only to have to come back the next day and try again. Their health care is decades behind ours. A patient may have to wait 6 months for a surgery and then it may be cancelled at the last minute because there isn't enough staff or supplies to perform it.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We visited another place that cares for both physically and mentally challenged children. It was very hard to see and experience this. While all the children are being cared for and loved, I could tell that the facility is understaffed and in need of more help. The children stay in large, bare rooms without any activities to fill their time. It broke my heart to see children living like this. If it were up to me, I would bring them all home with me, but that is not a reality. We must continue to support these care givers and provide what they need to care for these incredible children. These were only a few of the many places we visited, and I feel truly blessed that we are able to help them. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">View <a href="http://m25m.org/page.aspx?x=6222738f-dd41-4e9a-b17c-7ef967778786" target="_blank">photos</a> from Matthew 25: Ministries' mission trip to Jamaica. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and
all links to outside sources and materials are intended for
reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily
represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its
affiliates.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-67464546428397194452012-03-08T16:16:00.001-05:002012-03-08T16:17:12.379-05:00Disaster Update: Tri-State Tornadoes<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On my way through Henryville, Indiana I drove past several ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles all in a line. At the end of that line, was a hearse, likely transporting a victim of Friday's tornadoes. A parade of cars were following the hearse, and in this small town it looked as if everyone was there for the procession.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I began this trip to Henryville, my mind was going over our relief efforts and what supplies are needed, but the sight of the hearse brought my thoughts back to people of the town. While we concentrate on our disaster relief work and all the things that need to be done, we need to remind ourselves to focus on the people themselves, the loved ones they've lost and the hardships they are facing. We must remember the importance of supporting those affected by the storms mentally and spiritually.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View <a href="http://www.m25m.org/page.aspx?x=a80d38ae-4f90-443b-9124-93b6dec4d934" target="_blank">information</a> on our disaster relief efforts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-87781743408492608692012-01-20T16:34:00.003-05:002012-03-08T15:53:22.873-05:00"When I Was Hungry..."<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a trip to Nicaragua in 2008, my father came across a group of children. He offered them toys, but one of the children looked him straight in the eyes and asked if he could have food instead. My dad says he knew in that moment, he was looking into the eyes of starvation. What child turns down toys for food?<br />
<br />
It had always been a wish shared by my father and I that one day we would be able to produce our own food here at Matthew 25: Ministries. This moment in Nicaragua pushed us to really start thinking about how we could make it happen, and start moving forward on planning the facility.<br />
<br />
Prasco generously came alongside us in this vision. With their support, this dream became a reality. In 2010, we opened the Prasco Food Processing Center here in our facility. We are now able to package a nutritionally enhanced rice-soy blend for only 9 cents per serving and assemble 30 seven-serving bags of food per minute. <br />
<br />
The creation of the Prasco Food Processing Center has given us the capability to quickly respond to natural disasters as well as provide on-going aid to the hungry. It allowed us to send 1 million meals to earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan. It enabled us to get desperately needed protein into the diets of orphans in Haiti. And it has fed thousands of hungry people right here in Greater Cincinnati.<br />
<br />
Today a small team of Matthew 25: Ministries staff visited Prasco for a presentation to express our deep appreciation for their continued support. During the presentation, my father and I both spoke about the profound impact Prasco has made on our organization and the lives of those we serve. We then had the privilege of serving the rice-soy blend to the staff at Prasco so that they could taste it. It was a big hit!<br />
<br />
