contributed by Rev. Dr. John J. Noggle, Pastor, Swifton UMC and Tuckerman UMC
The mission of the “Every Child is Ours” community ministry is to provide food and reading for children in poverty-stricken areas in North Jackson County, the United States, and around the world. The purpose of the name is to state boldly that each child, no matter where they are in the world, is part of each of us. It is up to everyone to help our children in need.
The Tuckerman and Swifton UM Women of Faith has been donating quarterly to the project for about ten years. The person that started this organization is Mrs. Jan Pascal, who is a member of Tuckerman UMC. She is a retired school teacher and has a heart for people and especially children.
“Every Child is Ours” serves on average 314 families each week from the North Jackson County area. We have many from both Tuckerman and Swifton that have come to help in this outreach ministry.
“I believe this is a vital part of helping those in poverty. When a child and a family do not have to worry if they have anything to eat, then they will be able to focus on other issues, like education and reading,” shared Rev. John Noggle, pastor of Swifton UMC and Tuckerman UMC. “Families who are not hungry and can read have a better chance at breaking the barriers of generational poverty.”
“The best way that I can describe the force behind this ministry is to reference 1 John 3: 16-18: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”