On Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 28, churches across the nation will raise money for the poor by participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Meanwhile, Baptists will be given an opportunity to raise money for the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund.
Southern Baptists are being urged to donate $1 in large soup pots as they leave church on Super Bowl Sunday, said Steve Nelson, director of hunger concerns for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
One hundred percent of the money raised will go directly to the World Hunger Fund, which supports ministry evangelism initiatives across the nation and world led by Southern Baptist missionaries and volunteers.
“We want to specifically challenge youth groups and churches to take part in this Souper Bowl of Caring emphasis,” Nelson said.
Dan Ott of Souper Bowl of Caring suggests recruiting youth of the church to stand at sanctuary exits with the pots.
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a nondenominational grassroots effort to raise awareness and funding for hunger ministries across the world. The ministry was founded in 1990 by Presbyterian minister Brad Smith. Since then, more than 8,600 congregations have participated in the annual event, including 600 Baptist churches in 1998.
Fifty Alabama Baptist churches have participated in the last two years.
The gifts do not go to the Souper Bowl organization, Nelson noted. Instead, individual congregations determine where to use the money for ministry — send to the World Hunger Fund or another charity of the group’s choice.
Nelson said the Souper Bowl ministry’s lone request is to call their office at 1-800-358-7687 with the results of their efforts.
Last year more than 11,200 churches, including more than 800 Southern Baptist congregations, across the United States generated $3.1 million for soup kitchens and food banks, Ott noted.
“The Souper Bowl of Caring offers people in churches across the country a simple but significant way to join together in caring and unity,” said Souper Bowl founder Brad Smith.
“Twenty-two churches participated in the first Souper Bowl in 1990, but we hope to see 15,000 join the team in 2001,” said Robin Muthig, a youth who volunteers with the project. “This year’s goal is to see youth groups across the country generate $4 million for charities in their respective communities.”
“It is time for the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund to occupy a place of prominence in Southern Baptist life,” Nelson added. “We cannot hope to see the world reached if we fail to demonstrate Christ’s love while we speak of His love.”
To participate, call 1-800-358-SOUP or Nelson at 615-244-2495. (BP)
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