Responding to Human Trafficking

What is a human life worth?  How much does a child cost?
Almost half of all victims of trafficking are children. In India a child costs less than a head of cattle.  Children die every day for many causes but when did they become a dispensable and worthless commodity? When did it become acceptable for a child to be sold as a sex slave at 3 years old? or as a gold miner in the desert at 4?  Barely potty trained and these children are bought and sold every day in our world.

What can we do about this?
First, pray – pray – pray!  There is a wonderful guide available at the Salvation Army’s site.
Second, learn more and become active in educating your church and community!
Third, demand more from your church and denomination in response to these atrocities.

What has the BGCT done in response to this issue?
2006
Resolution condemning Human Trafficking:
Whereas human trafficking has become a contemporary form of slavery, subjecting men, women, and children to sexual exploitation and forced labor; and
Whereas the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that approximately 600,000-800,000 persons annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide; and
Whereas it is estimated by the U.S. Department of State that more than half of these victims are children; and
Whereas according to Texas law enforcement agencies, our state is a major conduit for trafficked persons; and
Whereas the Bible calls us to do justice and to love kindness in the face of injustice and cruelty (Micah 6:8):

Therefore be it resolved that messengers to the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in Dallas, November 13-14, 2006 become more informed about the tragedy of human trafficking; and
Be it finally resolved that we lend our support to appropriate agencies for the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of victims, and the prosecution of perpetrators.

2007
“Ethics without Borders” (.pdf) Christian Life Commission Statewide Conference:
“ASHA Forum” Participant in national faith-based forum at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA
The first-ever Asha Forum Consultation in North America is designed to inform, equip, and empower students, professors, church leaders, childcare providers, and others who minister to children who have been sexually exploited or trafficked.
Participants learned about a broad range of issues involved in caring for the sexually abused child, including psychological, spiritual, legal, and economic issues, along with factors that increase demand for sexual exploitation and trafficking, such as pornography, sexual addiction, and sex tourism.

2008
North American Association of Christians in Social Work – national conference, presentation on our efforts:
South Texas College – Forum, presentation on our resolution and response
Global Women, presentation on our resolution and response
Several BGCT churches have hosted presentations on the topic
Baylor University School of Social Work, Professor Kim Kotrla has held a half day seminar on Human Trafficking with a panel of practioners involved as well as the schools work with the Ruth Project in Waco.

We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.

Human Trafficking – Modern Day Slavery

What Is Human Trafficking?
Technically the law states: Human trafficking is a serious federal crime with penalties of up to imprisonment for life. Federal law defines “severe forms of trafficking in persons” as: “(A) sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age ; or (B) the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude , peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.” [U.S.C. §7102(8)] In short, human trafficking is modern-day slavery.

At its very core:  Human Trafficking is the devaluing of human life to a sell-able commodity. It is manifested in the complete disregard for the value and dignity of human life assigned by the Creator – being made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26-27)

How big of a problem is this? Or How many people are enslaved worldwide?
It is estimated that around 12 million people are enslaved worldwide (report from the International Labour Organisation, 2005). The actual figure may be much higher because a great deal of slavery is hidden. Some estimates put it at over 20 million. The largest numbers are in poor Asian countries and Latin America. However, it is thought that some 350,000 people are enslaved in industrialised countries. Many of the victims are women and children.

© 2006 Church Mission Society and Citizenship Foundation. Materials may be copied or altered for educational purposes.

What Is the Extent of Human Trafficking in the United States?
Contrary to a common assumption, human trafficking is not just a problem in other countries. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states, Washington D.C. , and some U.S. territories. Victims of human trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, male or female. According to U.S. government estimates, thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked to the United States for the purposes of sexual and labor exploitation.  An unknown number of U.S. citizens and legal residents are trafficked within the country primarily for sexual servitude and, to a lesser extent, forced labor.  It is estimated that 15-17,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year.

What are the reasons for modern slavery?
The main reason is poverty. There is a huge pool of poor people throughout the world who are powerless and have no jobs. Because of changes in the world many of these have drifted to the outskirts of large cities. They can easily be exploited and used by those who want to make profit out of them. Another important reason is that governments allow slavery to go unpunished even though it is illegal everywhere. Sometimes this is because of corruption or because governments don’t want to offend business people, sometimes because they are just not interested and have no respect for people’s human rights. Modern slavery is part of the globalised world. It is a huge business in which enormous profits can be made from areas like agriculture, mining, construction and prostitution.

© 2006 Church Mission Society and Citizenship Foundation. Materials may be copied or altered for educational purposes.

