October 16th is recognized as World Food Day. Established in 1979 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Food Day raises awareness about the ongoing global hunger crisis and efforts to combat hunger.
An estimated 2.1 billion people…about 1 in 4 around the world…are food insecure. That includes approximately 645 million people suffering from chronic hunger, nearly half of whom live in Africa. Progress is being made, as evidenced by the six percent decrease in the number of hungry individuals globally since 2022. But daily suffering continues for millions. In places of extreme poverty, children are especially vulnerable as they lack the nutrients their bodies need to grow and be healthy. Among children under the age of five, 150 million are stunted by malnutrition.
These statistics may seem overwhelming, yet behind the numbers are people created in the image of God: a child in Malawi going to bed on an empty stomach, a single mom in Guatemala wondering how she’ll be able to feed her kids today…and again tomorrow.
At Cross International, we believe prayer is the heartbeat of effective change. God hears and answers the prayers of his people. His love and compassion are beyond comprehension. As you pause to think about those who are suffering around the world, we invite you to join us in praying on their behalf.
Here are five ways you can be praying:
1. Pray for critical needs
2. Pray for children and families
Poverty tears families apart. Despite working hard, parents and caregivers are often unable to adequately provide. Food is scarce. Sickness is constant. Preventable diseases claim lives. Kids miss out on the education that could have helped open doors for their future. It’s a seemingly endless cycle marked by a profound absence of hope. Pray for stability and opportunities – that parents will be empowered to provide for their children, that kids will grow strong and healthy and be able to attend school, and that families will stay together. And pray for orphans, that God will protect them and surround them with His love and care.
3. Pray for communities
Food security requires sustainability at the community level. Systems must be strengthened to enable lasting progress. That includes shared resources being strategically utilized in a way that benefits the community, community members having avenues to earn reliable incomes, increased awareness surrounding nutrition and hygiene, and establishing long-term community healthcare programs. Pray that God will give wisdom to community leaders responsible for making important decisions, and that systems will support the flourishing of those who live within each community.
4. Pray for governments
The hunger crisis is heavily influenced by governmental structures. Pray for stability within governments, especially in places like Haiti, where political turmoil and violence have crippled an already fragile economy and further restricted food access. Pray that global resources will be shared rather than hoarded, and that those in power will support policies that protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of all people.
5. Pray for the church
Jesus calls his followers to care for the poor. Pray that God will work through local churches and ministries in impoverished communities to minister to those who are hurting. Pray that the global church will awaken to the needs around the world and respond with compassion. As God’s love is expressed in tangible ways, pray that hearts will be receptive to the message of the gospel, and that the hope of Jesus will transform the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.
6. Pray about how you can help
Ask God how he might want you to respond to the global hunger crisis. While some places are disproportionately affected, there are needs everywhere. Pray for opportunities to serve the marginalized in your own community. Learn more about the devastating impact of poverty in other parts of the world, and spread the word. Even though you may never travel to distant lands, pray about partnering with organizations like Cross International that are actively serving in destitute areas of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and beyond. First and foremost, seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance.
