Mission Yearbook: ‘Some pig!’

Just as E.B. White’s beloved spider in “Charlotte’s Web” works her web to save Wilbur the pig’s life, 12-year-old Nathaniel knows that he, too, has the power to change — and save — lives through the “humble” pig.

National Pig Day

The Presbyterian Giving Catalog joins with thousands of others across the U.S. to celebrate the “humble” pig, which is widely regarded as among the most intelligent of animals.

But not just intelligent. Because piglets are also critically important toward creating a sustainable source of income for families in need all across the world, the Giving Catalog chooses to shine a spotlight on pigs.

For Nathaniel, a seventh grader who attends Morningside Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, it’s all about what a simple pig can do.

“Pigs can make a real difference in someone’s lives,” he said, “so I hope a lot of people donate to make that difference.”

Nathaniel, who has been raising funds for pigs since he was 8 years old, is active in his church’s youth group and youth Sunday school.

Nathaniel is pictured with a pig in the background (Contributed photo)

“We have a wonderful missions program at our church that offers ways for kids to engage in mission throughout the year,” said Nathaniel’s mother, Sarah Beth. “Just a few weeks ago, for example, the youth led the entire church service and raised funds to fight hunger with the Souper Bowl of Caring offering. It's wonderful to have mission as a foundational part of church for children and youth and see how that can spur them to undertake service work of their own.”

This year, Nathaniel’s fundraising goal is four pigs, which he hopes to meet through his extended family. He’ll also contribute from his own allowance.

“Pigs are awesome,” Nathaniel said. “You can sell them to make money and that seemed like it could be a big help.”

Now in its 12th year, the Presbyterian Giving Catalog is filled with a wide variety of gifts that provide real and positive impact around the world. For ease of use, the Giving Catalog is available both in print and online, in English, Spanish and Korean. The 2024–2025 Giving Catalog offers a total of 45 items — large, small and in between — to fit every congregation’s missional interest and every individual’s budget.

Emily Enders Odom, Associate Director of Mission Communications, Interim Unified Agency (Click here to read original PNS story)

Let us join in prayer for:

• Lora Limeberry, Accountant, Financial Reporting, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
• Sara Lisherness, Consultant for Global Partnerships, Interim Unified Agency  

Let us pray:

O God, who made all people in your image, grant that in our journeys through life we allow you to always transform our barren landscapes. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.