It was such a meaningful afternoon spent with dear friends and partners. We are so blessed by Prasco’s generosity and their heart for the poorest of the poor.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1nlc-eb2ywT3Jrgpp88ni-diWEXXKHVHdmxQlLSRldp2fWLXBeyqCRDuvkfUhRNuiq5yklIi4zuXKgPZn3j1mrkOfb_uDAxQzb7ZLumLnI9ztrKBcZJKZqjSlA5eARvMsLWIGtufqqc/s1600/DSC_2792_fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1nlc-eb2ywT3Jrgpp88ni-diWEXXKHVHdmxQlLSRldp2fWLXBeyqCRDuvkfUhRNuiq5yklIi4zuXKgPZn3j1mrkOfb_uDAxQzb7ZLumLnI9ztrKBcZJKZqjSlA5eARvMsLWIGtufqqc/s320/DSC_2792_fixed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-79266129088394085112011-12-20T10:01:00.002-05:002012-03-08T15:53:56.085-05:00A Child's Prayer<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I recently became aware of a family suffering a tragic loss — the father died only a few weeks ago. The mother reassured her young son that he could talk to his Dad anytime he wanted to because he was in Heaven. So from time to time she would see him stop what he was doing and start to say, "Now I lay me down to sleep..." and then carry on a conversation with his Dad, as though he were right next to him. I feel we have much to learn from this little boy. For most of us, seeing is believing. For this young boy, having faith allows him to "see." His faith that his Dad is in Heaven and can hear everything he says is unwavering. May we learn to be more like this young child this holiday season and have faith that God is watching over us and can hear everything we say as we prepare for our savior to be born.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Best wishes to you and yours for a blessed holiday season, Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span> </div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-59015793897017469792011-10-27T12:43:00.003-04:002012-03-08T15:54:47.447-05:00Fighting Hunger<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">With the <a href="http://www.hunger5k.org/"><b style="color: #2b5c8a;">Fighting Hunger 5K</b></a> less than 10 days away, I coldly and fondly remember the two different years I "camped" on top of the building for an entire week. I experienced all different types of weather up there—extreme thunderstorms, cold and even snow. I did all of this to raise awareness about hunger, our annual 5K race and the Fighting Hunger food drive for local food pantries in the Greater Cincinnati area. While the conditions may have been extreme, it doesn't compare to what people around the world and here in Cincinnati face every day. I was actually the lucky one up there on the roof—I had a tent, a heater and other comforts. Plus, I always had the option of going inside. But most people living in impoverished situations don't have that option. So this year, please think of those in need and how you can help better their lives.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the photo from left to right: Wendell Mettey (Dad), Chuck Ingram from 700WLW, and me.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev-BMLSar7Vog9nzf_wZpy8gmXQ6lWY44nnCv_CIJAwWCfXINxYj6-aicyTQaph1xF0TPzMqH6Wn9GPScHObIa6eqIbrwYMV9sge_fb04ZGjUs1he9zQ49ecvzORwZ2yIy-LcC_QR3ik/s1600/Hunger+007-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev-BMLSar7Vog9nzf_wZpy8gmXQ6lWY44nnCv_CIJAwWCfXINxYj6-aicyTQaph1xF0TPzMqH6Wn9GPScHObIa6eqIbrwYMV9sge_fb04ZGjUs1he9zQ49ecvzORwZ2yIy-LcC_QR3ik/s640/Hunger+007-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-21004327519818757012011-10-14T16:54:00.002-04:002012-03-08T15:51:03.235-05:00Coats to Appalachia<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Each fall we travel to a small school in rural <st1:place w:st="on">Appalachia</st1:place>—the same school we visit each summer to perform maintenance and an educational camp—to provide underprivileged children with new, warm coats for the upcoming winter. Earlier this week, our small team of Matthew 25: Ministries staff and representatives from Cintas helped distribute these new coats to the students. The children were all very excited and appreciative to receive these new coats since many of them would not have otherwise had proper clothing to protect them from the cold winter weather.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">For one young kindergartener in the group, it was his first year receiving a new coat. He was extremely happy and grateful for his bright blue coat, hat, and gloves. He said he couldn’t wait to play outside in the snow and throw snowballs now, since he’ll have a warm coat to wear. He smiled so big and pulled the coat tight around himself whenever someone asked him a question, as if he never wanted to let go of this exciting new gift.