June 26 2002

(BP) -- A dire United Nations report issued May 30 underscores the problem of hunger still looming large for many people around the world. And a recent 1996-98 U.S. Department of Agriculture study noted that some 10 million U.S. households did not have enough food to meet their family's basic needs. "Most Americans hardly ever miss a meal unless it is their choice to do so, but many people in the U.S. and around the world are not so fortunate," said Steve Nelson, director of hunger concerns for the SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. "Even in this day of material abundance, hunger remains a serious life-threatening issue for many people."

Southern Baptists have an extremely efficient funding vehicle for domestic and international hunger projects, Nelson explained. Gifts to the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund provide the means for Southern Baptist missionaries and volunteers in the United States and around the world to feed the needy while introducing them to the gospel of Jesus Christ. One hundred percent of every dollar given to the fund goes to the field, he said, noting that nothing is skimmed off the top for administrative or promotional purposes. Yet Nelson said giving to the World Hunger Fund is down dramatically from previous years, and that leaves many missionaries unable to start or sustain relief projects for the hungry.

Because of the drop in giving and out of his concern for the plight of the needy and for the missionaries who are stymied in their ministry initiatives, Nelson and the SBC's Inter-Agency Hunger Council, composed of representatives from several SBC entities, decided to challenge churches to hold a BEAT Hunger Weekend. BEAT Hunger, which stands for Believers Everywhere ATtack Hunger, was launched three years ago as a program for youth groups to dedicate 24 hours to gaining an awareness of hunger issues and then devising a "hands-on plan to attack" the hunger problem in their community. Nelson said BEAT Hunger Weekend is an extension of the original emphasis and is designed to include the entire church.

Nelson said churches that participate in the BEAT Hunger Weekend are asked to address hunger needs in their town by hosting a canned food drive or serving at a local shelter, and to have church members raise money in support of the SBC World Hunger Fund. Registration for the event, with a suggested date of Oct. 11-13, 2002, is available at http://www.beathungerweekend.com, Nelson said.