Over 1 billion not served.

Can you imagine how that would look hanging below the golden arches?  A broadcast that 1 billion people worldwide are going hungry.  An announcement that in the time it takes you to read this short devotional, several children will have died from malnutrition.

McDonald’s might not be announcing it, but it is real nonetheless.  It’s a statistic that shocks me to the core, but in my complacency and comfortable life I prefer it to remain just that: a statistic. 

I do my part, I try convincing myself.  I give to global missions and support a few children around the world.  That’s enough, isn’t it?  Not to the child who just died.

I give out of my abundance, but there is one who gave so selflessly that it leaves me speechless:

Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, ‘The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!"  Luke 21:1-4, The Message

Where are you on that scale?  Do you give offerings?  If so, will you ever miss them, or, do you give your all?

I hope that as we drive by McDonalds, we will be reminded of the plight of 1 billion people worldwide.  I also pray that our faith will be accompanied by actions to stop this worldwide emergency.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  James 2:17, emphasis mine

If you are so moved, here are just a few suggestions of ways in which you can help alleviate hunger.

Sponsor a child through Compassion International or World Vision.  Give a microloan at Kiva.org.