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">View pictures from the trip <a href="http://m25m.org/page.aspx?x=2a54ab3d-cbd0-4818-aab8-bf55d22936e3">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-73788669102545064952011-10-06T15:44:00.001-04:002012-03-08T15:55:04.016-05:00A Chance Encounter<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Sitting in my office, I had the pleasure of overhearing an exchange between a grandmother and grandson in the hallway. The grandson had been volunteering for some service hours and was on his way out when he passed his grandmother, who was coming in to volunteer. Neither of the two knew that the other was going to be here that day. The grandson explained why he was here and his grandmother told him how she has been volunteering here since we were located in Loveland, Ohio. She explained the history of Matthew 25: Ministries to her grandson... I think she explained it better then I could have done. While it seems like a chance happening, this type of encounter actually occurs more often than you know. Loved ones from all over come here to meet up; some intentional and some not. But the thing that stood out to me about the grandmother and grandson was the subject they discussed afterwards. They talked about an ailing family member and how they both where trying to take care of them in their own way. The grandson reassured his grandmother, and she reassured him and this went on for nearly ten minutes. Just by being here, they both helped the poor through volunteering and also were able to help each other through their hard time. </div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-58448840352332620672011-09-20T11:24:00.002-04:002012-03-08T15:56:50.242-05:00Humanitarian Aid in the U.S.<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Matthew 25 ships humanitarian aid all over the world each year. Many people don't realize that the single country we send the most aid to is the U.S.—over 20% of all aid shipments stay right here. We also partner with over 30 organizations in the tri-state to help the poor and suffering right here at home in the Greater Cincinnati area. So when you volunteer or donate to Matthew 25: Ministries, know that you are helping the poorest of the poor all around the world and here in the U.S.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">For more information about what and where we ship, please visit the <a href="http://www.m25m.org/Page.aspx?x=9723340a-d679-43f2-b061-befe704dfb9f" target="_blank""><b style="color: #2b5c8a;">Shipment Statistics</b></a> page on our website.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span> </div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-59832065673793697812011-09-15T14:07:00.001-04:002012-03-08T15:57:15.557-05:00New Life Furniture<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Matthew 25: Ministries partners with several incredible organizations around the world and here in Cincinnati to help reach the poor. One of those organizations is New Life Furniture. This local organization collects new and gently used furniture and delivers these items directly to the families in need that they serve. These recipients are referred to them by local agencies and most of them have recently become homeless, with some having to flee abusive situations. Matthew 25: Ministries is proud to be partnering with such an amazing organization.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Read more about <a href="http://www.nlfurniture.org/"><b style="color: #2b5c8a;">New Life Furniture</b></a>.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-80116475367806676892011-09-01T16:37:00.003-04:002012-03-08T15:57:36.796-05:00Fighting Hunger 5K Race<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Our annual Fighting Hunger 5K Run/Walk is now only two months away, on Saturday, November 5th. There are so many exciting features to our race, including t-shirts, goody bags, a delicious chocolate fountain and this year's new pace car—the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 used by James Bond in "Goldfinger," "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "Casino Royale." With awesome features like revolving license plates, extending ramming bumpers, a smoke screen, an oil slick shooter and ejector seat, you don't want to miss our race!</div><br />
<div style="color: #2b5c8a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;"><a href="http://octanereport.com/tuned-cars/2010/11/19/james-bond-1964-aston-martin-db5-sold-for-4-million.html"target="_blank""><b>Read more about our Fighting Hunger 5K pace car—the historic "Bond-mobile."</b></a></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span><b> </b></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-27381404802014222062011-08-25T15:03:00.005-04:002012-03-08T15:57:51.545-05:00Ready to Respond to Hurricane Irene<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Matthew 25: Ministries is ready to respond in any way needed to Hurricane Irene. We have already been in contact with our partners in the areas that might be affected by the storm. Please check <a href="http://www.m25m.org/"target=_blank"><b style="color: #2b5c8a;">our website</b></a> to see how we are responding in the days to come. </div><br />
