Poverty

The global economic crisis is forcing more children around the world into the worse forms of child labor, international relief and development organization World Vision warns.

"Poverty drives people to desperate measures. And in dire situations, children become one of two things: a source of income or a drain on the income," Jesse Eaves, World Vision's policy advisor for children in crisis and a son of missionaries, explained to The Christian Post.

As demand from the West falls and the number of export-driven jobs decreases amid the economic downturn, businesses in countries like Cambodia, India and Thailand are likely to lay off workers without advanced warning, thus forcing families to find other income sources through their children. more >>

WASHINGTON – A panel of diverse Christian leaders sent a strong message to churches Wednesday when they stated that poverty is not a political issue but a biblical one.

“I think we fail to see this (fight against poverty) is the work of all the baptized, all believers in Jesus,” said Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, during a panel discussion at the Mobilization to End Poverty conference. “So we need to go back to the countless calling of all the community of faiths grounded in what we are marked by the cross of Christ [to do].”

Panelists, however, readily acknowledged that many churches have been reluctant to fully embrace tackling poverty as a high priority mission. Many churches and pastors view fighting against poverty as a political issue or an extracurricular activity, the leaders explained. more >>

WASHINGTON – Hundreds of Christians walked the halls of the Senate and House buildings on Tuesday to apply pressure on political leaders and push through doors that they hope will lead to a reduction in domestic poverty.

After hours of training, strategizing and praying, the activists set out for 82 Senate office visits and 210 House office visits hoping to make new allies and influence legislation that would help millions of Americans come out of poverty and gain access to education and healthcare.

"Decisions that are made in this town, in this city impact the poor and we must seek to influence those decisions," said Geoff Tunnicliffe, international director of the World Evangelical Alliance, at a congressional rally later that day. more >>

WASHINGTON – Surrounded by stained glass windows, dark wooden pews filled with people, and the soaring voices of a black Gospel choir, Christians from across the country gathered inside a Baptist church Sunday night to proclaim that the “Gospel is good news for the poor.”

As a pastor spoke about the “spirit of justice,” a crowd of some 1,000 people sitting in Shiloh Baptist Church eagerly responded with "amen's." Thus began the first day of Mobilization to End Poverty, a large-scale anti-poverty event drawing Christians and politicians alike.

“I wish all the wonderful people of God who have come here in this holy place, during the next few days, to speak up and speak out to members of the Congress, the administration, to do everything we can to relegate and put the issue of poverty ahead,” said Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who delivered the message, on Sunday. more >>

More than 1,500 churches across the United States will participate in Compassion Sunday, an annual event that helps find sponsors for the world’s poorest children.

Congregants of participating churches this Sunday will hear about the needs of millions of children living in poverty with no hope for a future. They will also learn that with as little as $32 per month a child will be provided opportunities for education, health and personal development.

"Compassion Sunday gives churchgoers a tangible way to help the poor – by offering hope and encouragement to a child in need," says Jerry Henderson, national church relations director at Compassion International and a former pastor. "Churches half a world away can serve as catalysts for permanent change in the life of a poverty-stricken child by becoming a child sponsor through Compassion International." more >>