How can we identify victims of trafficking in our communities?
Victims of trafficking may look like many of the people you help every day. You can help victims of trafficking get the assistance they need by looking beneath the surface for the following clues:

• Evidence of being controlled
• Evidence of an inability to move or leave job
• Bruises or other signs of battering
• Fear or depression
• Non-English speaking
• Recently brought to this country from Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada, Africa or India
• Lack of passport, immigration or identification documentation

Other sites with information on identifying victims of trafficking:
RescueAndRestore.com
US Dept. of Health and Human Services

How Does Human Trafficking Affect Our Schools?
Trafficking can involve school-age children-particularly those not living with their parents-who are vulnerable to coerced labor exploitation, domestic servitude, or commercial sexual exploitation (i.e., prostitution).  Sex traffickers target children because of their vulnerability and gullibility, as well as the market demand for young victims. The average age of entry into prostitution is 12 to 14 years old and traffickers (also called “pimps”) are known to recruit at schools and after-school programs.
Recruitment can take multiple forms, including:
1) kidnapping;
2) solicitation by other women or girls recruiting on behalf of the sex trafficker;
3) the “loverboy” approach of appearing genuinely interested in a romantic relationship while gradually coercing the victim into prostitution.

Especially for school teachers: How Do I Identify a Victim of Human Trafficking?
A victim:

• Has unexplained absences from school for a period of time, and is therefore a truant
• Demonstrates an inability to attend school on a regular basis
• Chronically runs away from home
• Makes references to frequent travel to other cities
• Exhibits bruises or other physical trauma, withdrawn behavior, depression, or fear
• Lacks control over her or his schedule or identification documents
• Is hungry-malnourished or inappropriately dressed (based on weather conditions or surroundings)
• Shows signs of drug addiction
• Additional signs that may indicate sex-related trafficking include:
• Demonstrates a sudden change in attire, behavior, or material possessions (e.g., has expensive items)
• Makes references to sexual situations that are beyond age-specific norms
• Has a “boyfriend” who is noticeably older (10+ years)
• Makes references to terminology of the commercial sex industry that are beyond age-specific norms; engages in promiscuous behavior and may be labeled “fast” by peers

How Do I Report a Suspected Incidence of Human Trafficking?
In cases of immediate emergencies, it is best to call your local police department or emergency access number.

You can report suspected trafficking crimes or get help by calling the national 24/7 toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888. This center will help you determine if you have encountered a victim of human trafficking; identify local resources available in your community to help victims; and coordinate with local social service providers to help protect and serve victims so they can begin the process of rehabilitation and restoring their lives.  When appropriate, the Resource Center makes referrals to local organizations that assist victims with counseling, case management, legal advice, and other appropriate services, as well as to law enforcement agencies that help trapped victims reach safety.

For sexually exploited or abused minors, particularly those who are U.S. citizens, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST to be connected with the most appropriate assistance in your area, or you can also report incidents at http://www.cybertipline.org.

You can report suspected instances of trafficking or worker exploitation by contacting the FBI field office nearest you, or by contacting the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Office at 1-888-428-7581

How Does the United States Help Victims of Human Trafficking?
The U.S. government supports a victim-centered approach. It funds a national public awareness campaign and a number of nongovernmental organizations that assist victims. The U.S. government seriously pursues human trafficking cases and prosecutes the traffickers.  A summary of services for certified victims of trafficking is listed below:

Local service providers can assist with this menu of services in a variety of ways!
Examples:
Christian Women’s Job Corp Program,
Mosaic Family Services.

We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.

Useful in the Master’s Hands

I am a pastor with a history.  I am a recovering pornography addict.  My story begins in the second grade, when I was first exposed to sexual images in the form of a Playboy magazine.  That event introduced me into a habit that nearly destroyed my life, my marriage, and my ministry.

That fateful day was just the first step into my addiction.  By the time I was a teenager I was caught up in all kinds of sinful activities.  As I grew older my desire for porn grew and drew me deeper into selfishness and carelessness.  I knew I was headed down a road of destruction, but even that was not enough to make me stop; I had a real problem.

At the age of sixteen I gave my life to Christ.  Yet, I was still consumed by my addiction.  But I was now torn inside; battling over my new found faith and my old habit.  For years the war raged within me and threatened to destroy me all together.

Soon, after I received Christ, I began to feel called in the direction of ministry.  I some how knew that one day I would be a preacher.  Yet how could I?  I knew who I was and what I was doing.  I knew I was far from walking in purity and righteousness.  So I ran from God because I never thought I could walk away from porn.  I believed it would hold me captive for the rest of my life.