<div style="color: #2b5c8a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;"><a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44270712/ns/today-weather/t/irene-pounds-bahamas-spins-north-toward-watchful-us/#.TlabzKhBd2A" target="_blank""><b>Read more about the forecasted path of Hurricane Irene.</b></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span><b> </b></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-6053716328234428472011-08-22T16:12:00.003-04:002012-03-08T15:58:03.273-05:00Monitoring Hurricane Irene<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Matthew 25: Ministries is closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Irene. As with any threat of disaster, we stand ready to respond if assistance is needed and requested.</div><br />
<div style="color: #2b5c8a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/54098/hurricane-irene-to-slam-into-t.asp"target=_blank"><b>Read more about the conditions surrounding Hurricane Irene.</b></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span><b> </b></div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-65763878441025693132011-08-04T12:22:00.004-04:002012-03-08T15:59:27.419-05:00Japan: 18 Weeks After Disaster<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" font-size:small;>Our partners in Japan recently sent an update on the living conditions of tsunami survivors. Here is a summary of the report, which was written 18 weeks after the catastrophic disaster:</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Aftershocks continue to hit the region on a regular basis. Areas along the coast are still experiencing quakes larger than 6.0 several times a week. This has caused widespread fear and stress throughout the region.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Our partners are continuing to focus on helping evacuees north of Sundai. Many tsunami survivors have moved into temporary housing locations. However, their situations continue to be very difficult. Work is limited and will be for a long time in these areas. Some families have received insurance money, which they can use to help cover basic living expenses. But many families only had fire insurance, which does not cover the damage from the tsunami. They are now trying to survive day by day with no income at all. The situation is especially difficult for young mothers who lost their husbands in the tsunami, their children, and the elderly.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">Radiation continues to be a problem as it shifts into valleys throughout the area. Our partners had befriended one young man, his wife and their baby. They had tried to restart a life in the hills. They built a shed for shelter at night, had a tent for a kitchen, and a stream nearby for water. But they just received word that the radiation has become too dangerous, and they were advised to move. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">At a school nearby, they have had to remove the top layer of dirt and replace it with new sand because of radiation. The number of children at that school has almost doubled with evacuees since the disaster.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">In the area that we help, disaster relief efforts have slowed drastically, so our continued our work is all the more important now. Thank you for your prayers and support!</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">View <a href="http://www.m25m.org/page.aspx?x=10ee02eb-e53a-4e55-af5e-e8fa23fbcfe8" target="_blank""><b style="color: #2b5c8a;">photos</b></a> of Japan as the country continues to recover from the earthquake and tsunami.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-82564745943369290482011-08-01T15:56:00.002-04:002012-03-08T16:00:51.336-05:00Appalachia Mission Trip<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">For the past eight years Matthew 25: Ministries has led a team of staff and volunteers to Appalachia with the mission of improving the environment and lives of students in a rural West Virginia elementary school. Each summer the mission team completes various renovation projects and runs an educational day camp for students. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">This July, Matthew 25 upgraded the school's library by replacing the 31-year-old carpet with new tile, touching up the wall paint and assembling new furniture, including bookshelves and computer tables. The students love their new library and will greatly benefit from the improved facilities.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">As the maintenance team accomplished their tasks, other members of the mission team organized an educational day camp for the elementary school students. The children were challenged to learn in creative and interactive ways through a fun assortment of projects, games and activities.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">The trip was a huge success. All of our goals for the week were accomplished – the kids had a lot of fun at camp, the library looks brand new, and the students, staff, and community were encouraged by Matthew 25: Ministries’ on-going support.