Have you been as bothered by the images from Northern Kenya that have been all over the news the past few weeks as much as I have?
I have to tell you that I haven't been able to get them out of my mind! I see the sorrow and grief in the mother's eyes as they hold the bones of what use to be their healthy baby. I see the blank stares of the hungry, lifeless children as they wait in line, hopeful for something that might fill their hunger, just for a moment. I hear the haunting answer to the question asked of a woman: "When did you children last have a meal that filled them; and she answered: "Two months!" Heart wrenching!
Scripture tells us that the poor always be with us, I know; but I wonder if we a Followers of Christ use that verse as an excuse to do nothing?
I know that many people believe the solution to poverty and injustice is to be more generous in our giving to those who spend their time reaching out to the poor. But I wonder if that is really the long-term answer? Probably not, since trillions of dollars haven't made any long-term differences so far.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong in helping people get through hard situations in life! My wife and I do that all the time with our involvement with Christian Ministries In Africa (www.christianministriesinafrica.org); Two Feet Project (www.twofeetproject.org/). I see long term commitments with Medical Teams International (www.medicalteams.org) and Convoy of Hope (www.convoyofhope.org); as well as with individuals and ministries in our local area.
I believe all would agree that the solution lies in helping get people out of poverty instead of being dependent on outsiders for their survival. That's what I like most about working with and giving a shout out to the above organizations, and others like them...they do this!
Local initiatives by the people, local people creating jobs and starting businesses and local people taking responsibility for their lives is a great start. Then, God's global community partnering with them to give the initial boost (in whatever way that is necessary) along with the necessary spiritual tools, life skills and freedom which will give them the power to overcome their poverty.
But I think our hearts would come together in the understanding that poverty ultimately comes from man's fallen nature---let's just call it what it is---SIN! It stems from broken relationships among people, and with God!
What will counter that and bring a defeat to poverty? The truth about God's love for all mankind and the power that is found through Jesus Christ...the call to GO and Make Disciples!
A Humble Servant!
Greg
Scripture tells us that the poor always be with us, I know; but I wonder if we a Followers of Christ use that verse as an excuse to do nothing?
I know that many people believe the solution to poverty and injustice is to be more generous in our giving to those who spend their time reaching out to the poor. But I wonder if that is really the long-term answer? Probably not, since trillions of dollars haven't made any long-term differences so far.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong in helping people get through hard situations in life! My wife and I do that all the time with our involvement with Christian Ministries In Africa (www.christianministriesinafrica.org); Two Feet Project (www.twofeetproject.org/). I see long term commitments with Medical Teams International (www.medicalteams.org) and Convoy of Hope (www.convoyofhope.org); as well as with individuals and ministries in our local area.
I believe all would agree that the solution lies in helping get people out of poverty instead of being dependent on outsiders for their survival. That's what I like most about working with and giving a shout out to the above organizations, and others like them...they do this!
Local initiatives by the people, local people creating jobs and starting businesses and local people taking responsibility for their lives is a great start. Then, God's global community partnering with them to give the initial boost (in whatever way that is necessary) along with the necessary spiritual tools, life skills and freedom which will give them the power to overcome their poverty.
But I think our hearts would come together in the understanding that poverty ultimately comes from man's fallen nature---let's just call it what it is---SIN! It stems from broken relationships among people, and with God!
What will counter that and bring a defeat to poverty? The truth about God's love for all mankind and the power that is found through Jesus Christ...the call to GO and Make Disciples!
A Humble Servant!
Greg
I was praying the other day regarding poverty and I felt the love of Christ all over me and began to cry. I have always had a place in my heart for the needy and homeless because I've been there. While I believe one person can make a difference I also believe the whole body of Christ can make a bigger difference. I can bring this and another that and yet another that, all together making it whole! Our feeble attempts are made much bigger when we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. I get overwhelmed at times because the problem seems so big but when I can give what I know God has blessed me to give and another can do the same you see something so amazing in the person who receives and the one who gives and all the glory is His!
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with what you are saying here Jon. I believe it is God's plan that we, the church, be a community of people dedicated to the purposes of God and His purposes are unmistakeable: make disciples and give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, comfort to the sick and visit the prisoners. I am looking to partner with others to do just that! I feel like I have wasted so much time just hanging out and "encouraging" one another as a part of the church in America. As I told the pastor of the church I was at previously "I cant sit in the pew anymore!"
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