I learned of this contest from our social media coordinator as I was boarding a last minute flight from Baltimore to New Orleans to attend a funeral. Over the next 24 hours, I watched as Hunger Strike supporters and friends all over the U.S. voted for Hunger Strike, pushing it to #1!

What happened next took us all by surprise.

Out of the 5 organizations listed in the contest, The Hunger Strike was the only organization that was upfront about our mission being motivated by our love for Jesus. Apparently, this upset an atheist website community, which proceeded to write a blog and launch a campaign AGAINST our organization, simply because we were “faith-based”. They encouraged as many people as possible to vote for one of the other organizations that worked in Uganda. You can read their post here: http://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/udyex/ratheism_i_know_youre_good_at_voting_in_online/

As I was at the funeral, my phone began exploding with text messages, emails and twitter notifications about the slander our organization was receiving. My heart sank as I began to read the blog, comments, and discussions occurring around the premise of a “Christian” organization meeting the needs of the poor, and using funds to promote our religious agenda.

The purpose of this public response letter is not to defend what we do, slander a community of people, or speak negatively about the other organizations in the contest, but rather to offer a humble suggestion on behalf of the poor. ONE.org’s intention of holding a “contest” to feature an organization was to create a fun and interactive voting activity that both raised awareness about ONE, as well as 5 organizations that they selected. I am certain that their desire was not to see this become a “competition” in which we turned groups of people AGAINST other organizations based on what they do, religious affiliation, or field strategy.

May I propose the thought that possibly one of the many reasons why we still have extreme poverty in our world (sin being the main cause) is because organizations possess the inability to work together, collaborate, network, and share information in an effort to more effectively serve the very people we are all working for (the poor)? As the founding director of The Hunger Strike, I want no association with something that “puts down” other organizations in an effort to elevate a certain cause over another. I would prefer to work towards creating an environment in which organizations that are fighting for justice in a world of great injustices, could feel comfortable collaborating across the table, across borders, across oceans, and even across social media platforms.

Based on the atheist community’s response to the blog post (over 2,000 votes against The Hunger Strike) it appears that an organization serving the wonderful people of Uganda have “won” the feature. Personally, and as an organization, we are OK with that, because that is a “win” for those of us who serve the people of East Africa. With even minimal research, those attempting to slander The Hunger Strike would have seen that over the past 8 months, we funded, packed and shipped 80,000 meals to respond to the East Africa famine (many meals going to Uganda) as well as funding a field agent (missionary, if you will) who served displaced women in Jinja, Uganda for 5 months. I do not say this to promote our efforts, but rather to suggest that we are in this together, and are happy to be serving next to other organizations working tirelessly on behalf of the poor.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who voted for The Hunger Strike because you believe in what we do. Even though we were not selected to be the feature, we are thankful for the awareness that ONE gave us through this blog, and will continue with the hope that our efforts and responses to the needs of the poor are not determined by the way the world perceives us, but rather motivated by the love for our Creator and Savior; Jesus.

Jeremy Willet, Director of The Hunger Strike

The Hunger Strike has decided to work towards building a new lifestyle, rather then a movement. These are some of the differences, as we understand them. Perhaps there is a time for both. Perhaps there is some overlap. But which sounds more like the Gospel? Which sounds more like the ministry of Jesus?

The quote that keeps ringing in my mind is the President’s assertion that “there is no reason that Africa should not be feeding itself”. To a point, he is correct- in the past, Africa has been a successful exporter, and her economies are among the fastest growing in the world. Investing in agriculture, as is his plan, will likely help these economies grow and eventually lead to sustainable development in some parts of Africa.

What happens, however, if the people are too sick to work the fields? What if they must take care of their dying children? What if they lack the basic nutrition to sustain them through a full days work?

We have seen the statistics. 18 million people in West Africa are facing hunger. 3 million children are at the risk of malnutrition. 1 in 8 African children die before their fifth birthday.

We believe that a crucial middle step is missing in the plan to bring Africa out of food crisis. If we are to see Africa flourish, we must take care to meet the everyday needs that will prevent them from taking care of themselves.

Here at The Hunger Strike, we are taking seriously our call to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). We are in the midst of a journey to send 100,000 meals to starving children in Africa. These meals are comprised of protein, vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. We have sent 80,000 meals so far, and are well on our way to our next 10,000-meal packing event. Just $2,675 is needed for us to hit this goal!

We want you to join us in becoming the answer to this crucial middle step. $25 sends 40 meals to these children. Donate to the crisis and we will send you a free shirt!

To read the relevant excerpt from President Obama’s recent speech, visit here.

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Karli Von Herbulis serves as the Social Media Coordinator for The Hunger Strike. She and her husband reside in Westminster, MD in a house full of Chinese siblings and love.

In Gen. 6:5, the Lord “was sorry that He had made man on the earth and He was grieved in His heart.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. At that point in time, Noah was considered a righteous man, blameless in His time because he “walked with God.”

Later in Gen 7, as the rain is about to fall, we read in v.5 “Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him.” Then after the flood had covered all of the earth and destroyed every living thing outside of the ark, Gen. 8 tells us the Lord again spoke to Noah and told him to go out of the ark and be fruitful and multiply.

I find it interesting that after a year in the ark with the family and all of those animals, the first thing Noah did was to build an altar to the Lord and offer a sacrifice to the Lord for what He had done.

Here is the application to us from all of this. Are you considered by your peers and by God as a ‘righteous one’ or a ‘blameless one’? Does God find favor in you? Would others say that you ‘walk with God’?
Are you doing what God has commanded you to do? Are you working with the poor? Are you standing up against injustices? Is your life impacting those around you?

Like Noah, we must remain faithful to what God has called us and purposed us to do with our life. If you are on the mission field, remain faithful and serve in the community God has you. If you are in the pulpit, preach faithfully, serve your people, and feed your sheep. If you work to overcome injustice, stay committed to the solution that is needed to overcome corruption. If you are involved in feeding and clothing the poor, do not give up till all are fed and drinking clean water and dressed in decent clothing.

Lastly, remember to do as Noah did. When you encounter storms, be faithful to recognize God’s provision and protection and sustaining power. Stop and be still at times to offer up a sacrifice of praise to the One who should get all the glory and honor.

-Pastor Glen Willet

Jesus, in the Gospel of Luke, taught a parable about a lamp. In Luke 18:16-18, says, “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light.”

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your light should be shining brightly. But is it shining only on Sunday? Is it shining only in the halls and vestibules of your church? Or is your light shining on the outside of the church walls? Is it shining in the streets with the homeless and the broken? Is your light casting beams of hope to the prisoner, to the widow and the orphan? Is your love shedding light on the abused, the hungry, and the diseased?

WILLET’s lyrics continue to share that Christ’s love forgives, restores, redeems and endures. Jesus is the friend that is closer than a brother. He wants a relationship with you. He loves you unconditionally. He gave His life for you. If you have a light, it is high time to let it shine till the whole world sees. And if you have a voice, than sing it out until the whole world hears.

How can you do that? Here is one way that you can shine your light and have your voice heard. You can help us at The Hunger Strike to complete our goal of packing 100,000 meals for the famine in East Africa. WILLET’s front man, Jeremy Willet, turns 27 this Saturday. To celebrate this, you could provide 42 meals with a donation of $27 HERE.