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">View photos from the 2011 Appalachia Mission Trip <a href="http://m25m.org/page.aspx?x=8db888e2-760b-49b7-ba94-9b7cbe0bcdda"target=_blank"><b style="color: #2b5c8a;">here</b></a>.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:small;">"This was the first mission trip I have ever been on so I wasn't sure what to expect. Being able to interact with the kids and see how much our time and effort positively impacts their lives made me believe in our purpose of being there even more. This week was a huge blessing and I would gladly welcome the opportunity to be a part of future mission trips." - Lauren, 2011 Appalachia Mission Trip team member</div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-56694026286878670832011-07-06T10:01:00.005-04:002012-03-08T16:01:32.235-05:00Global Village<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Matthew 25: Ministries’ President & Founder, Rev. Wendell Mettey always wanted to create a place where everyone could see, first-hand, the living conditions of the poorest of the poor. He knew that not everyone would have the opportunity to travel to the types of places that we help, so he wanted to bring that life-changing experience to them. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">His vision became a reality through the Global Village—a life-size recreation of an impoverished village inside Matthew 25: Ministries’ facility. The <b><a href="http://m25m.org/Page.aspx?x=e49651e9-8dc1-48ac-ae22-3aa290fbadc8" target="_blank""><span style="color: #0b5394;">Global Village</span></a></b> provides visitors and volunteers with a greater understanding of poverty around the world. It offers people the opportunity to have a mission trip experience and help the poor, right here at Matthew 25: Ministries. </div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-32739467376248996302011-06-28T16:09:00.003-04:002012-03-08T16:02:00.013-05:00Helping Home<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">This year, Matthew 25: Ministries has shipped more than 6 million pounds of aid to the poorest of the poor. Guess which country has received the most help so far ... the United States! 79 semi-truckloads have stayed right here in our own country.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">For more information about what and where we ship, please visit the <b style="color: #2b5c8a;"><a href="http://www.m25m.org/Page.aspx?x=9723340a-d679-43f2-b061-befe704dfb9f" target="_blank"">Shipment Statistics</a></b> page on our website.</div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-87446928348921211332011-06-10T15:43:00.005-04:002012-03-08T16:02:48.208-05:00A Future for Haiti<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Haiti has been torn apart by massacres, dictators, hurricanes, earthquakes, and many more things I could mention. Pretty much anything that could have happened to keep Haiti from thriving, has happened. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">On my most recent trip to Haiti in June, some things did not unfold like we had planned and hoped they would. In response, Haitians and relief workers alike would make the comment, “It’s their culture,” or “It’s just Haiti. What do you expect?” These comments made me sick to my stomach. They were like nails down a chalkboard for me. These people all knew Haiti’s past, and they were now using it as a reason for why things didn’t work out. How could they say such a thing? They were dooming Haiti to repeat its past hardships in the future. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Many people wiser than myself have said, “History is to be learned from so that you do not repeat its mistakes in the future.” So, why were these people using Haiti’s past as a reason for why things weren’t working out now?</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">The concerns I brought up to our team about these comments were just that, concerns. I know these people very well, and I know they love Haiti. But we have to be careful not to stereotype or make generalizations, because they can be part of the reason why different groups of people are held back or looked down upon. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">I believe that things are changing in Haiti. If not, then why help? Why take the time to lend a hand or care for these children who desperately need our help? Believe that change is happening, because it is happening everywhere. Matthew 25: Ministries and our partners have and will continue to help the people of Haiti make a better life. </div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-50339561808257727642011-05-27T14:41:00.001-04:002012-03-08T16:03:15.435-05:00Disaster Relief Goes to Joplin<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Matthew 25: Ministries' first shipment of disaster relief to Joplin, Missouri left yesterday around 1:00 pm. It is scheduled to arrive in Joplin sometime today. This truckload included food, water, tarps and personal care items, which will be distributed to tornado victims. We continue to pray for those in Joplin and all areas devastated by the recent tornado outbreak. