Hunger is a worldwide problem – but Southern Baptist Convention
leaders are doing their best to rally members of their churches to “BEAT”
it.
As the 2002 observance of the conventions world hunger
emphasis nears, leaders are calling on Southern Baptist churches to schedule
a “Believers Everywhere ATtack Hunger” weekend as a way of raising
awareness – and funds.
The need for both are plain.
Hunger is a worldwide problem – but Southern Baptist Convention
leaders are doing their best to rally members of their churches to “BEAT”
it.
As the 2002 observance of the conventions world hunger
emphasis nears, leaders are calling on Southern Baptist churches to schedule
a “Believers Everywhere ATtack Hunger” weekend as a way of raising
awareness – and funds.
The need for both are plain.
Giving through the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund is down
– 15 percent in 2001 and 11 percent already this year.
That translates to millions of dollars.
And that translates to millions left untouched by hunger ministries
– even as the needs mount around the world.
A BEAT Hunger weekend can help change that picture, leaders
insist.
The effort originally was launched three years ago as a means
of rallying young people to the world hunger cause. However, as youth in various
churches got involved, the rest of their congregations began to experience renewal,
growth and a healthy spirit as well.
Now, churches are being urged to follow the lead of their young
people and plan their 24-hour retreat to raise awareness of hunger issues and
focus on how they can plan to “attack” the needs in their communities
and the world.
Leaders are urging churches to schedule the BEAT Hunger weekend
during Oct. 11-13, which corresponds to World Hunger Day in Southern Baptist
churches (scheduled for Oct. 13).
Churches participating in the BEAT Hunger Weekend also are
being are asked to address hunger needs in their town by hosting a canned food
drive and/or serving at a local shelter – and having church members raise
money in support of the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund.
More than 460 groups already have shown a strong interest in
participating in the weekend emphasis to benefit their local communities and
the World Hunger Fund, says Steve Nelson, director of hunger concerns for the
Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
“The tremendous needs around the world provide a great
opportunity for Christians to be the body of Christ in reality,” explains
Bill Merrell, vice president for convention relations at the SBC Executive Committee.
“As we minister to the hungry, and as we bring the gospel of Jesus Christ
to them, we are acting as the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Others agree.
“Few topics receive more attention in Scripture than ministry
to the poor,” says Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious
Liberty Commission. “Yet, too often, this ministry is little more than
a footnote in a churchs overall ministry plan.
“BEAT Hunger Weekend provides the opportunity to change
this imbalance for every church that implements it..”
Nelson says he is confident the BEAT Hunger Weekend campaign
is off to a good start. A number of non-Southern Baptist churches have signed
up to participate, and the weekend has been publicized at various youth conferences,
as well as the 2001 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.
“Young people want to make a difference, and with the
World Hunger Fund, theyre able to see their contribution can make a life-saving
difference,” Nelson says.
Nelson notes that hunger ministry often leads to opportunities
to share the gospel – and that often results in professions of faith.
“I want to see leaders grasp the reality that this type
of ministry is very dear to Gods heart,” Nelson says. “Its
very unlikely well see the revival weve been praying for without
ministering to people in need. Proverbs 21:13 tells us that whoever stops their
ears to the cry of the poor shall cry themselves and not be heard.
“I see this as one key to an awakening.”
Nelson recounts the story of one church that got involved.
By the end of last year, the small church had raised more than $8,000 for world
hunger causes. Along with that, their missions giving and their budget offerings
were up more than 50 percent.
It all started because a 4-year-old girl got a burden for hungry
people in her church, Nelson says. And if God can do that through a 4-year-old
girl, think what he can do with thousands of students mobilized to fight hunger,
he suggests.
“As with any service for God, this event blesses in both
directions,” Land notes of the BEAT Hunger effort. “The hungry will
be blessed with food and the ministry of compassion, and the … participants
will be blessed as God uses them to touch lives for his kingdom.”
The money raised during the BEAT Hunger Weekend will benefit
the World Hunger Fund and will be utilized in the United States and around the
world.
“I think of several hunger ministries in New York that
are really hurting,” Nelson says. “The First Arabic Baptist Church
in Yonkers ministers to hungry people and shares the gospel in a primarily Muslim
neighborhood. Think of the impact they could have if that ministry could expand.
“Iglesia Bautista in the Bronx shares Christ and food
with many homeless families, but the number they can serve is limited by the
resources available,” Nelson adds. “Many hundreds of more people could
be reached if more food were available.”
Nelson notes that missionary Lottie Moon starved to death on
the mission field because she shared her food with people in China who suffered
from the severe famine.
“She knew how dear that ministry is to Gods heart,”
he says. “How many more years of service could she have had on the field
if she had more food?”
As with Moon, now is a critical time in the world – and
a time for Southern Baptists to rise to the challenge before them and adopt
a lifestyle that offers a hand to the poor, Merrell concludes.
“I encourage Southern Baptists to take this great opportunity seriously,”
he says. “This is a great time to begin to give regularly and generously
through the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund. Together, we can make a difference.”
(BP)