Poverty Solutions

WHY POVERTY SOLUTIONS?

We believe a broken relationship with God leads to a lack of harmony in every other aspect of life.

Jesus had his disciples walk beside him for years in order to learn a different way of living. They were lovingly shown how to view themselves, each other, their society and the world in a new light.

We’re called to make disciples too.

Below are three major areas of poverty and three ways we disciple and develop communities to overcome each form of brokenness.
 

SPIRITUAL POVERTY

Evangelism

Telling others the good news of Christ’s sacrifice in order to restore their relationship with God is one of our primary duties and joys on earth. Once a person is in right relationship with God, their relationships with other people, the world and themselves will also start to be restored.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Pastoral Training

Helping ministry leaders have a correct theological understand of God and solid scriptural foundation for their beliefs will help they be more effective evangelists to their own communities.

“I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must live a blameless life.... He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong” (Titus 1:5-6, 9).

Primary Education

Teaching children and adults how to read is vital so that they can search the scriptures for themselves and continue growing in a personal relationship with God along with spreading the gospel to their friends and family.

“And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” (Acts 17:11).

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15).


EMOTIONAL POVERTY

Orphans

Losing family can have devastating effects on anyone, but it especially impacts children. Whenever possible and safe to do so, we try to reconnect children with their families or put them with foster families as an alternative to orphanages.

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27).

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy” (Psalm 68:5).

Family Development

Bible-based counseling and mentoring helps people develop a better understanding of how to have healthy relationships. We want people to see how a good relationship with God should improve marriages, friendships and parenthood.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).

Community Development

Creating a clean, orderly living area helps residents take ownership of their home and town. When they work together to build up their community, relationships are strengthened.

“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house” (Proverbs 24:27).

“She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.... She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness” (Proverbs 31:16-17, 27).


PHYSICAL POVERTY

Agriculture and Clean Water

Being Godly stewards of the land very often also affects individuals’ health. People who learn to grow organic vegetables, not polluted local water sources, purify their drinking water, and have variety in their diet see great health improvements.

The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15).

“You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel” (Numbers 35:34).

Health and Hygiene

Viewing our bodies as gifts from God, made for his service, means that we should take good care of them. For many people, this means learning good hand-washing techniques and natural cures for lesser illnesses.

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Small Business

Using resources wisely and having financial acumen honors God. We empower local people to utilize their assets to the fullest through small business classes and community investment groups where locals save and finance each other’s commercial ventures.

“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:19-21).

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“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”
(1 Corinthians 10:31).

]