International (MNN) — The U.N. summit on the global food crisis was held yesterday. According to a news source, in three years world food prices have risen by 83 percent. It is estimated that 100 million people could be pushed into hunger by the current situation. The U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said food production would have to rise 50 percent by 2030 to meet
demands.
It's no secret that it is becoming a draining task to stretch resources and keep ministries going right now. That stretching of resources isn't quite cutting it for some ministries as the price of food has doubled in some areas of the world. The amount of food they need just isn't available. That's the case for AMG International's child care centers.
"We are at this time sending emergency funds to cover the shortfalls so they can keep providing one full meal a day, also a snack. But as this goes on, we may have to look at whether we need to cut services or take other measures to keep providing for these children," said Tasos Ioannidis of AMG.
Usually, the centers provide medical care, shoes, socks and clothing. They also offer to help children with their school work and educate them in hygiene. Parents notice the difference in their child who may have come to the center hungry or hurt and who leave clothed, fed and perhaps understanding their homework more fully, among other things.
Children often hear "Jesus loves you" for the first time when they start coming to the center. Families often end up visiting the local church when they see the impact of the center on their child.
The food crisis is causing anything from protests to rioting around the world. If AMG has to cut back food distribution, Ioaniddis said it is possible that the lack of food will put a road block up for Kingdom building ministries. "We have said that it is hard to share the Gospel on an empty stomach. We have to meet the physical needs as well as the spiritual needs of the children. So when we are unable to meet the physical needs as well as we should, it is more challenging to share the Good News."
Ioannidis asked believers to pray that this situation will be reversed. Pray also that fuel prices will decrease. "The increase in the price of fuel is directly affecting the price of food," he said.
"We need to be aware and try to raise funds to help people in this time of need," said
Ioannidis.
