David Beckmann to Speak at UCC

On Sunday, January 15, David Beckmann, minister, economist, World Food Prize laureate, and President of Bread for the World, will be at the United Congregational Church of Tolland as their MLK, Jr. Peace and Justice Sunday speaker.

Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad and provides policy analysis on hunger and strategies to overcome the problem. Under Beckmann’s leadership, Bread for the World has garnered an impressive record of achievements through their persistent, bipartisan advocacy including tripling US funding for effective programs to help developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and helping to double funding for U.S. nutrition programs, assisting millions of families here in the states. 

Since 2000, Beckmann has been asked to testify in Congress eighteen times, appearing before such committees as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Ways and Means Committee. Additionally, he has appeared on the Bill Moyer’s Journal, PBS’s Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly, CNN Espanol and C-Span and in radio interviews with NPR’s Morning Edition, and the Dian Rehm Show. 

Beckmann earned degrees from Yale University, Christ Seminary, and the London School of Economics. Six universities have awarded him honorary doctorates. Beckman has lived in Bangladesh and Ghana and overseen projects in Bolivia and Ecuador and visited more than 70 countries. It is an extraordinary opportunity to hear this passionate advocate so deeply devoted to public ministry.

In a recent small group study of his book Exodus from Hunger , a member of UCCT had this to say: 

“Before I read this book I knew hunger and poverty were very serious issues around the world and even in our own country, but felt relatively powerless to be able to do much to help. Dr Beckmann, and the discussions we had about his book in our UCCT Study Group, opened my eyes to the fact that this cause is not hopeless, that significant progress has already been made, and that much more can be accomplished if individuals, organizations (like churches), governments, etc become active in the effort.  He points out many ways that people can help, from organizing local groups to influencing political leaders. The book is inspiring and encouraging. It is a must-read for all who care about their fellow human being.”                                                                                                                                          -Tom Calabrese

David will be speaking at the following events on January 15

Sunday morning worship 8:30am and 10am ( a brunch to follow at 11:00am)

Afternoon coffee at 3:00pm 

Everyone is invited to participate in this important conversation and to learn more about Bread for the World. 

For more information on David Beckmann and Bread for the World, go to www.bread.org

To register for the brunch portion of our program please call or email Rev. Judy Medeiros at 860-875-4160 x12 or jmedeiros@ucctolland.org.