by Norm Miller

FRESNO - In the seven years since the Feeding Those Who Feed Us project began, about 5,500 people have committed their lives to Christ, a dozen new churches have begun and numerous migrant workers have returned to their homelands to lead others to Christ.

"We're hoping for more of the same this year," said Tom Stringfellow, director of missions for Sierra Butte Baptist Association in Northern California. "We hope to see more churches started, more people come to Christ and more of our Anglo churches get involved."

Stringfellow started Feeding Those Who Feed Us (FTWFU) in 2002 when he was pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Beverly Hills in West Hollywood. The project ministers to impoverished migrant farm workers across California by offering spiritual guidance, medical/dental care and material goods for 11 weeks beginning this year June 15.

"We are expecting many decisions for Christ this summer," said Oscar Sanchez, California Southern Baptist Convention migrant ministries field specialist. "We also anticipate many of our California Southern Baptist churches and individuals becoming more involved in the FTWFU summer project."

Stringfellow noted Feeding Those is uniquely suited for larger metropolitan churches to partner with local congregations throughout the state's "green belt." He calls such partnerships "ideal" in that larger churches have more resources to help congregations where the ministry occurs.

Noting overseas travel for mission trips is becoming more difficult, and that trips to Mexico are "too scary now for some of our California Southern Baptists, we offer the opportunity for people to express their heart for missions right here at home," Stringfellow said.

FTWFU will attempt ministry this summer at some 60 sites, but the level of ministry may be diminished because some of the private and corporate entities that have contributed to the project "will not be giving as much this year as they have in the past, due to the economic situation," Sanchez explained, noting some of the locations will not receive as much food, clothing and other supplies as in previous years.

Despite the downturn in corporate contributions, FTWFU will still attempt to give staple food items to each migrant family, including beans, rice, flour, corn meal and powdered milk. Also, each child under 12 will receive a modest supply of new clothes, a pair of shoes and a backpack containing school supplies.

The migrant families also receive New Testaments in either Spanish or English.
The personal and financial participation of California Southern Baptists is vital to the project's success, noted Stringfellow, who said the North American Mission Board also assists FTWFU through hunger relief funds.

Citing the stewardship of donated money, Stringfellow continues to employ frugality by shopping for FTWFU supplies via wholesale outlets and liquidation sales.

"On a brighter note, because of the situation with the economy, it is a time of great need and therefore a time when people's hearts are more receptive to spiritual matters," Sanchez noted.

Stringfellow said CSBC's mobile medical and dental clinics will traverse about 1,500 miles each this summer at a cost of $1.25 per mile. The mobile clinics not only require money for fuel and related expenses, but doctors and dentists who are willing to volunteer in giving basic care to the migrant workers. Typically, each clinic will treat about 25 patients per day.

FTWFU efforts usually offer a five-day Vacation Bible school at each location, complete with a soccer camp or other recreational activities, as well as craft classes for adult women, evening Bible studies for all adults, and an evangelistic event culminating each week's ministry.

While bilingual abilities aren't required, persons who speak Spanish are especially encouraged to assist, particularly for the evangelistic events.

Like Stringfellow, Sanchez sees FTWFU not only as a way to supply material and physical needs, but as an opportunity to meet the greatest need of all - the need for Christ.

Sanchez explained: "When we meet some of the migrant people's needs, we establish relationships with them, and finally we have an open door to share Christ with them.

"What a joy it is to see the migrants coming to Christ in faith and repentance," he exulted. "Their lives are changed forever. Although they are materially poor, in Christ they are spiritually rich. They have Christ and eternal life - the greatest riches anyone could ever possess."

Sanchez also is impacted by the willingness of California Southern Baptists to "give of themselves to minister to migrant families. For example, some dentists have given a full week to do missions among the migrant families," he explained. "They are willing to endure the hot temperatures of places like Bakersfield and to minister in places where there is no air-conditioning available.

"I've had many people ask me, 'Why do these professionals provide services for free?' I tell them because they love God and they love people," Sanchez said. "This selfless giving can only be explained by the transforming power of Jesus Christ. These individuals truly reflect the character of Christ.

"I believe that it is very important for Southern Baptists to be involved in the FTWFU ministry because it brings glory to God," Sanchez added. "When God's people are willing to minister to the 'least of these,' then we are doing God's will, bringing glory to God and experiencing real joy."

Those interested in volunteering for Feeding Those Who Feed Us should contact Sanchez - osanchez@csbc.com or 559-930-3768; or Stringfellow - pstrtom@sbcglobal.net or 530-327-8262.