November 29, 2010

CHICAGO – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has called on members to give to ELCA World Hunger, pointing out that funds given by individuals now will be matched dollar for dollar.

Hanson made the comment in a video message posted Nov. 29 at http://www.ELCA.org/hunger/yearend/ on the ELCA website.

At his online Town Hall Forum Nov. 21, Hanson said the ELCA made commitments to domestic and international partners to raise nearly $20 million in ELCA World Hunger funds in 2010. However, he said giving to ELCA World Hunger was down about 20 percent. He challenged ELCA members to make up the difference by the end of the year.

In his video message Hanson said there are more hungry Americans now than in the past 15 years. "In this harsh economy, families are hurting. They are hungry. Many of you have felt personally the impact of the economic downturn or know someone who is struggling. It is to you that Jesus' words of promise are spoken," he said.

Hanson also said that gifts to ELCA World Hunger "are one way those who are hungry now will be filled."

The ELCA presiding bishop cited several examples of how gifts to ELCA World Hunger are making a difference.

"Because of your gifts to ELCA World Hunger, children like Brian, a preschooler in Detroit, is filled with a free, nutritious lunch at school each day," he said. "Your gifts help youth like the American Indian college students I met who told me that ELCA World Hunger grants made it possible for them to get an education. And your gifts help people like Jim, a senior citizen in South Carolina." Jim Freeman's story is chronicled in a video on the ELCA World Hunger website, the ELCA presiding bishop said.

Hanson concluded his message by asking members to encourage their congregations to take up a special offering for ELCA World Hunger. "Pray that we do all we can to make sure no one goes hungry, here or around the world," he said.

Gifts for ELCA World Hunger can be contributed online at http://www.ELCA.org/hungerdonate/, or by calling 800-638-3522. Contributions may be sent by mail to ELCA World Hunger, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764.

Information about ELCA World Hunger is at http://www.ELCA.org/hunger/, on the ELCA website.

ELCA News Service