Whenever we share a meal with loved ones, many of us gather around a table and often bow our heads. We’ll give thanks to God for the food before us and the gift it is to be together.
But what would happen if during grace we also began to pray for our many global neighbours going without, for families in Kenya, Malawi, Cambodia and other countries who are wondering where they might find a bowl or rice or a piece of fruit? What if we gave thanks and asked how we can help?
Though we might have plenty to eat in Australia, the United Nations World Food Program is estimating there will be a global food crisis beyond anything we’ve seen since World War II because of the combination of COVID, conflict and environmental disasters. So this year, Baptist World Aid will focus its 2022 Matching Grant appeal on addressing food shortages.
Beginning in May, the appeal encourages supporters to co-labour with Baptist World Aid’s Christian Partners in addressing the urgent issue of food insecurity. Food insecurity is not just skipping a meal every now and then; it’s a whole of life set back that affects children’s development and parents’ income and wellbeing.
For years, Baptist World Aid’s Christian Partners have responded to food insecurity through training in sustainable agricultural practices, livelihood and income generation training as well as helping provide critical resources to communities recovering from natural disasters, conflict, and displacement.
‘We believe God’s intent is that all people would have access to fullness of life—that all would be able to live off his generous abundance,’ said Melissa Lipsett, CEO. ‘And that includes having enough food to care for our families. This year’s Matching Grant provides an opportunity to see the harvest multiplied, in many ways.’
The multiplication happens because the Australian government has committed to support such programs, and so one donation plus the support from the Australian government will equal greater impact. The appeal ends June 30.
Throughout the coming months, Baptist World Aid also invites you to join them in praying specifically for families around the world affected by a scarcity of food. When sharing a meal with loved ones, opening the fridge to grab a snack or packing the children’s lunchboxes, please pray for our neighbours who might be struggling to provide nourishment for their family today
Please pray with Baptist World Aid: for children in Nepal whose growth and development have been stunted due to a lack of access to regular, nutritious meals: for the millions of people suffering from acute hunger in Bangladesh; for economic growth in Kenya; for displaced families living in Lebanon and suffering the harshest impacts of the ongoing economic crisis. The conflict in Ukraine and sanctions in Russia have made food shortages worse in Lebanon and other parts of the world. As prices for essential food items continue to rise, we pray families would be provided for through the generosity of God’s people there and here.
For more information on Baptist World Aid’s 2022 Matching Grant, please visit https://baptistworldaid.org.au/appeals/matching-grant/
