“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
– Matthew 25:35
Fifty years ago, Lutherans in the U.S. launched the World Hunger appeals to stand with neighbors experiencing hunger. Today, working through congregations and other partners, ELCA World Hunger reaches out to communities in need with community meals, micro loans, water wells, animal husbandry, health clinics, and advocacy.
The ELCA is focused on supporting sustainable solutions that go to the root causes of hunger and poverty. According to the ELCA website, almost 10% of the world’s population is hungry. ELCA World Hunger is working with communities in 64 countries, including the U.S. Through your generosity, Esperanza’s church council is making a $1,200 donation from the benevolence line in our Mission Plan to the ELCA World Hunger 50th anniversary celebration.
Esperanza is now challenging members and friends to provide a match of $1,200 or more by Dec. 15. You can respond to this challenge in one of the following ways:
- Place loose currency and coins in a glass jar located on the altar platform.
- Make a check payable to “ELCA World Hunger” and place it in a World Hunger 50th Anniversary envelope located in the narthex or in a plain enveloped marked “ELCA World Hunger donation” with the dollar amount. Place the envelope in the offering, and Esperanza will gather all the donations and forward them to the ELCA.
- Make donations online at ELCA.org/hunger/donate. Click on “I would like to choose an area for this gift to support.”. Click on “ELCA World Hunger.” In the Donor Information field, click on “This donation is on behalf of a congregation or organization.” Indicate Esperanza Lutheran with requested information. (If you make an online donation, please notify Joni at esperanza@my esperanza.org. The amount does not need to be disclosed, only that you made a donation this way.)
If you have any questions, please contact Larry Hanson of the Community Outreach team at [email protected] or (480) 231-4023.