Bulletin Statement

HUNGER: WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?

I recently saw a cartoon in the Journal of Stewardship* that really made me think. I realize that is what a good cartoon should always do, but this one was especially effective. The first panel showed a kneeling figure with an outstretched hand saying, “I’d like to get rid of hunger on earth, Lord, but what can one person do?” The next panel showed the earth, suspended in space, with all these cartoon balloons coming out from it with the words “What can one person do?” “What can one church do?” “What can one nation do?” written on the various balloons. The point, of course, is that “one person” may not be able to do much, but hundreds of thousands-even millions-of persons joined in a concerted effort all around the world can do a great deal to get rid of hunger on earth.

The record of the World Hunger Fund of the church certainly confirms this idea. As a result of the generous giving of members and friends in many different places, the World Hunger Committee was able to disburse more than $300,000 (U.S.) in FY 2000 in support of various hunger-related projects throughout the world. In addition, needed hunger relief was provided for drought-stricken northern Kenya and Haiti, as well as for flood victims in Mozambique.

The Community of Christ is asked to remember especially the needs of the hungry this day as you mark your envelopes and give your oblations. It is what all of us individually can do to make a big difference collectively in the struggle to get rid of hunger in the world.

Wallace B. Smith, chair
World Hunger Committee

*Journal of Stewardship, Vol. 28, 1996, 5.