Fifteen years later, after many trials and heartaches, I began to feel the draw towards ministry once again.  I had not given up my habit, even though I knew it was coming between my wife and me, and that I was living in sin, but something was happening; God was drawing me closer and opening my eyes.

My family and I had begun to regularly attend a small church.  Almost every week I left the service more convicted and at the same time drawn towards ministry.  I knew something had to change, and one day it did, as I sat behind the computer.

God got my attention and made it very clear to me how He felt about pornography.  As I was looking at the images an odor filled the room.  It was terrible and I could not remember ever having smelled it before.  Suddenly, God spoke to my heart and told me that pornography was a stench in His nose and shameful in His sight.  At that moment, I knew I had to make a choice.  I knew I could no longer live this way and hope to follow the calling He had placed on my life.

That was the last time I looked at internet pornography.  Over the following months God began to reveal through His word and through our pastor amazing truths.  One has changed my life and helped me to overcome my habitual sin.

Second Timothy 2:20-22 taught me that if I wanted to serve God and to produce good works in His name, then I was going to have to walk in purity.  God made it clear to me through this passage that I could not serve Him fully if I continued to walk in immorality.

I sincerely wanted to be useful in the Master’s hands.  I truly wanted to be a blessing to others and to share the gospel effectively.  Now, I could clearly see that my sinful habit was preventing me from doing just that.  It was obvious to me that if I hoped to be a “vessel of honor” then I was going to have to repent and walk in purity.

Shortly there after, I surrendered my life to serve in the ministry.  That was over seven years ago.  Since then I have served three churches in various roles and have seen God do amazing things.  Now, He has called me to share my story so that others can find freedom and hope.  I have written a book about my life and the amazing transformation that has occurred- thanks to the grace of God.  The book, My Struggle, Your Struggle, openly and honestly chronicles my battle with pornography but also details the steps that God used to carry me through to victory.  Finally, the book shares Biblical insights that can help others find freedom from their own addictions.

Since I have written this book, I have had many amazing conversations with folks in and out of the church.  Sharing my story has opened up an avenue of ministry that I never dreamed was possible.  God has redeemed my past and is now using it to help others break away from sin and to receive forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

Our Lord has called us to holy living.  He has called us to walk in purity and integrity.  But He has also promised us the grace we need, so we can obey and follow Him.  It is time for pastors, youth pastors, and other Christian leaders to commit to purity.  Sin hinders our usefulness and effectiveness in ministry.  Revival will begin when WE set the example and live in righteousness.  I pray this will become our standard.

By David Erik Jones – this book is available online: ISBN 978-1-60477-298-2

We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.

A Deeper Insight- September 2008

Mat 11:28-30

“I will give you rest,” is so good to hear after a long grueling month of back to back projects and activities in fulfilling God’s call to ministry.  This is where many of us find ourselves as we pride ourselves in doing the work of ministry.  Such was the case for me as the ministry where I serve entered into its new church facility.  We were just getting over a Back to School Carnival, a 12 hour Day of Praise Celebration, an Entrance Service, a Dedication Service, and not to mentions the weekly ongoing ministries to the community and duties of being on staff at the church.  Ministry can wear you out.  Aren’t we all guilty?  But listen to Jesus’ invitation to joining him in ministry.  He bids us in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  The verse in and of itself is so refreshing to hear.

The invitation is first of all an invitation to come in relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Creator of the universe, the Maker of us all.  We are privileged to be united with the almighty God who loves us and bids us to come unto Himself.  He wants to be in a personal relationship with us.  I believe that this is often our first mistake.  We overlook the fact that all we do for Christ is with His help.  We are not independent, our reliance is on Him.  Come unto me all that are heavy laden.  All who are over worked and overburdened, carrying a heavy load.  Could this indicate that if we find ourselves in such a state then it is not from God?  Maybe we have veered away from the will of God and taken on more than God had in mind for us at that moment.  If this is where we are then God wants to give us rest.  He wants to relieve us of the pain and hardship that we are bring upon ourselves.  His promise is to give us rest.  He wants to accomplish this by yoking up with us.  Or should I say by us yoking up with Him.  The invitation calls for submission and obedience.  Our rest and relief from grueling ministry will come when we totally submit and obey the will of God and not ourselves.  We could be our worst enemy.  God wants us to yoke with Him as He make right the wrongs in our communities and lives.  A yoke is a heavy wooden bar that fits over the neck of an ox so that it can pull a cart or a plow.  Imagine this yoke being a double yoke where two animals or in our case two beings can be placed in it to plow forth the mission of God.  Take my yoke upon you; join in this yoke with me as I accomplish my will through your life.  Take the yoke of my leadership / Lordship on you and also learn of me.  Get to know me I want to be intimate with you.  I want to reveal to you the way that will accomplish what I want and it will be easy, it will not be burdensome and grueling.  Isn’t this good news, isn’t this refreshing?  Ministry isn’t so bad after all if we will only do it God’s way.  When we are in proper fellowship with God then we will experience relief and rest.  God will not put more us that we can bear.  He’s right there to help bear the load.  He wants to give you rest.

