Dear friends,

Please allow me to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Southeastern Synod World Hunger Chair.  Raised in privilege, I was only vaguely aware of the quiet tragedy of hunger in the U.S and the world.  I first came face to face with hunger as a CDC microbiologist when I travelled to Bolivia to assist with setting up a study of waterborne diseases.  There during a tour of clinic, I was led to the bedside of an infant with severe malnutrition whose equally emaciated mother looked at us with heartbreaking desperation and grief.  During travels to other places where extreme poverty is present, I too often saw children’s hungry faces.   Much closer to home, I witnessed hunger at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain where Pastor Randy Palm began a hunger ministry in 2010.  For 10 years, volunteers have served a simple emergency midday meal for a Memorial Drive community of the homeless, the recently incarcerated, elderly persons of color, and resettled refugees.

My first goal will be to attend the 2021 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, to be held virtually from January 20^th through the 23^rd.   It is my hope that at the gathering I will have an opportunity to engage with hunger leaders throughout the Southeastern Synod. Whether you are a longtime hunger leader or someone with an interest in addressing the problem of hunger, I encourage you to register for the gathering by visiting bit.ly/2021WHLG. The event fee is $20 but there are sponsorships for those who are unable to afford the registration (please contact me at cherylbopp@hotmail.com for more information.  I hope to meet you!   

Until all are fed,

                        Cheryl Bopp
                        Southeastern Synod ELCA World Hunger Chair
                        Member of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
                        Email: cherylbopp@hotmail.com