Since 2008, Children’s Hunger Fund has partnered with local churches throughout Nepal, a country often considered among the poorest in the world. Nepal’s communities face serious challenges, including widespread poverty and frequent devastation caused by earthquakes. To address these needs, Children’s Hunger Fund provides local churches with food and essential aid, enabling them to support the most vulnerable families in their areas.
Across the United States, poverty remains a daily reality for countless children and families. Nearly 1 in 6 children experience food insecurity, underscoring the urgent need for action. In response, Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF) began preparing in 2023 to launch a domestic expansion initiative, which will equip churches in communities beyond CHF’s existing Volunteer Centers in Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Dallas to deliver Food Paks and share the hope of the gospel with those in greatest need. Together, these church partners are making a difference, one community at a time, and inviting more churches to join a movement of compassion and transformation.
The domestic expansion of CHF’s ministry is more than a response to hunger; it represents a vision for meeting both physical and spiritual needs across the US. By developing new Mercy Networks nationwide, the goal is to reach more children and families in communities that are often overlooked. Each Food Pak is an opportunity not only to meet a physical need but also to share the life-changing message of the gospel in a tangible, relational way.
At the core of this growing ministry is CHF’s Rethink Mercy Foundation, which equips churches to lead an impactful, relational Mercy Ministry. CHF is currently equipping 328 church partners across 16 states to deliver food and share the hope of the gospel through meaningful relationships. Through the Rethink Mercy Foundation training videos, CHF equips churches to serve their communities with compassion and purpose. These churches learn not only to distribute Food Paks but also to foster authentic connections, offer spiritual encouragement, and create lasting change within their communities.
In Vancouver, Washington, Master’s Bible Church is one example of what is possible when a church congregation embraces the Food Pak ministry. It began with a small group of volunteers reaching out to local families. Having never done this type of ministry before, they were unsure how to implement it, so the early months were marked by extensive experimentation and learning.
The result has been uplifting. They’ve been purposeful about using this ministry to serve the community and strengthen the church’s confidence and effectiveness in sharing the gospel. Before heading out, volunteers are trained in presenting the gospel. New team members begin by shadowing experienced leaders at a few homes, then gradually take on leading conversations as they become more comfortable. After each outreach day, everyone gathers to debrief and reflect on how to better express love, care, and compassion, and to share the gospel message.
Just two years ago, this ministry launched with only a small group of volunteers. Last December, participation grew to 34 individuals, organized into seven teams that visited 13 apartment complexes. Fathers are now bringing their teenagers along, using the opportunity to teach them how to share the gospel while serving together as families. Additionally, the church sends out teams that collectively speak at least four languages.
This serves as a compelling reminder that the Food Pak ministry is not only about bringing food and sharing the gospel with those in need; it’s also about churches adopting the vision and nurturing a spirit of mercy ministry within their own congregations. The gospel doesn’t only change lives outside the church; it also transforms hearts and lives within the church.
Master’s Bible Church is one of many churches delivering hope to children and families in need, and the invitation is open: more churches, donors, and supporters are welcome to help expand this network of hope. By becoming a Mercy Network church, equipping churches through Rethink Mercy Foundation, and stepping out in faith like Master’s Bible Church, congregations nationwide can follow Jesus’ command to serve the “least of these” in their communities. Together, we can ensure that more children and families across the US receive not only Food Paks but also the lasting hope found in the gospel. The journey continues, and with each new partner, the impact grows.
