In college one of my professors challenged me to think about the Biblical mandate to help the poor. For many years I have focused on the poverty I see everyday. However, the last couple years I have been asking the question, "How do I define poverty?" The standards in America are so high that I struggle to define what I see as poverty. Around our neighborhood I see working class families and families receiving some welfare benefits but they all have a decent roof over their heads (not a shack), a variety of clothes to choose from (maybe not always clean, new or the latest fashion), free education, often more than one meal a day, unlimited clean water, trash removal and a sewage system. If they have a need there are lots of resources available to help. We have a church in the neighborhood that provides a free meal 5 nights a week. All of the Minneapolis Public Schools offer free breakfast and almost every kid around here qualifies for free school lunch. They even offer free meals in the summer to both kids and parents. If your income is low enough you can get energy assistance. Housing vouchers are hard to get but available. Do we really have poverty in America? Our standards are so high we create the appearance of a need. Here are some images of poverty outside this country we are blessed to live in.
Right now we sponsor 1 family through World Vision. They live in Ghana and the $40 a month we give helps provide clean water and schooling for the children. I really feel convicted that our money needs to help those who are really living in poverty not just missing out on the American dream. I love my neighborhood, my neighbors and I want them to know Jesus. I will still feed a hungry kid who comes to my door but I want the resources that God has given us to help the truly poor.
How do you define poverty?
I know what you're saying. My heart is so changed after being in Ethiopia ...the poverty is everywhere, but I found that they are more rich in many ways than we are here in West.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.