Gerald Davis

We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.

Recovery Sunday and Red Ribbon Week

In schools across Texas this fall, students and teachers will observe Red Ribbon week during October 20-24.  Communities will be planning prevention and education programs to communicate to students regarding the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.

The Christian Life Commission is sponsoring Recovery Sunday on October 19 to encourage churches in Texas to highlight the issues of addiction, recovery, and prevention.  In addition, Recovery Sunday gives Texas Baptists an opportunity to affirm and encourage our students and teachers in their ongoing struggle against drugs and alcohol.

Red Ribbon week grew out of an effort to honor the memory of a DEA agent named KiKi Camarena who died in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel.  Following his death, friends and family began to wear red ribbons to honor his memory.  This tradition has developed into a national campaign to address the issues of prevention and education.

The CLC will help congregations to promote Recovery Sunday through providing educational, sermonic, and promotional resources.  These resources are available on the CLC website

Please join us as we encourage churches across Texas to confront the issues of addiction in our congregations and communities.  We encourage you to wear your red ribbon during the week of October 22-26 to show your support as students and teachers take a stand against substance abuse in their schools.

Recovery Sunday Ideas

1.  Pastor preaches a sermon on recovery.

2.  A testimony is shared about recovery in the worship service.

3.  The youth minister utilizes “Pathways to Prevention” and has a Bible Study about a prevention issue.

4.  The church could pass out Red Ribbons to the congregation in support of Red Ribbon week.

5.  The church could do a focus on Red Ribbon week and be supportive of students and teachers in the public school system.

6.  Hand out drug education fact sheets to parents of youth.

7.  Invite a counselor or drug prevention speaker to a special forum for youth parents.

8.  Include a bulletin insert about Red Ribbon week and/or Recovery Sunday.

9.  Have a copy of the 12 steps put in the Sunday bulletin.

10.  Provide drug prevention information in the hallway for church members

We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.

Hunger Ministry Resource Links

Read about Texas Baptist doing something about hunger in their community and watch the video!

LINKS

For more NAMB suggestions: http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.258449/

http://worldhungerrelief.org/education_tours.html

http://www.ourdaytoendpoverty.com/websites.html

http://www.usccb.org/cchd/povertyusa/povfacts.shtml

http://www.strength.org/

http://www.targethunger.org/about_us%20new.htm

http://www.seedspublishers.org/

http://www.askmehowdc.org/

http://www.bmchouston.org/

Union Baptist Association (Houston) Food Specialist, Sally Hinzie can be reached through Union Baptist Association at 713-957-2000 or www.ubahouston.org

http://www.goodsambwd.org/Home.asp

Take a tour of poverty at:  http://www.goodsambwd.org/BudgetingForPoverty.asp

http://www.austinfoodbank.org/hunger/

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/resource_lists.shtml

http://www.hungerday.org/content/index.php

The first Hunger Action Month will take place in September of 2008, replacing Hunger Awareness Day, which previously occurred during the month of June.

http://tashfb.org Texas Food Bank Network -    Info on Texas Prisoners and their contributions

http://www.ntxfoodbank.org DFW  – many others around the state…

http://www.hopeforthehungry.org/hfth/local_outreach Belton with UMHB

http://www.endhungernetwork.org/hungerproblem.htm Houston

http://www.strength.org Volunteer Match with organizations that have hunger opportunities:

http://www.volunteermatch.org/bymsa/m640/c14/opp1.html

Google directory of Hunger Relief

http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Philanthropy/Organizations/Hunger_Relief/

http://www.bread.org/

http://www.frac.org/index.html Food Research and Action Center

http://secondharvest.org/learn_about_hunger/hunger_almanac_2007.html

Second Harvest State Hunger Almanacs

http://www.kidscount.org/cgi-bin/cliks.cgi?action=profile

Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count:

ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/la/laucnty06.txt

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/saipe/

http://www.mazon.org/ Jewish Community response

http://www.irw.org/ Islamic/Muslim Response

How do we begin or strengthen an existing hunger ministry?

BEGINNING A HUNGER MINISTRY
http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.258450/

The Steps
Identify the hunger needs of the community. This will help you decide on the scope of your task.

