 Well....21 years to be exact. It was January 22, 1989. Super Bowl XXIII (that's 23 for those already on holiday brain). San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals. Miami.
Fans across the country tuned it to watch the game, including the youth of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. As they blessed their food and settled in to watch the game, they had no way of knowing how one game and one prayer would change so many lives:
"Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat."
The results of that prayer would become a grassroots movement to end hunger called Souper Bowl of Caring.
That first year, the prayer inspired their church to invite 21 other congregations to join them in collecting $5,700, which was donated to local charities that provide assistance to those in need.
Over the past 20 years, more churches have joined the effort. More than $50 million in cash and food has been raised to support the work of organizations that fight hunger. Days of service have been added. And, always, the results stay local. From a simple prayer and a single youth group, the Souper Bowl of Caring has become a powerful nationwide movement that touches more lives each year.
Now it's your turn! Be a part of the movement that starts in your own backyard and reaches across the nation, sharing God's love with those who need our compassion and care. Grab your friends, your youth group, your school service club and sign up today! |