Have you ever wondered, God, what are you really asking of me?

The prophet Micah, in the Old Testament, asked the Israelites the same question.  And do you know what God said to them? “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.”  (Micah 6:8).  Those words sure give me something to think about.  

A few years ago, I started working for Canadian Foodgrains Bank, a partnership of 15 church and church-based agencies working together to end global hunger. It is an organization that is rooted in the belief that all people are created in the image of God – that is why we all have a right to food! 

This also means that you are created to reflect God’s image.  God does not just ask you to do justly and love mercy, he shows you how to do it too!  And do not forget, God is always open to walking with you as you seek to be like him. 

Back in the prophet Micah’s day, the Israelites struggled to be faithful to their promises. While they said they would only worship God and serve him, many could not do it. Even though they knew God asked them to love others and be generous, they were greedy instead. Thankfully, God did not give up on the Israelites – which is why he sent Jesus. 

Fast forward to the days of Jesus that we read about in the New Testament. What comes to mind for you when you think of Jesus acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God while he was on earth? For me, I think about how Jesus gave up so much. He didn’t just seek a peaceful life for himself but valued working for the well-being of others, especially marginalized people, and trusted his life into his Father’s hands. 

How about you? What might acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God look like in your life? Or in the day-to-day life of youth today?

Maybe you are not yet sure how to answer those questions. No worries. 

For those of us who work with the Foodgrains Bank, acting justly and loving mercy is lived out in a common commitment to ending global hunger.  While we all have different interests, talents, and abilities, we encourage all Canadians to live out this calling through four types of actions: praying, giving, learning, and advocating. 

Does this sound like a worthy mission for your youth group?  If so, the Foodgrains Bank has just made a learning and reflection resource for youth groups called, Hunger for Justice. It is designed for youth leaders to help youth groups deepen their understanding of justice, poverty and global hunger from a Christian perspective.

Be sure to look for our other blogs, podcasts, and webinars to learn more about praying, giving, learning and advocating for a world without hunger. 

While you might already be doing one of those four actions, I really encourage you to think about how you can do more. For example, if you are wanting to give to help fight hunger, make sure you learn about why people are hungry and what you are giving towards. If you are keen to learn, it could also be good to think of some way that you can use your voice to support people who are trying to change their situation.

Finally, whether you learn, give or advocate I’d also suggest you pray – a key way to keep you walking humbly with God.  

I leave you with these words from Eleanor, a member of a church in Nanaimo BC, who is working to live out the biblical call to justice and mercy – “It is important to be prayerful…the reason the Foodgrains Bank has been so dynamic and successful in its’ work is because it comes from a spiritual calling.”

If you feel the call, we would love for you to join us in the work of ending hunger!  

Jacquie Block, along with her husband Rick, work as the Saskatchewan Representatives for Canadian Foodgrains Bank. In this role, she connects with churches and communities across Saskatchewan who feel called to take action on global hunger. She has a passion for integrating a contemplative prayer life with tangible actions that empower others.

You should access the learning and reflection guide to help your youth ministry deepen their understanding of justice, poverty, and global hunger from a Christian perspective.

You can download the guide here: www.foodgrainsbank.ca/hunger-for-justice.

You can also an on demand webinar where you’ll be introduced to the work that Christian communities across Canada are doing through the Foodgrains Bank to support communities around the world who experience hunger. You’ll also receive a walkthrough of the learning and reflection guide for youth groups, which offers step-by-step ideas that you can use to inspire students to learn more about global hunger and help them process the practical steps they can take. Responding to hunger starts with giving, praying, learning, and advocating–all of which will be covered through this guide that you can use in your ministry starting this week.

Access the on demand webinar HERE.