By Ben Simms
Lifeline Christian Mission began in 1980 with the goal of transforming the lives of individuals, families, and communities through Christ. As an organization, Lifeline creates opportunities for people and churches to serve others in both their local communities and around the world. Lifeline also walks alongside local leaders throughout the world, investing in their growth and development so they may become catalysts of transformation within their communities.
Seventeen years ago, Lifeline Christian Mission began its meal-packing story. We were introduced to an innovative way to involve people in generosity and service. “Meal packs” facilitated the assembly of shelf-stable meals for hungry people around the world. People of all ages and abilities came together to serve; pouring ingredients into bags, weighing, sealing, and boxing the meals in just a few minutes!
Initially, Lifeline just needed nutritious school lunches for our students in Haiti. Thousands of students needed a healthy lunch, which for some was their only meal of the day. By coordinating meal pack events with churches in North America, Lifeline’s students received a guaranteed meal every day. Meals were packed and shipped to Haiti, where students, with full bellies, could learn and grow up healthy.
But as we looked deeper into the issue of world hunger, the need for meals multiplied! Haiti’s devastating earthquake, a global pandemic, wars, famines in Africa, refugees fleeing Ukraine and Somalia, and economic turmoil all revealed the growing need. Meal packs became a practical way for North Americans to respond and reflect God’s love in action. Through our network of international staff and global food partners like Love Does, Lifeline meals are now distributed to over twenty countries each year.
The impact didn’t stop there.
We discovered the power of the double miracle of this event. Not only were these students receiving hot, nutritious lunches, but the lives of the churches and volunteers serving were also being transformed. Meal packs brought churches together, uniting them around a common goal. It was a way for everyone to contribute, regardless of age or ability, and an opportunity to invite the wider community to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Today, Lifeline continues to bring meal pack events to local churches across the country. We’ve also established six local facilities where communities can regularly engage in meal packing, service, and community impact. People are packing meals and making a difference every day in cities like Charlotte (NC), Denver (CO), Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), Lexington (KY), and Louisville (KY), with Detroit and Southern California joining this list soon. These locations also help distribute meals right here in the U.S., reaching out to those who need it most.
Countless lives have been impacted during these first 17 years. Over the recent Labor Day weekend, Lifeline hit a noteworthy milestone: 100 million meals packed!
But this isn’t just our story … it’s yours. Over 800 schools, churches, camps, and businesses are part of this story. More than 700,000 people have packed and prayed over meals. This is your celebration! We are grateful to the numerous staff and volunteers, past and present, who have contributed to this achievement. Thank you!
So, where do we go from here?
Well, since food insecurities are still quite prevalent and the desire remains for many to serve, we are committed to continuing our meal-packing efforts and impacting the lives of many. I wonder when we’ll reach the mark of 250 million meals packed?
The simple process of packing meals to feed hungry people around the world can have an incredible impact upon you and your church. We invite you to join with us at Lifeline as we move forward to our next milestone. Check out lifeline.org/mealpack to take your next step.
Ben Simms serves as President and CEO of Lifeline Christian Mission.
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