• Find out if any other organizations are already servicing the hunger needs of that community.
• Learn about food banks. Salvageable food can be purchased at food banks at a per pound, inexpensive price.
• Learn about availability of surplus food commodities. Contact your local Human Services Department.

Identify your resources. Ascertain church groups (Sunday School, WMU, mission groups) that can provide volunteers, food supplies, financial help, or any other contributions to the hunger ministry.
Determine the type of ministry and its policies.

• Food pantry – Soup kitchen – Vouchers – Other
• Distribution: Daily, Weekly, Biweekly
• Witnessing practices – Follow-up ministry
• Record keeping – Reporting

Determine the additional dollar amount needed to start the project. Request that amount from your local association or contact your state convention’s Church and Community Ministries (CCM) staff for information on availability of hunger funds. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) distributes hunger funds to the state conventions.  Texas Baptists can contact Dr. Tomi Lee Grover of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at 214-887-5428 or by email at: tomi.grover@bgct.org.

About a Food Pantry
In planning a food pantry, it is very important to be culturally sensitive. For example, some ethno-cultural groups would prefer rice instead of potatoes.

Make a list of items needed for the food pantry (please, see Suggested Items below). Divide the list among mission groups, Sunday School classes, and others who want to help. Ask each group to supply the items on its list. After the pantry has been stocked, ask the groups to take turns restocking monthly. Provide groups with a list of special items needed.

• Purchase additional food as needed. In addition to joining the local food bank, develop a contact with a wholesale food distributor or grocery store.
• Label storage shelves. Arrange items neatly and in a workable order.
• Arrange food items in an orderly manner. Stock only basic items that are in good condition, not cast-off, out-of-date things that nobody wants or needs.
• Plan to discard outdated items. Write dates received on labels. Discard unused items on a regular basis.
• Divide large bags and boxes of food into smaller containers. Macaroni, rice, grits, meal, and dried beans can be frozen for 24 hours, then placed in plastic milk cartons or other containers. They will then keep for quite a while on the shelf.

Suggested Items for a Food Pantry
Be sure that emergency food is nutritious and nonperishable. For example:
• Nonfat dry milk
• Canned vegetables
• Pancake mix (complete)
• Pancake syrup
• Oatmeal
• Grits
• Cereal
• Shortening or oil
• Baby food
• Tomato sauce
• Spaghetti sauce
• Chili
• Canned tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines
• Vienna sausage, other meats in pull-top cans
• Canned fruit and fruit juices
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Macaroni, noodles, or other pasta
• Salt
• Rice
• Dried beans and peas
• Beef stew
• Instant potatoes
• Biscuit mix
• Box meals
• Soups (dried or canned)
• Paper goods: paper towels, bathroom tissue, facial tissues

Suggested Emergency Grocery Pack
When preparing grocery packages, think about the ethno-cultural background of the beneficiaries. Consider also their age and living conditions. People without cooking facilities would benefit from
pre-cooked, canned, or packed food.

• 1 48-ounce can of orange or grapefruit juice
• 2 boxes of cereal or 1 box of pancake mix (complete)
• 4 macaroni and cheese dinners (complete)
• 1 pound of dried beans
• 4 1-quart packages of dried milk
• 1 box of crackers
• 3 cans of meat
• 2 packages of cornbread or biscuit mix
• 4 cans of soup
• 4 cans of vegetables (yellow and green)
• 1 pound of noodles or spaghetti
• 2 cans of pork and beans
• 2 cans of tomato sauce
• 2 cans of fruit
• 1 package of bathroom tissue
• $10 credit voucher for eggs, bread, and milk

A Word about Evaluation – Strengthen your ministry by evaluating your program and progress.
There are two main reasons to develop an evaluation system for the hunger ministry. First, it may serve as a progress report. Hearing about God’s work through this ministry will inspire the local church. Secondly, if the ministry receives funds from NAMB, the local association and state convention will need to report quarterly about the use of those funds.  Those reports are distributed by the state representative.   Texas Baptists can contact Dr. Tomi Lee Grover of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at 214-887-5428 or by email at: tomi.grover@bgct.org.

The evaluation instrument may be a simple form. An example of items to include could be the number of people served, witnessing results such as professions of faith, baptisms, and Bible study groups. Additional items could be church member participation, number of volunteers involved, personal testimonies of volunteers, networking opportunities with other evangelical groups and/or community resources.

How to apply for Hunger Funds – Follow the procedures of your local association. If the association has none, contact the Church and Community staff at your state convention’s office. Secure an application from your local associational office and find out if your local association has any guidelines pertaining to hunger ministries. Texas Baptists can contact Dr. Tomi Lee Grover of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at 214-887-5428 or by email at: tomi.grover@bgct.org.

