Philly fights malaria

Apr 12th, 2010 4:07 PM UTC
By Field

As the leader of a faith community, I am convinced that ONE helps people live out a central value of every faith tradition: care for the poor. It is through ONE’s commitment to providing a voice the poorest people in the world that we can learn about the impact of extreme poverty and the very real opportunities that exist to make a difference, save lives, and shape a better world for everyone.

A great example of the impact we can have is the problem of malaria, a disease that takes the life of a child in sub-Saharan Africa every 40 seconds and is spread through something as simple as a mosquito bite. Thanks to the efforts of ONE and their partners around the world, nations such as Rwanda and Ethiopia have seen malaria cases and deaths cut in half in only two years! Very affordable ways to prevent and even cure malaria are available and experts believe that deaths from malaria can be completely eliminated within the next five years. We have the ability as long as we make this a priority and work together as ONE for the sake of the poor.

Because lives are at risk and can be easily saved, I am excited that my church, a Lutheran congregation near Philadelphia, will be joining with faith communities of several traditions to participate in ONE Sabbath events on April 24th & 25th. This weekend was chosen because it is also World Malaria Day. Compassion for those who are suffering from extreme poverty and preventable diseases unites people across the lines of faith traditions. Care for the poor is a value that can unite all people, regardless of belief, as we stand together as ONE.

Temple Lutheran Church is also proud and excited to be hosting a Philadelphia Area ONE Advocacy Workshop on Saturday April 17th! Please join us! You can RSVP here now!

-Pastor Matt Staniz, PA ONE Member, Temple Lutheran Church

TAGS: Malaria