09/01/2026
World Bank states that where we work in Southeast Asia there is a silent emergency, malnutrition. They say it is their greatest human development challenge in this part of the world. The World Health Organization states that it contributes a third of the global burden of undernutrition.
I bring this up because five days a week, we teach and train approximately 200 marginalized children across our various ministry locations. We see the effects of malnutrition every day in the women and children we serve.
Malnutrition in children causes both physical and mental harm. In the short term, it can lead to weight loss, fatigue, and weakened immune systems. Over time, it can cause permanent physical stunting, delayed brain development, and an increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Malnutrition also affects a child’s ability to survive and thrive. It increases susceptibility to illness, makes learning more difficult, increases the likelihood of dropping out of school, and can ultimately limit a child’s ability to become a productive, healthy adult.
When we work with women and children living in the slums, we often ask if anyone in their family has diabetes. Nearly every hand goes up. The connection between poor nutrition and long-term health is something we see firsthand.
That is why keeping children in school and providing nutritious food every day are such important parts of our prevention program.
As part of our program for the approximately 200 children we teach each day, we provide a nutritious meal. For many of these children, this may be the most nutritious food they receive that day. These meals provide nourishment to children whose families simply cannot afford an adequate diet.
To be marginalized means to be pushed to the edge of society—to be treated as unimportant, powerless, or less valuable. It happens when individuals or groups are excluded from normal social and economic life.
But we believe every woman and every child has value. Through your support, you are helping us tell these women and children that they matter. You are helping provide nutritious food, education, skills, opportunity, and hope. You are helping them see that they are valuable and that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.
Thank you for helping us make women and children feel important, valued, and equipped to live meaningful lives. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
— Matthew 25:35
Blessings to you and your family,
Vicki
