Page 42 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH MOVEMENT

The Five Loaves and Two Fish campaign is a
concrete expression of Hong Kong Christians'concern
for world hunger. Ever since 1975, on the first Sunday
in Lent (which is Social Concerns Sunday in Hong
Kong), the Council has launched a campaign to raise
money for the poor in Asia and Africa. Over.the years,
many individual Christians and Christian organizations

have answered this appeal in various ways — by
organizing a "hunger meal”， by receiving special
offerings in churches, by holding prayer meetings,
and by individual giving.
The theme for the 1984 campaign is: "I was
hungry, you gave me something to eat". This text is
taken from the story of the Final Judgment as
found in the Gospel according to St_ Matthew,
Chapter 25. This theme reflects the world hunger
situation in general and the desperate situation in
Central Africa in particular. It also helps us to recall
that Jesus Christ required his disciples to show practical
love and concern for the poor and hungry.
In order to assist with the campaign’s activities,
materials have been carefully designed and prepared
each year, consisting of posters and leaflets containing
background information and suggestions, Scripture
references, a few theological reflections, a list of
available audio-visual aids, a theme song and offering
envelopes.
In 1983, a total of HK$925,213 was raised. The
Council’s Executive Committee voted to send the
money to Ethiopia for famine relief work; to two
-ndian villages for development projects; and to Sri
Lanka for reconstruction work after extensive riots.
The only deductions from the money raised were
for postage and printing. The Council did not deduct
anything for labour costs or administrative overheads.
Thus, people who donate money can be assured that
almost 100% of the money raised actually goes to
people in need.

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