What can we do in, from and through our church to address this issue?

Individual Actions
“Drop by drop the bucket fills.”
This Swahili proverb reveals the enduring truth that individual actions add up. What one person does about world hunger often seems to be “just a drop in the bucket.” But everybody adding drops can fill the bucket. Here are some suggestions for what one person can do in a hungry world:

• Pray on a daily basis for the hungry and the wisdom to act in a hungry world. Make prayer about hunger as central as prayer about other personal concerns.
• Study what the Bible says about the poor and the hungry.
• Give to the hunger ministries of the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board and International Mission Boards. While Southern Baptists have increased giving to worldwide hunger relief,. on average But we are still giving is still less than $1 per person each year.
• Read a book about the hunger issue this year.
• Volunteer to serve once a month at a shelter for the homeless, soup kitchen, or food bank in your community.
• Grow a garden for the elderly and needy in your community.
• Talk with fellow church members about the problem of hunger and the Bible’s call to Christians to care for the hungry.

Corporate Actions
In addition to individual initiatives, Christians can help the hungry through local church efforts, associational ministries, and state convention projects, as well as through the North American and International Mission Boards. Consider these suggestions:

Lead your Sunday School class, other small group, children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult ministry, senior adult ministry, mission education organizations, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry or your entire church family in completing one or more Hunger Action Projects anytime of the year.

Prayer Strategies

• Pray for missionaries involved in hunger ministries
• Conduct a prayer walk through a hunger ministry
• Conduct a prayer walk through a government agency that is involved in various types of hunger ministries  Examples: Local Meals on Wheels, Baptist Center, Food Bank, Children’s Home, Crisis Pregnancy Center

Dine In, Not Out For World Hunger Night:
Plan and promote a church-wide Dine at Home for World Hunger Night Campaign. This event involves your church family’s willingness to give the amount it normally would cost for their family to dine out at your preferred restaurant to your preferred hunger ministry.  Dine at home instead.

One Family, One Meal per month to feed a family in need for One day:
Plan and promote a church-wide One Family Campaign. This involves your church families in giving the amount they normally would spend for their family to dine out one time per month to feed a family in need for One day.  They would see their contributions multiplied by combining them with other families of the church in the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger.  Those funds could be collected at a central collection point at the church (a challenge goal could be demonstrated on a giving board or in a large [3-5 liter] clear bottle).  Families could also give individually online.  Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger Donate online: https://www.bgct.org/texasbaptists/SSLPage.aspx?&pid=3037.

Hunger Awareness Meal:
Plan, promote and conduct a church-wide Hunger Awareness meal. A simple yet effective plan is to substitute pinto beans and cornbread in place of a church’s regular Wednesday night meal. Diners are asked to pay the regular Wednesday night meal price with proceeds going to your preferred hunger ministry.  During the meal various facts and other presentations regarding World Hunger Issue can be shared. If your church does not have a regular Wednesday night meal, then plan a special Wednesday night Hunger Awareness.

Brown Bag Lunch Campaign:
Plan, promote and conduct a Brown Bag Lunch Campaign. This campaign involves leading members of your church family to pack and take a brown bag lunch to work or school for one week and donating their savings to the Southern Baptist Hunger Fund.

Water bottles:
Locate a recycled 3 liter or larger clear bottle and label it with your preferred food ministry as the recipient of donations.  Collect donations of cash to reach your offering goals and send it to the ministry of your choice, or purchase non-perishable foods and bring them to the ministry location. (Donations of cash can go further for ministries that purchase food through food banks)

Hunger Walk/Run:
Conduct a Hunger Walk/Run with proceeds going to your preferred hunger ministry.

Hunger Car Wash:
Conduct a hunger car was with proceeds going to your preferred hunger ministry.

Garage Sales:
Plan, promote and conduct churchwide garage sales. Donate the proceeds to your preferred hunger ministry.

Conduct A Food Drive:
Lead your church in conducting a food drive for local food bank or other type of hunger ministry in your community. Remember to contact the food bank and ask for a list of foods they need.

Local Food Bank Volunteers:
Contact a local food bank and ask what types of volunteers their agency utilizes.  Lead members of your church in serving as regular volunteers with a local hunger ministry in your community.

Meals On Wheels:
Lead individuals/families of your church in serving as volunteers with Meals on Wheels.  For information on Meals on Wheels visit www.mowaa.org

Summer Lunch Program:
Lead your church family in supporting a Summer Lunch Program in your community by providing food and/or volunteers.  For general information regarding summer lunch programs visit http://www.summerfood.usda.gov/

Assist a Crisis Pregnancy Center:
Assist a local crisis pregnancy center or local health agency, with baby food/formula/vitamins.

