From the Bible to Today, God Provides for His People
By Tyler Lindner
Famine. Death. Heartbreak. It was a fate they never could have imagined -— a fate so painful, so devoid of hope, that Naomi changed her name to Mara (“the bitter one”). Her husband died. Her two sons died. Her daughter in law, Ruth, was left without a husband or a son to carry on the family name. Their stories were marred with tragedy.
We often forget that Ruth’s story did not start with a romantic love story or as an epic journey across lands. It started with a famine. Despite this pain and heartbreak, Ruth clearly saw something admirable in Naomi. She made a pledge to follow Naomi and her God.
In their suffering, Ruth and Naomi returned to Naomi’s homeland of Israel, where Naomi had heard that “the Lord has visited his people and given them food” (Ruth 1:6b). Alone in a foreign land, Ruth met Boaz. In their culture, he was her kinsmen redeemer. As a close male relative of Naomi, he had the responsibility to act on behalf of his relatives in need. He married Ruth, redeeming and providing for her.
The Lord used famine to bring Ruth to Him. Though Naomi felt bitter, she still had enough faith in the Lord to return to Israel and encourage her daughter-in-law in the ways of the Lord. Ruth’s story is an excellent example of how God turns dark to light and tragedy to hope.
The Same Then and Now
Guatemala suffers from a severe long-term hunger and malnutrition crisis. But just like God provided in Israel, He provides in Guatemala.
Meet Estela!
As a young mother, Estela battled malnutrition in her children for years. Her children were in critical need of nutritious food, but, despite her best efforts, Estela had no way to provide for them. Then, an Unto team came to Estela’s village to distribute meals. Estela went to the distribution, skeptical, thinking any support would only be temporary.
As Estela saw the health of her children improve, she was amazed at the transformation. She wanted to know why people who did not know her had done so much to help her.
The local staff had the opportunity to tell Estela about the hope of Jesus. As she heard the message of salvation, her heart was opened and she made the decision to trust in Jesus.
When talking to local staff, Estela shared that, “Rice fed my children… but the Word of God fed me.” Today, Estela volunteers in her village, helping with meal distributions and sharing what God has done in her family. Her home, once marked by famine, is now a place of prayer. Her children, once malnourished, are flourishing.
In many ways, Estela’s story mirrors Ruth’s. Both women were alone, without food or husbands to help share the burden of their labor. Both women had their physical needs provided for and also received the even greater gift of spiritual salvation. Just like God restored and provided for Ruth and Naomi, He restored and provided for Estela and her children. Now, generations are being impacted!
Provide Meals and Share the Hope of Jesus
You can help provide food for people like Estela and her children. You can also be a part of God’s redemptive plan. In recognition of World Food Day, any gift you make will be DOUBLED by matching funds.