Galatians 6:10:
"...Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 820 million people did not have enough to eat in 2018,
up from 811 million in the previous year, which is the third year of increase in a row. Number of hungry people in the world in 2018:
- 821.6 million (or 1 in 9 people)
- in Asia: 513.9 million
- in Africa: 256.1million
- in Latin America and the Caribbean: 42.5 million.1
And the World Bank estimates that “40 million to 60 million people will fall into extreme poverty
(under $1.90/day) in 2020, compared to 2019, as a result of COVID-19, depending on assumptions on the magnitude of the economic shock.
The global extreme poverty rate could rise by 0.3 to 0.7 percentage points, to around 9 percent in 2020.” 2
The problem of hunger and poverty is enormous. It’s been around since biblical times.
The causes are various and complex.
And despite the various efforts to eliminate or reduce, the problem continues to persists.
At times, those who have been actively involved --- either by volunteering or contributing to the cause --- experienced burn-out or get discouraged.
Obviously, this cannot be solved if we just give up. But if each one will do their part, we can surely make a difference.
One consideration is prioritizing our whatever limited resources to first help those within our faith community.
And as their economic situation improves, they will be in a position to also help others.
We’ve seen these happen.
The foundation has provided supplemental help to some in the mission area, get them
educated and with the support and guidance within the church community, able to overcome their economic situation and other challenges.
They are now working professionals, active in their local churches, and have in turn, helped others get their education, uplift their economic situation,
and for those they've helped are also now in the position to help others. And so on.
It may just start with one person at a time but overtime can impact a village, and then, to one more village.
1 WHO July 15, 2019 News release
2 World Bank Website, Overview, Updated April 16, 2020
Updated: Oct. 1, 2020