, the largest monthly evangelical Christian magazine in the nation, is to celebrate its 30th anniversary in unconventional fashion by partnering with the one of the largest international charities for a food-distribution outreach.

Feed the Children is sending four semi-trailer loads of food, personal-care items and prepackaged breakfasts for 1,200 needy children and families in the Orlando, Fla., area. The distribution will take place on Saturday in the parking lot of the city's T.D. Waterhouse Centre. The families who will receive food were pre-identified by Christian Life Missions, Charisma's nonprofit partner, which works with local ministries that help the poor.

Stephen Strang, president of Strang Communications, launched Charisma in August 1975 as a church magazine at Calvary Assembly in Winter Park, Fla. Every five years since 1985, the magazine's anniversary has been marked with special gatherings, including three banquets and a conference. Two of these events were televised on national TV.

“We decided this year that instead of having another banquet, we wanted to help the poor,” Strang said. “The reason is as Christians we're commanded to help the poor. We feel that giving to others is more important than congratulating ourselves on Charisma magazine's 30th anniversary.”

With that in mind, Strang contacted Feed the Children co-founder and President Larry Jones, who expressed enthusiasm in working with Charisma to deliver food to the needy in Orlando.

“We are so grateful to have the chance to work with Charisma magazine and Strang Communications,” Jones said. “Working together, we can make a difference in the lives of over 1,200 children and families who are in desperate need of help. We are so glad that we can provide food and other necessities to those who need our help the most.”

The flagship of multimedia Strang Communications, Charisma saw its largest-ever issue with the August 2005 edition. The 146-page anniversary issue featured a contemporary redesigned look and introduced new columnists who are respected and relevant Christian leaders, including James Dobson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Gloria Copeland and Phil Cooke.

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