These nations, typically, will be maximizing the productivity of their endowments, will be engaging in sacrifices to resolve their problems, and will be guarding against wasteful use of their resources. These countries, typically, will have national programs of agricultural development, land reform, and incentives to encourage food production. As American Baptists we would support the concept that individual countries should determine their own priorities and destinies. Within this framework, we would encourage our Government to give assistance to programs in those countries which actively allocate their own resources and energies to solving their food problems and which are on the most needy nations list of the United Nations. In keeping with our mission approach as American Baptist Churches, we shall give priority to work with those nations and peoples of greatest need who are often bypassed by governments as not being politically significant.
All countries face catastrophes and emergencies due to conditions beyond their control.
As Christians we recognize the complex nature of the world's organizational structures and the wide impact that changing systems have upon human beings around the globe. We are also aware of the tension that prevails between Christian ideals and concrete actions, yet we continue to seek God's justice and mercy for all peoples through gifts of love and sacrifice, which will result in programs of assistance and development.