As Christians, we’re called not only to give, pray, and learn – but also to advocate, and raise our voices when our neighbours are hurting, whether near or far.
Jesus began his ministry by quoting from Isaiah that he was there to set the oppressed free, showing that advocacy is an essential expression of our faith.
He cared deeply for the poor and the hungry, reminding His followers that standing with people who are vulnerable or overlooked is one of the greatest ways we can show God’s love. Jesus confronted injustice directly by challenging leaders who burdened ordinary people and overturning systems that exploited the poor. He welcomed children, uplifted the powerless, and called His followers – called us – to be peacemakers in a divided world.
“We share God’s good creation, and it is our responsibility to share its goodness and to encourage others to flourish. That is what God commands us to do,” says Foodgrains Bank ambassador Marg Hoogland, who joined a panel at a Red Deer advocacy workshop event for supporters in 2025.
Her advice for anyone new to advocacy is to take it one step at a time, and remember that a small action is still meaningful.
“Keep it simple,” says Marg. “You don’t need to give all your reasons – just introduce your point of view, and that might be all you can do during the first exchange. Say how you feel or what you think, and watch the response. If there is interest, the conversation might continue.
“You never know what others are thinking. What you say may not bear fruit for some time, [but] then someone will remember… and what you said a long time ago will come back.”
Hunger is preventable, and with all of us raising our voices, we can make a difference for the 720 million people experiencing hunger. Today, choose to take a step to advocate for aid by raising your voice.
To learn more on why political advocacy is important from a biblical lens, download our resource ‘A Voice at the Table’ at foodgrainsbank.ca/voice.
This story was originally published in the 2026 spring edition of Breaking Bread.
