Philippines - Bethany Lutheran Rice Mission. It's Going To Be a Rice Day

 Is anyone else hungry for some rice dishes? Rice Krispies?

Lutheran Cowboys - Philippines

Despite the difficulties of travelling due to strict checkpoints and endless permits,  the rice donated by Bishop Gregory L. Jackson and his friends  finally arrived and was distributed in the mountain. 

Thanks to our friends for caring and sending rice to our members who are in need of food during these trying times.

Last week, unfortunate things happened because one jeep travelling from the city fell in a very high cliff. One died, however; a miracle still happened because most of the passengers survived and are now recovering. Five Lutheran members [from another congregation] were included in that accident. We ask everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters for their fast recovery. Hoping to visit them soon if weather and my health condition is okay.

I am planning to go home to distribute rice also to my relatives and to preach the Gospel too.  I should have traveled today but I felt sick and the weather is not favorable this time. 

God bless to all the donors and more power to Bishop Jackson.

***

September Is Rice Month

"NATIONAL RICE MONTH

We celebrate National Rice Month throughout the entire month September. With over 40,000 kinds that grow on every continent, except on Antarctica, we have 30 days to discover as many varieties as possible!

Rice is the oldest known food still consumed today. Rice was first grown about 130 million years ago in the south-eastern part of Asia.  The Chinese word for rice is the same word used for food. However, rice is more than food; it’s part of the national culture. Many cultural customs date back to the days of wet rice cultivation. The historic commitment to group harmony is a predominate custom of the original culture for communal rice cultivation. In China, young girls are told that they must eat all the rice on their plate because each grain of rice represents a pockmark on the face of their future husband!  Interestingly, Chinese and Japanese heritage both cultivate rice as a part of their culture.

Rice-n-Roll

Rice is the second highest grain produced worldwide after maize (corn). Nearly 85% of rice consumed in the U.S. is grown domestically is six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. Rice is a complex carb, low in fat, making it very healthy to eat!

There are four types of rice and each is different from one another:

• White rice is the most common and the inferior rice of the four. So, unlike other rice varieties, white rice has little nutrients, making it the least healthy.
• Brown rice is a whole grain rice rich in thiamine, iron, and zinc. Because of this, brown rice has a chewy texture and gives a fuller feeling after eating.
• Black rice full of rich nutty, earthy flavors. Interestingly, scientists classify black rice as a different species from white and brown rice. On a nutritional level, black rice is an excellent choice for diabetics, as it has a very low glycemic index.
• Red rice is similar to black rice on the nutrient scale, except it provides more antioxidants to the body. The antioxidants found in red rice attribute to the rich red color of the rice.

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to celebrate National Rice Month. Preparing some jambalaya, fried rice or rice pudding for the family is a great way to celebrate at the kitchen table! While shopping for rice, look at what varieties available. Mix and match to create your own delight!

Use #NationalRiceMonth in social media correspondence.

HISTORY

U.S.A. Rice designated September National Rice Month to encourage the use of the small but mighty grain in our daily dining."