Hunters/Fishermen Against World Hunger:
Lead hunters and fishermen of your church family in creating a strategy for sharing their fish/game with the hungry of your community.  Check out their website:  http://www.tacaa.org/HFTHcontact.htm

Beat Hunger Weekend:
Plan, promote and conduct a Beat Hunger Weekend (erlc.com/products/world_hunger)

Start a Hunger Ministry:
Lead your church in establishing a hunger ministry such as a food pantry or soup kitchen. For information on how your church can begin a hunger ministry visit www.namb.net/hunger

Hunger Education Projects:
Lead your church family, small groups, etc. in learning about hunger issues.
Learning the facts: http://www.usccb.org/cchd/povertyusa/povfacts.shtml
Take a tour of poverty at:  http://www.goodsambwd.org/BudgetingForPoverty.asp
Field trip in Texas to learn more: http://worldhungerrelief.org/education_tours.html

Relief Packets:
Provide Relief Packets for homeless (bottled water, nutritious snacks, power bar, granola bar, canned meat, tract, etc.)

Youth Hunger Scavenger:
Contact a local food bank or other ministry that distributes food to the hungry.  Ask them for specific types of food they need. Then plan, promote and conduct a youth scavenger hunt for food items in your community.

Food for Multi-housing and Manufactured Communities:
Work with a farmer’s market to get a deal on a truckload of watermelons/cantaloupe/pumpkins – whatever is in season; work with a bakery, and distribute loaves of bread.  Distribute “one item” of food to a housing project/mobile home park/ community in need.

Hunger Fund Offerings:
Options are available to give to the SBC World Hunger Fund. For information regarding World Hunger visit www.namb.net/hunger (national) and www.imb.org/worldhunger (international).

Donations can be given year round to the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger. For more information see their website:
> Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger
> Donate online
or contact Joyce Gilbreath at the Baptist General Convention of Texas 888-244-9400 or joyce.gilbreath@bgct.org.

Are there hungry people in Texas?

Texas is not immune from people being hungry.  Here are some facts to consider:
The state of Texas is third in the nation in the percent of its citizens that are food insecure (16.4%).

HUNGER IN AMERICA 2006 TEXAS STATE HIGHLIGHTS
Key findings are summarized below:

• The Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) member organizations provide emergency food for an estimated 2,064,300 different people annually in Texas.
• Approximately 418,700 different people receive emergency food assistance in any given week.

CLIENTS represented in Texas?
TFBN agencies in Texas provide food for a broad cross-section of households.

• 33% of the members of households in Texas are children under 18 years old.
• 10% of the members of households are children age 0 to 5 years.
• 14% of the members of households are elderly.  (See Senior facts in the next section*)
• About 32% of clients are non-Hispanic white, 22% are non-Hispanic black, 45% are Hispanic, and the rest are from other racial groups.
• 36% of households include at least one employed adult.
• 74% have incomes below the official federal poverty level during the previous month.
• 14% are homeless.
• Among all client households served by emergency food programs in Texas, 68% are food insecure. This includes client households who are food insecure without hunger and those who are food insecure with hunger.
• 41% of Texas clients report choosing between paying for food or paying for utilities or heating fuel.
• 33% had to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine or medical care.
• 26% of client households in Texas are receiving Food Stamp Program benefits; however, it is likely that many more are eligible.
• Among households with children ages 0-3 years, 54% participate in Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
• Among households with school-age children, 67% and 63%, respectively, participate in the federal school lunch and school breakfast programs.
• 31% of Texas households report having at least one household member in poor health.

VOLUNTEERS in Texas,

• 89% of pantries, 80% of kitchens, and 76% of shelters use volunteers.
• 65% of pantry programs and 22% of kitchens have no paid staff at all.

View more statistics on Hunger and Poverty in Texas (pdf)

What does the Bible say about Hunger?

Few topics are addressed more often in Scripture than the poor and the way God’s people are to minister to them. Ministry to the poor and needy is clearly part of a godly lifestyle.  What did Jesus do, what did He instruct us to do?