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Below are a few photos of our first shipment of tornado relief supplies as they leave for Joplin, MO.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqmn6vrupU5lyo45eGFrB3tecSqLK3fMmmfUI6WztCoq7v6QYnxUkHr16CoYr8xcDhlUn01UkQ3ezz1104F6_TrQyG0EACqXchKYtfChoSftomm1bq9LTUWkDB5Au_cej3qapJoEiZF4/s1600/JoplinPics_Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqmn6vrupU5lyo45eGFrB3tecSqLK3fMmmfUI6WztCoq7v6QYnxUkHr16CoYr8xcDhlUn01UkQ3ezz1104F6_TrQyG0EACqXchKYtfChoSftomm1bq9LTUWkDB5Au_cej3qapJoEiZF4/s640/JoplinPics_Bar.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-79525708193892252322011-05-24T16:04:00.002-04:002012-03-08T16:04:06.077-05:00A Single Flickering Light<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Last week, I led a small team of staff and M25M representatives to Nicaragua. On the way there, our plane out of Cincinnati was delayed, which caused us to miss our connecting flight in Miami. We ended up having to wait 8 hours for the next flight to Nicaragua. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">I was frustrated for a couple of reasons. First of all, we were going to lose a half day in Nicaragua, leaving us with less time to get our work accomplished. Second of all, I would not be able to spend as much time in the country that inspired my father to start Matthew 25: Ministries, which has become a second home to me. It had been over 10 year’s since I had been back, so I was excited to return, even for this brief trip. The delay was extremely frustrating and maddening. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">When we finally departed for Managua, it was late in the evening and getting dark. On our final decent to land in Nicaragua, I could see thousands of lights from my plane window, but I became fixated on a single flickering light located away from the others. Maybe this light was a fire used by a village to cook, or perhaps it was the only light available in a small village. Whatever it was, I stared even more intently. The more I stared, the more all of my earlier frustrations went away.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">That single flickering light reminded me that I was coming to Nicaragua as a single light myself, and that my light would hopefully touch others and give hope. Then they, too, would become lights. Instead of just my one light, there would be thousands.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">God has a funny way of showing us the important things in life. My earlier frustrations were nothing; I was there for a much greater purpose. While spreading hope is important, we can’t forget about that one single flickering light. Before there can be thousands, there has to be one.</div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-11758906244289537272011-05-10T11:55:00.002-04:002012-03-08T16:04:58.383-05:00Matthew 25: Ministries is a "Slam Dunk" for Donors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCt4rcEy1fkvoMTGgR9hknPA0ufpR6a5QN1YjbKVV18L2fhF_a70BbhUY02Oz3VAmphsr2f94DrG3opnz-vFGde_BImOMPvON6UNLN4Btsqv9NP-tHhH5pvJ3_fgOF4eUDdl5_mmjpSs/s1600/SlamDunk_PageTopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCt4rcEy1fkvoMTGgR9hknPA0ufpR6a5QN1YjbKVV18L2fhF_a70BbhUY02Oz3VAmphsr2f94DrG3opnz-vFGde_BImOMPvON6UNLN4Btsqv9NP-tHhH5pvJ3_fgOF4eUDdl5_mmjpSs/s400/SlamDunk_PageTopper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
M25M has been ranked #1 on Charity Navigator’s list of 10 Slam-Dunk Charities!</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">Today we found out that Charity Navigator ranked Matthew 25: Ministries at the top of their list of 10 best charities in the US. Our position as #1 was earned by our fiscal standing and respecting the rights of donors- two values that we put at the top of our list. In addition, Matthew 25: Ministries has been awarded a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for both our organizational efficiency and capacity. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">We are excited to receive this acknowledgement and will remain committed to our fiscal responsibilities and protecting the personal information of our donors. More than 99% of all cash and in-kind donations goes towards our programs.