Why give to World Hunger?

As we approach World Hunger Day on October 10, there is always the question: "Why give to World Hunger?" There are so many answers that can be given to that good question.

First of all, it is a matter of obedience. It began in the Old Testament with words such as, "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be open handed towards your brothers and towards the poor and needy in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11). That is just one of the great scriptures of the Old Testament that gives us instruction on helping those in need.

When we reach New Testament times, Jesus continues this call saying, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was a stranger and you invited me in; I needed clothes and you clothed me; I was sick and you looked after me; I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." With these scriptures in mind, we see that it is a matter of obedience.

Second, it is a matter of compassion. Six million children under the age of five die every year as a result of hunger and approximately four million children under the age of twelve go hungry in the United States. Furthermore, one of six Georgia children is at risk of going hungry at some point each month. My heart goes out to those who are less fortunate than myself.

Third, it is a matter of stewardship. Southern Baptist hunger ministries, on the average, are spending under 40 cents per meal. When have you had a meal that reasonable? Furthermore, one hundred percent of each dollar given is used in a hunger ministry. The World Hunger Fund is not used for salaries or other administrative purposes. It is used for FOOD! The Cooperative Program, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or Annie Armstrong Easter Offering does not financially support the World Hunger Fund. Therefore, it becomes a matter of stewardship for us as we give.

Fourth, it is a matter of opportunity. God is affording us a great opportunity through the World Hunger Fund. We meet a lot of needs with this offering. For instance, in 2003, Southern Baptists fed more than 3 million meals to the hungry in North America. Georgia Baptists fed 324,276 meals in 2003. Georgia Baptists reported 278 professions of faith in Georgia and Southern Baptists reported over 24,000 professions of faith in 2003 as a result of these hunger ministries.

Therefore, the question can be answered because, as you can see, this fund is used in order to carry out our mission as Georgia Baptists. This makes it a worthy cause among us as we seek to carry out our everyday mission.