On Super Bowl Sunday, churches across the nation once again
will raise money for the poor by participating in the “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
Meanwhile, Southern Baptists will be given an additional opportunity
to raise money for their own World Hunger Fund.
On Super Bowl Sunday, churches across the nation once again
will raise money for the poor by participating in the “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
Meanwhile, Southern Baptists will be given an additional opportunity
to raise money for their own World Hunger Fund.
Southern Baptists are being urged to donate $1 in large soup
pots as they leave church on Super Bowl Sunday, said Steve Nelson, director
of hunger concerns with the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
All of the money raised among Baptists will go directly to
the hunger fund, which supports ministry evangelism initiatives across the nation
and the world led by Southern Baptist missionaries and volunteers.
“We want to specifically challenge youth groups and churches
to take part in this Souper Bowl of Caring emphasis,” Nelson emphasized.
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a nondenominational grassroots
effort to raise awareness and funding for hunger ministries across the nation.
The ministry was founded in 1990 by Presbyterian minister Brad Smith. Since
then, more than 8,600 congregations have participated in the annual event, including
about 600 Baptist churches in 1998.
The gifts raised during the emphasis do not go to the Souper
Bowl organization. Instead, individual congregations determine where to use
the money for ministry.
Nelson said the Souper Bowl ministrys lone request is
to call in results.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission staffer said Souper
Bowl is a perfect opportunity to promote the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund.
“I want to encourage each church to embrace this opportunity
to support the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund in addition to local hunger
ministries,” Nelson stressed. “Hunger exists everywhere, though we
are often unaware of it in our own communities. A few canned goods that we will
never miss can mean the difference for a child between a good meal and going
hungry.
“The cash gifts go directly to the mission field to be
used 100 percent for hunger ministry, with nothing taken out for administration
or promotion,” Nelson added.
“I can think of no greater stewardship than that. …
If every Southern Baptist gave just $1 per month to the World Hunger Fund, hunger
gifts would multiply 18-fold.”
This past year, the domestic portion of hunger funds was totally
depleted, Nelson said. “It is time for the Southern Baptist World Hunger
Fund to occupy a place of prominence. … We cannot hope to see the world reached
if we fail to demonstrate Christs love while we speak of his love.”
To participate in the Souper Bowl Sunday effort, call (800) 358-7687 or
Nelson at (615) 244-2495. (BP)