Episode 169
Ukrainian Population Displaced by War, Global Hunger Sunday & Content and Community
As the sixth month anniversary of the war in Ukraine passes, one religious leader hopes people won’t forget the humanitarian need in the country. On Sunday, Aug. 28, Southern Baptists will recognize Global Hunger Sunday, and many churches will collect an offering that supports Global Hunger Relief. And, in a First Person on Baptist Press, Jeff Iorg wonders why are churches trying to replicate these events like concerts or other entertainment events?
Transcript
As the sixth month anniversary of the war in Ukraine passes, one religious leader hopes people won’t forget the humanitarian need in the country.
Send Relief President Bryant Wright says, “The need is still immense.” Wright says nearly one-third of the Ukrainian population has been displaced by the war.
Wright is fearful that compassion fatigue will set in as the war continues.
So far, people have given more than $12 million to help meet the needs of Ukrainians through Send Relief.
===
On Sunday, Aug. 28, Southern Baptists will recognize Global Hunger Sunday, and many churches will collect an offering that supports Global Hunger Relief.
In 2021, groups associated with hunger relief estimated that 2.3 billion people faced moderate to severe challenges to obtaining enough food to eat. The total population facing severe insecurity climbed to an estimated 924 million.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the hunger problem in impoverished areas. Of the top 15 nations identified by the Global Hunger Index of 2021 most affected by hunger and malnutrition, 10 are on the African continent.
According to a news report, Ukraine and Russia together account for a third of the world’s wheat and barley exports while Russia and Belarus are numbers 2 and 3 on the world’s list of producers of a key ingredient for fertilizer.
Conflict, displacement and global destabilization have led the malnourished population to grow for the sixth consecutive year.
===
Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
===
In a First Person on Baptist Press, Jeff Iorg wonders why are churches trying to replicate these events like concerts or other entertainment events?
Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary, just outside of Los Angeles. He says church need to learn the discipline of doing what only we can do and doing it well.
He points to content and community as the things church do well.
The content he has in mind is the Gospel. The hope of peace with God through the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ.
The community is relationship with other believers as we share our lives together through the local church.
He writes, “Our community provides need-meeting, support-giving, human connections facilitated by and available to every person who participates in a local church.”
Read the full piece at Baptist Press.
Related Episodes
Church Responds to Online Threat, Worship Pastor Wins on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ & Praising God in Prayer
Police in Haymarket, Virginia responded in textbook fashion to neutralize a threat at an area church on Sunday. A Kentucky pastor recently used an appearance on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune to do more than spin the wheel and win some cash. And, Wesley Duewel, the 20th century missionary and prayer leader, once observed, “Praise gives you the spirit of triumph and overcoming. Praise fires you with holy zeal.
Doe v. Catholic Relief Services, Doors Opening for David Pollack & ‘The Blind’ Movie
The Maryland Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that a Catholic employer was lawful in denying health benefits to the spouse of a gay married employee because such unions violate church doctrine. This college football season is unlike any other in David Pollack’s life. For as long as he can remember, the sport dominated his Saturdays in ways most people haven’t experienced. And, from 2012-2017, the reality TV series “Duck Dynasty” told many stories of the Robertson family and their duck-call and decoy business. “The Blind,” coming to theaters Sept. 28, tells the story of Phil Robertson’s life before he became a Christian.
Going Through a Valley, Kidney Day & How to Spend More Time in Prayer
Hard times often are described as “going through a valley.” But Bruce Watson, pastor of First Baptist Jeanerette, La., describes life’s valleys as the place where the soil is the richest. Rudy Kebreau and Randal Lyle are bound by far more than their mutual faith and pastoral calling these days. And, maybe your church has a prayer list. But have you ever considered have a personal prayer list? In a piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman says it may help you remain faithful in prayer.
0 Comments