Missiological impact of the compassionate act of feeding the hungry and desolate in the New Testament: Implications for the current mission paradigm and practice in Africa.

Abstract

This study examines the missiological impact of the compassionate act of feeding the hungry and desolate in the New Testament Scriptures, and subsequently establishes the implications of this impact to the current mission enterprise among Evangelical churches in the African context. It therefore establishes the biblical findings, the current African situation, and the way forward in the current Christian mission paradigm in Africa, which is guided by development and practice of a balanced evangelical theology of mission. Thus, the study ascertains the biblical teaching on compassionate work of feeding the hungry and desolate and assesses the resulting missiological impacts. It further determines the significance of the compassionate act of food sharing in African context, and proposes a relevant contextualized mission theology and practice in the current mission paradigm in Africa. Exegesis of the selected biblical texts (Matthew 15: 29- 39; Matthew 26: 31- 46; John 6: 1- 12; Acts 2: 42- 47; Acts 6: 1-7; Romans 12:20; James 2: 14- 17 and 1Timothy 5: 3- 8), show that feeding the hungry and other works of compassion is a core teaching and practice in the New Testament. Though food is not given to entice the hungry and desolate to conversion, the results of every feeding event show clear missiological implications. Concern for the hungry and desolate also stands at the center of the African philosophy of communion and sharing. The findings indicate the need for Christian mission in Africa today to be guided by a theology of solidarity, totality and participation rather than exclusiveness and separation. All people without exception need to be shown compassion irrespective of whether or not this will lead to conversion. Mission needs to be as inclusive as possible so as to address both the spiritual and physical needs. Feeding the hungry is ministering to Jesus and comes with benefits for both the recipient and the giver. The emotive nature of issues of food cannot be neglected in any mission context if the message has to be gladly embraced. The current socio-economic and political situation in Africa, more than any other time in the history of Christian mission in the continent, demands a holistic approach to missions, proclaiming the two facets of the kingdom of God- the 'yet to come' and the 'here and now'. In view of the findings it is recommended that the evangelical church redefines its mission mandate so that works of compassion are part and parcel of the mission and not a mere extra activity. Where necessary and whenever possible, the church needs to seek for partnerships and alliances with reputable relief agencies that are seeking to combat the challenge of hunger in Africa. But every missionary attempt should be founded on a contextualized biblical theology that gives careful consideration and appreciation to scriptures and the missionary context.