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span> </div>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-24342195121776214822011-05-09T16:45:00.007-04:002012-03-08T16:05:47.818-05:00Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn0rYvmo9bUwPcEbNORQJHLDqOdwSpBNiQjvlrNjHnymLAjsmTlC8pbF7qnqeXRaoHpO79U8ZNxgEWjyIXBNkOdyfKCuC8PR_fTz8dKFgCf9jMNWysSEqtfFbw2VEJUYvSYlfBPXy8d4/s1600/Images_Quake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn0rYvmo9bUwPcEbNORQJHLDqOdwSpBNiQjvlrNjHnymLAjsmTlC8pbF7qnqeXRaoHpO79U8ZNxgEWjyIXBNkOdyfKCuC8PR_fTz8dKFgCf9jMNWysSEqtfFbw2VEJUYvSYlfBPXy8d4/s640/Images_Quake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: August Kengelbacher; Granger Collection, New York; The New York Times via Smithsonian, May 2011; Volume 42, Number 2</span> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">The 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck the northeast coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 is not the first time the quake-prone nation has been crippled by such devastation. On September 1, 1923 an equally horrific set of disasters hit the island. At that time, the Great Kanto Earthquake was considered to be the worst natural disaster ever to ravage Japan. The initial tremor of the quake lasted a mere 14 seconds, yet managed to collapse every seafront structure in the town of Yokohama. Minutes later a 40-foot tsunami engulfed the coastal town, swallowing thousands of people and buildings. Gas lines ruptured by the quake spawned debris-fueled fires that spread across the remaining landscape. However, with the energy and strength of character that distinguish the Japanese, Yokohama recovered and has become the second largest city in Japan.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">The recent catastrophe in Japan shares a likeness to the disaster that occurred more than eighty-five years ago. In both instances, the seismic activity induced a series of horrifying events, including tsunami waves, fires, and life-threatening leaks from gas or nuclear energy sources. Now, as we look toward the results of the two disasters, we can expect continued similarities – Japan will once again emerge and rebuild with strength and courage. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErgml6KzUxNNkyST244SgbnibtekAqBKXPT1lcsYEHIz1NvI3zH02QCWLPA5gUNvQI4zmnUwOou3wO37FJTkVddFwdh16c6A093qIpdmmw8uQAYM9xkPOOjZIHNFQTwFBf03fHFx3h24/s1600/WoodCutImage_Quake.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErgml6KzUxNNkyST244SgbnibtekAqBKXPT1lcsYEHIz1NvI3zH02QCWLPA5gUNvQI4zmnUwOou3wO37FJTkVddFwdh16c6A093qIpdmmw8uQAYM9xkPOOjZIHNFQTwFBf03fHFx3h24/s320/WoodCutImage_Quake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: Unpo Takashima; www.artelino.com via Smithsonian, May 2011; Volume 42, Number 2</span> <br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">The Japanese people are resilient and self-motivated. They take pride in helping themselves and each other in times of distress. It is our honor to work with them during this current recovery process, and we thank all of you who have individually contributed to our work there. So far, Matthew 25: Ministries has provided the victims of the March earthquake and tsunami with food, water, and blankets. We will continue to ship aid as long as our partners request it. Thank you for believing in our work, and for believing in the future of Japan.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwH4I7cPbC9b-YQDiXi2AEnyEpYtrc0P2daLZ2Q3DllUGVBoK6Vq6mTAz9PMAOiypym0sJAWYqOYmN3ybQbTMDSmSIpFSULXrHTe1gDZUWMnQRMnpkecty0z5y7Gw5-JloYXLD_9IBGo/s1600/FireTwister_Quake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwH4I7cPbC9b-YQDiXi2AEnyEpYtrc0P2daLZ2Q3DllUGVBoK6Vq6mTAz9PMAOiypym0sJAWYqOYmN3ybQbTMDSmSIpFSULXrHTe1gDZUWMnQRMnpkecty0z5y7Gw5-JloYXLD_9IBGo/s320/FireTwister_Quake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit:Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division; National Museum of Japanese History via Smithsonian, May 2011; Volume 42, Number 2</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265873712148535672.post-40441839822894451992011-05-04T16:34:00.002-04:002012-03-08T16:06:26.906-05:00Donations to Matthew 25: Ministries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7i0h5mgn5xvjGw4SmxKNc2gVoRyfvxoLaYjTy_bi66F5QpTdI7SPuO0LdzZY2jHrycwIFAJngCmxv28VpIme-ahIr3db_BcOHs0oQnj_IzL_y8dA_ukb5QVsd14PI3ls1Aw8qAnuYTc/s1600/yellow-post-it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7i0h5mgn5xvjGw4SmxKNc2gVoRyfvxoLaYjTy_bi66F5QpTdI7SPuO0LdzZY2jHrycwIFAJngCmxv28VpIme-ahIr3db_BcOHs0oQnj_IzL_y8dA_ukb5QVsd14PI3ls1Aw8qAnuYTc/s1600/yellow-post-it.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">When donating money to Matthew 25: Ministries, we want you to know that all donations designated for a specific relief effort are always used as requested. We do not take out a percentage for overhead, so you know your money is going exactly where you’ve requested.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;">God bless everyone who is contributing in some way to the those affected by this disaster.</div><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.</span>Matthew 25 Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14083663289550160933noreply@blogger.com0