Missions

The Panic of Hunger

by Brenda Kern 
02/22/04
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The Panic of Hunger [Name of organization] works in 23 countries around the globe, and clear communication can occasionally be a challenge. As you can imagine, many cultures and dialects are thrown into the mix, and English is undoubtedly not the easiest language to master. Sometimes the glitches are humorous, sometimes so mysterious that follow-up contact is necessary for clarification. And, sometimes, a particular word or usage can really strike home and make you pause and think. We recently received an e-mail from a pastor in India requesting financial support, and his English was sufficient for getting the idea across, but one odd turn of a phrase catches the eye: "...children sometimes are crying for not tolerating the panic of hunger." It's easy enough to smile and think, "Oh, he meant 'the pain of hunger' or 'hunger pangs' instead of the wording he actually used," because "the panic of hunger" isn't something the American mind can easily grasp. Panic comes in a situation of imminent danger, right? Or possibly panic occurs when a long-ignored problem suddenly surfaces and demands attention. But we would not associate hunger and panic with each other, generally, because for us hunger is a fleeting thing, if we experience it at all. Not so for many, particularly the estimated 100 million street children just barely surviving worldwide. The panic of hunger must be very real and ever-present for them. Our project managers have shared stories with us many times about children coming from the streets into an orphanage, or others beginning to attend a school that served a meal. The first time food was offered, these kids ate as much as they possibly could, because the concept of food being offered to them again tomorrow, or even again later today, did not make sense to them. For too many children, "tomorrow" doesn't exist, and certainly the idea that more food will be available tomorrow doesn't hold any meaning. They are too accustomed to living with the panic of hunger, the terror of the night, the numbness of loneliness. [Name of organization] exists to help ease that panic, fear, and emptiness. In our Calcutta Feeding Program alone, we provide a meal to 20,000 to 25,000 people daily. We assist with relief when a disaster strikes, and about 40,000 children benefit from our sponsorship program in 19 countries. We believe that ministry should be to the whole person, including the basic physical need for food. Once the physical needs are met, we would hope each individual would find nourishment for their soul, through having their spiritual needs met, as well. Take a moment to pause and think, now, on "the panic of hunger" as more than the turn of a phrase, but as an on-going life-and-death struggle. Pray with us, if you will, that we can continue to be God's means of provision to so many. Will you partner with us in our efforts? Let Him use you as a tool to calm panic, replacing it with His enduring peace. Brenda Kern December 11, 2003