By John Hall
Texas Baptists are seeking to raise $1 million on Mother’s Day for an annual hunger offering that provides relief and aid to hungry people across the state and around the globe.
“In the heart of mothers throughout Texas and beyond is a deep desire to meet the needs of their children,” said David Hardage, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. “We want to honor them as Texas Baptists in a meaningful and tangible way that carries forth that desire. Together, we can help struggling mothers put food on their respective families’ tables.”
Last year, Texas Baptists gave roughly $750,000 to the hunger offering. Hardage, former development director at George W. Truett Theological Seminary named to the BGCT post last year, said the goal is ambitious but attainable because many churches don’t yet give to the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering.
Ferrell Foster, who coordinates the offering through the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, said more than one fourth of Texas children do not know where they will find their next meal. Struggling parents face tough decisions, including how to feed their children.
“There is nothing more important to hungry people than to gain nutritious food,” Foster said. “Their lives depend on it.”
Foster said people in the midst of a food crisis need immediate relief, while people caught in a cycle of chronic poverty need help to break that cycle.
“Either way, Jesus depends on his followers to bring hurting people the abundant life he spoke about, and that life involves both physical and spiritual well-being,” Foster said. “It’s up to us. It’s our responsibility. Jesus said so.”