The Shed That Fed 2 Million Children: The Mary’s Meals Story

By Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

Speaking Volumes Christian Book of the Year 2016

In 1992, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow was enjoying a pint with his brother when he got an idea that would change his life – and radically change the lives of others.

After watching a news bulletin about war-torn Bosnia, the two brothers agreed to take a week’s hiatus from work to help.

What neither of them expected is that what began as a one-time road trip in a beaten-up Landrover rapidly grew to become Magnus’s life’s work – leading him to leave his job, sell his house and direct all his efforts to feeding thousands of the world’s poorest children.

Magnus retells how a series of miraculous circumstances and an overwhelming display of love from those around him led to the creation of Mary’s Meals; an organisation that could hold the key to eradicating child hunger altogether. This humble, heart-warming yet powerful story has never been more relevant in our society of plenty and privilege. It will open your eyes to the extraordinary impact that one person can make.

Format: ebook
Release Date: 21 May 2015
Pages: None
ISBN: 978-0-00-757833-7
Magnus started his career as a Salmon farmer in rural Argyll, but when the Balkan conflict began, he and his brother were so moved by the scenes on television that they gathered a jeep-load of aid and joined a convoy travelling to Bosnia to distribute it. On his return home, Magnus expected to resume his job, however, he came back to discover that the public had carried on donating and instead he continued organising and distributing aid. In 2002 his work led him to Malawi, where he met a family whose situation would alter the course of his work, and Mary’s Meals was born.

”'One simple decision, and thousands of starving children have been fed. That’s what Magnus did.” - Gerard Butler

”'Through the grace and love provided by Mary’s Meals, there is hope, there is a future, there is life.” - Celine Dion

”'This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to see how one person can change the life of millions.” - Duncan Bannatyne