Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

In Indonesia, the theme of agape love and giving freely takes center stage in the third Rice Bowl Lenten Story of Hope. Evita, a resident of Flores Island, Indonesia, shared her journey of resilience and community support through a Catholic Relief Services program.

Evita, along with her family, faced the challenges of living in an area prone to natural disasters like cyclones and earthquakes. To combat these adversities, Evita joined a disaster preparedness group facilitated by CRS. Together, they worked on initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of their community during emergencies.

The group's efforts included establishing warning systems, identifying evacuation routes, and maintaining a community garden to provide essential food supplies. Through their dedication, they also implemented sustainable practices like drip irrigation to combat drought conditions and planted trees to protect their garden from environmental elements.

Evita expressed her initial uncertainty about how she could contribute to the community but later recognized the profound impact of collective action. She stated, “When I first joined the village disaster preparedness group, I thought, ‘What will I do or give to help the community?’ After I’ve been involved, I see the benefits of what the community and I did.”

The Catholic Relief Services emphasizes the importance of communal living and giving back to those in need, reflecting the teachings of our Catholic faith. The organization believes in the power of collective growth and the fundamental role of all individuals in fostering community well-being.

As we progress through the Lenten season, let us draw inspiration from Evita's story and the principles of selfless service and sacrifice embodied by Christ. By imitating the spirit of gratuitousness and unconditional giving, we can strive to make a positive impact on our communities and beyond.

For more stories like Evita's and to explore meatless meal recipes from various countries, including Indonesia, visit www.crsricebowl.org. Let us continue our journey of faith and reflection, seeking to emulate the compassionate example set by Jesus Christ.