Addressing Physical and Spiritual Hunger in Kentucky: The Global Hunger Offering on August 24

In our daily lives, it can be easy to overlook the quiet struggle of hunger happening right in our own communities. Yet, the statistics tell a sobering story: 15% of Kentuckians are food-insecure, a rate higher than the national average. This includes over 154,000 children who face the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from. This isn't just a distant problem; it's a reality for our neighbors, friends, and fellow Kentuckians.

But there is hope, and an opportunity for us to make a tangible difference. On Sunday, August 24, the Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC), in partnership with Global Hunger Relief, is calling on churches and individuals across the Commonwealth to participate in the Kentucky Hunger Offering. This is more than just a fundraising day; it's a dedicated effort to combat both physical and spiritual starvation.

The KBC and its partner ministries believe that true hunger relief goes beyond providing a box of food or a hot meal. While these provisions are essential, the ultimate goal is to build relationships and share the life-giving hope of the Gospel. It’s about meeting a physical need and, in the process, opening the door to a spiritual conversation. This approach is working. Last year alone, KBC-supported hunger relief ministries served over 15,606 hot meals, and praise God, there were 31 professions of faith as a direct result of these efforts.

The Kentucky Hunger Offering is a vital lifeline for these ministries. The funds collected go directly to supporting local, national, and international hunger relief initiatives, with 100% of your donation going to feed hungry people. Overhead costs are covered by the KBC's Cooperative Program, ensuring that every penny you give is used to provide food and hope to those in need.

How You Can Get Involved

August 24 is set to be a day of offering, but the preparation and conversations can start now. Here's how you can make a difference:

For Individuals:

• Mark your calendar: Set aside August 24 as a day to give generously to the Kentucky Hunger Offering.

• Pray: Pray for those in our state and around the world who are struggling with hunger. Pray for the ministries on the front lines and for the KBC's missions mobilization team as they work to coordinate these efforts.

• Be a voice: Talk to your friends, family, and fellow church members about the importance of this offering and the impact it has.

For Church Leadership:

• Plan ahead: We encourage you to discuss with your church leadership the possibility of designating August 24 as a special offering day for the Kentucky Hunger Offering.

• Utilize resources: The KBC and Global Hunger Relief provide a variety of resources to help churches promote the offering, including presentation slides, videos, and promotional materials.

• Contact us: For more information or to request resources, please reach out to our Missions Mobilization team at missions@kybaptist.org or (502) 489-3530.

The need is great, but our God is greater. By working together through the Kentucky Hunger Offering, we can make a significant impact, feeding not only the bodies of those in need but also nourishing their souls with the Bread of Life. Let's stand together to bring hope to a hungry world.