Contact: Tonya Nichols, Meet The Need, 813-215-8599, tnichols@meettheneed.org

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- For Christians, particularly those finding it difficult to rally around either presidential candidate, Meet The Need has launched an "Ice Bucket Challenge" for service and evangelism called Vote for Eternity 20:16. The goal is to encourage 1 million Christians to turn their attention more toward who winds up in God's House than in the White House by following Jesus' example of letting kindness open the door to sharing the gospel – with a neighbor, coworker or complete stranger – by Election Day, November 8th.

Each participant is asked to share their stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CastAnEternalVote and challenge three friends to "pay it forward."

"Neither candidate stands solidly in the Christian camp on the issues most of us hold dear," said Jim Morgan, president of Meet The Need Ministries, which equips thousands of churches and charities across the country to serve their communities. "That's left many of us wondering about the future of our country – yet feeling powerless to do much about it."

"We can only cast one vote for president but we can cast countless Eternal Votes – simple acts of service in Jesus name that will have an impact lasting far longer than just the next four years," said Morgan.

Morgan was inspired by Matthew 20:25-26: "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.'"

"It's the perfect verse to express our need as Christians to worry a little less about rulers and authorities and be servants instead," said Morgan.

A quick look back in Matthew 20 led Meet The Need to turn 2016 into 20:16 with Vote for Eternity 20:16. Matthew 20:16 states their mission even more succinctly – "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Vote for Eternity 20:16 offers a servant-minded alternative for Christians who previously saw their only options as "Vote for Trump 2016" or "Vote for Hillary 2016."

During this electoral season, Vote for Eternity 20:16 reminds us that God is in control. Politicians battle for supremacy in this nation but Jesus remains Lord of all. The winds of political and moral change are blowing – no doubt Christians face stiff headwinds. Our task is to engage in the culture war – but the most powerful weapon at our disposal is the love of Jesus Christ.

To learn more go to www.meettheneed.org/voteforeternity, www.facebook.com/meetneeds or twitter.com/meet_the_need.
 
About Meet The Need: Meet The Need (www.MeetTheNeed.org) is a nonprofit organization providing free software and services to connect those in need with those who can help. Meet The Need bridges communication gaps in cities across the country between churches, charities and businesses. Meet The Need also works with national partners to build solutions to alleviate hunger, homelessness and child neglect.