Heifer International's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. For nearly 80 years, we have provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of people who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. We currently work in 19 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become self-reliant. Our goal is to help families achieve living incomes, which allow them to feed their families daily; educate all their children; and have proper housing, water, hygiene and other essential resources.
Throughout our history we have benefitted from the generosity of people of faith. Heifer was founded by Dan West, as a result of his participation in a war-relief trip sponsored by his church. When he returned home, the first donors were the members of his home congregation. Today, we gratefully receive support from United Methodist congregations across the United States and work with people of faith worldwide to implement our projects. We offer FREE resources for teaching about Christ’s call to respond to our neighbors in need and to steward God's good creation. Our resources can be used for VBS, family ministries, rotational Sunday School workshops and more.
Our faith-based resources are appropriate for use throughout the year. A Living Gift Market program can offer your congregants an alternative giving experience at the Christmas holidays, as well as Easter or Mother’s Day! Our Fill the Ark giving calendar is a 4-week family devotional that encourages families to gather together in gratitude and in giving—a perfect fit for Advent or Lenten seasons. Animal Crackers is a great resource to teach children about missions giving alongside your Sunday School or Vacation Bible School curriculum. We also can send you giving envelopes, bulletin inserts, animal cards, brightly colored animal buttons and more!
We encourage you to mix and match resources as needed to meet the interests of your congregation! We are always eager to brainstorm ideas with you—just reach out to faith@heifer.org