God Cares Greatly About the Poor and Hungry As Shown in Both the Old and New Testaments

• Isaiah 58:6-7 – “Isn’t the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and to not ignore your own flesh [and blood]?”
• Luke 6:20-21 – “Then looking up at His disciples, He said: Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled…”
• Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed…”
• James 2:5 – “Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?” While Recognizing the Persistence of the Problem, God Works Through His People Through the Discipline of Regular Gleaning to Provide for Those in Need.
• Deuteronomy 24:19-21 – “When you reap the harvest in your field, and you forget a sheaf in the field, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you knock down the fruit from your olive tree, you must not go over the branches again. What remains will be for the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not glean what is left. What remains will be for the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow.”
• Leviticus 19:9-10 – “When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edge of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident; I am the Lord your God.”
• Deuteronomy 15:11 – “For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’” When Jesus paraphrased this verse, He was speaking of the propriety of putting Himself first while He was here in the flesh. He was defending the actions of one who was criticized for anointing Jesus with precious oil. Sadly, some use our Lord’s own words in attempting to justify their complacency towards those in need.
• Matthew 26:11 – “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

God Calls His People to Be Actively Involved in Ministry to Those in Need

• Luke 3:11 – “He replied to them, ‘The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same.’”
• Galatians 2:10 – “[They asked] only that we would remember the poor, which I made every effort to do.”

Ministry to the Poor Is a Service to God

• Matthew 25:35-40 – “‘For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’ And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’”

Ministry to the Poor Yields Great Joy

• Proverbs 14:21 – “The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.”

Turning a Deaf Ear to Those in Need Stifles the Spiritual Life

• Proverbs 21:13 – “The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered.”

Mistreatment and Neglect of the Poor

• Jeremiah 5:28-29 – “They have become fat and sleek. They have also excelled in evil matters. They have not taken up cases, such as the case of orphans, so they might prosper, and they have not defended the rights of the needy. Should I not punish them for these things? [This is] the Lord’s declaration. Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”
• Matthew 25:41-46 – “Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels! For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you didn’t take Me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of Me’… Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

All Material Resources Belong to God

• Deuteronomy 10:14 – “The heavens, indeed the highest heavens, belong to the Lord your God, as does the earth and everything in it.”
• Psalm 24:1 – “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.”
• Psalm 50:10 – “…for every animal of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.”

If We Know the Lord, He Is Our Priority Far and Beyond Fretting over Material Things

• Matthew 6:31-33 – “So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”
• Luke 12:15-21 – “He then told them, ‘Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.’ Then He told them a parable: ‘A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, “What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,” he said. “I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, ‘You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.’” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared-whose will they be?” That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’”
• Matthew 6:24 – “No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.”

Caring for the Poor Leads to a Change in the Life of the Giver

• Isaiah 58:10-11 – “…and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.”

Ministry to Those in Need Demonstrates the Reality of Being a Follower of Jesus Christ.

• James 2:15-17 – “If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.”
• 1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but shuts off his compassion from him-how can God’s love reside in him? Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth.”
• We Must Be Cognizant of How We Treat Others and Always Treat Them As We Would Personally Want to Be Treated.
• Matthew 7:12 – “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them-this is the Law and the Prophets.”

The Bible Speaks on Hunger http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.2056555/k.7751/The_Bible_Speaks_on_Hunger.htm

• A prerequisite for Christian action in a hungry world is the study of the Bible. The Bible speaks frequently and forcefully about the issue of hunger. The Bible points out that hunger has always been part of the sinful human drama (Gen. 3:17-19; 41:25-36; 2 Kings 6:25; Acts 11:27-30).
• The Bible also says that the covenant community has an obligation to care for the weakest members of society (Deut. 10:17-19; 15:11; Isa. 1:16-17; Acts 6:1-7; 2 Cor. 8-9). It shows that God’s only Son fed the hungry (Luke 6:1-5; 9:10-17) and associated with the poor (Matt. 15:30-38; Luke 2:21-24; 4:18-19; 14:12-14).
• Moreover, the Bible discloses strategies to reduce hunger. The law of gleaning (Lev. 19:9-10; Deut. 24:19-21; Ruth 2:2-23), the sabbatical year (Exod. 23:10-11; Deut. 15:1-18; Jer. 34:8-22), and the pursuit of justice (Deut. 16:10-20; Isa. 1:1-17; 61:8; Amos 2:6-7; 4:1; 5:11; 8:6) are some of the approaches. Others include interchurch aid (Acts 2:41-46; 4:34-37; 6:1-7) and intrachurch aid (Acts 11:27-30; Rom. 15:22-33).

Some Answers: Biblical Insights http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.2056549/k.BFD0/Issues_and_Answers.htm

Conclusion
God’s Word is clear that we are to minister to the poor and needy as part of our Christian lifestyle. Gleaning is a spiritual discipline that will lead to a greater sensitivity for those in need and ultimately a greater sensitivity to God. Caring for those in need is an opportunity and a privilege as well as an obligation. We must not view it in any other way.
All Scripture is from the Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Copyright 2006 Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) – Used with permission.