The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver.
And according to those who know Perry and Kelsey Craven, the siblings well personify that verse of Scripture.
Each time 11-year-old Perry and 8-year-old Kelsey attend Coldwater Baptist Church in Oxford with their great-grandmother, they take along a contribution for the World Hunger Offering.
Their diligence accounts for a large percentage of the church’s annual gift to that cause. “We bring at least five or 10 dollars [each time],” said Perry.
Kelsey added, “Church is fun and giving stuff to hungry people is fun.” She explained that she and her brother give to the World Hunger Offering so that food and water can be provided to people who need them.
“People can die of disease from eating food that’s rotten or spoiled just because they’re hungry,” said Perry.
Jacky Morgan, pastor of Coldwater Baptist, emphasizes the magnitude of the generosity Perry and Kelsey exhibit.
“Our records show that, since 2000, Perry and Kelsey have given an average of 75 percent of the overall church offering for world hunger,” he said.
Morgan added, “Their largest gift was in 2001, when their gifts totaled over $1,600. So far this year, they have given $741.90.”
Betty Skinner of Anniston, Perry and Kelsey’s great-grandmother with whom the siblings attend Coldwater Baptist, said the two have a burden on their hearts for people who are hungry. It is coupled with much compassion, she said.
Perry and Kelsey explained that they are given money by their grandfather, Larry Wayne Craven I of Oxford.
They added that they never keep out any of it for themselves. It all goes to the World Hunger Offering.
“They’re very devoted,” said their great-grandmother. “They love to go to church.”
The two youths — the children of Shani and Michael Yeager and Larry Wayne Craven II, all of Oxford — say giving makes them feel good.
To the pastor of Coldwater Baptist, the two are examples for others to follow.
“Their attitude toward giving reminds me of the simplicity of giving because of the realization of need,” states Morgan. “They know there are hungry children and they know they can help by giving and raising money. That, to me, embodies what we as believers should be doing — responding willingly, consistently, compassionately to needs around us.”
Alabama Baptists will recognize World Hunger Sunday, Oct. 13. For more information about the World Hunger Offering, call 615-244-2495.
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