A panel of regional and national leaders in the battle against world hunger joined for a riveting discussion May 29 in the 2009 installment of the annual Metro Lutheran Ministry Dykman Lecture Series.

Advent Lutheran Church in Olathe hosted the event featuring a three-member panel. Focusing on the often-overlooked work being done to combat hunger by the Lutheran Church, the group included Don Baston, Metro Lutheran Ministry; Barbara Hoffmann, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod World Relief; and Human Care Pastor John Schroeppel, Lutheran World Hunger Advocate.

The dialog began by noting the three million children who die because of hunger—each year. In the United States, more than one out of every 10 households—some 35 million people—face the risk of hunger.  In metro Kansas City, MLM has been forced to limit visits to their food pantries due to the high demand for food, while other organizations face similar shortages. 

The panel discussed the Lutheran Church’s response to hunger, with insights into the current crisis and how the community can participate in showing Christ’s love to others by reaching out to the hungry in our midst.

Don Baston joined MLM as Community Care Coordinator this year after more than two decades in human services in Houston, Tex., and metropolitan Kansas City. He holds a bachelors degree in business administration and a masters from the Houston Graduate School of Theology.

Barbara Hoffmann serves as Manager for Grant Administration for LCMS World Relief and Human Care. She oversees international and domestic grants including ones dealing with hunger issues.

Pastor John Schroeppel served many congregations throughout the Midwest. Since retiring, he has devoted himself to worldwide needs. He is the ELCA Area V Advocate for the Hungry.

The annual lecture series is named in honor of former board president and perennial MLM leader Loyd W. Dykman, an Overland Park resident who served 12 years on the MLM Board of Directors, most of those years as president. Both he and his family have been instrumental in the success of the agency. His daughter, Cathy Dykman Cunard, served on the board until this year and remains active as chair of the Major Gifts team.