Editor’s Note: Established in 1979, 100 percent of all World Hunger Relief donations given go to feed hungry people internationally, in North America and in South Carolina. Twenty-five percent of total collections stay in state. For more information on the World Hunger Offering, call (800) 723-7242, ext. 5601.
In 2007, the World Hunger Relief fund, which provides financial assistance to food pantries across the state, was completely exhausted of all monies. The fund consists of donations from South Carolina Baptist churches through the World Hunger Relief offering collected throughout the year and during a special emphasis in October. However, the number of entities requesting assistance has risen, while the amount given to the offering has declined.
Below is a letter from Ronnie Cox, point person for the World Hunger Relief offering and South Carolina Baptist Convention missions mobilization strategist, detailing where the offering stands today:
Having now come to the beginning of 2008, an update on your World Hunger offerings is in order. First, I wish to thank every South Carolina Baptist who gave to World Hunger offerings in 2007. We realize that, for our churches, World Hunger emphasis comes at virtually the same time that other SBC offerings are being taken. The choice is difficult for many, especially with the economic pressures that are on the family today. You have, though, come through with good offerings thus far.
In 2007, a crisis in World Hunger funds took place as requests for assistance increased dramatically, yet gifts to the offering decreased. Giving was being overshadowed by a dramatic increase in both food pantries and World Hunger fund requests across the state. Immediate action was taken, which crunched most of our local food distribution centers. Although we at the SCBC had to make some hard decisions; the most difficult ones were handed down to those who operate the local entities. As difficult as it was, it was the best course of action for sake of the future. Thank you for the sacrifices that you made.
New guidelines have been approved by the Executive Board. These have been forwarded to our partners in ministry. The maximum amounts that can be requested by an entity have been adjusted down so that we will be able to meet requests. That is not to say that we are out of the crisis. By the end of 2007 we had received $96,270.68. Monies do come in all through the year, but this figure does give us a starting point. These are the funds available as we begin 2008.
Therefore, it is imperative that World Hunger emphasis be a year-round priority. I encourage you to promote and send World Hunger offerings as you can so that by 2009 we are working within funds available rather than a deficit. Remember that there is not another option for hunger relief that uses 100 percent of monies given to feed the hungry. Watch for our 2008 World Hunger promotions. Continue to give throughout the year. Pray that God will supply all that we need to do the job of hunger relief in South Carolina and across the globe. Again, thank you for your faithfulness.
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