Good News for the Poor: Christians call leaders to bold action on poverty
Share
This week, two evangelical Christian leaders from Zambia – Bishop Paul Mususu and Lawrence Temfwe – will be featured on a ONE Campaign tour of churches and Christian colleges in battleground states. As representatives of Micah Challenge, they will be calling on Christians to speak out on global poverty. These same leaders on Monday joined American evangelical leaders at a press conference calling on the UN and US presidential candidates to take bold steps to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to halve poverty by 2015.
This conference was in response to a letter on poverty, written by senior evangelical Christian leaders in the Global South, representing four continents and hundreds of millions of Christians. The letter is unprecedented in its global scope and unprecedented challenge to US evangelicals (read it at here). It calls on Christians in the United States to protest the lack of progress that has been made toward cutting global poverty.
Right now, the developing world faces a major food crisis that threatens to push an additional 50 million into extreme poverty. Just as the US government is taking bold action to stem financial troubles for wealthy banks, Christians are calling on our leaders to remember their promises to the poor and to take bold actions to stem rising hunger and poverty. In response to this need for Christians to speak out for the poor, Micah Challenge USA is launching Micah’s Challenge to the Future President, an open letter calling on McCain and Obama to support a foreign policy that renews America’s commitment to the pledge to dramatically reduce poverty, disease and inequality by 2015.
Micah Challenge USA, a coalition of US evangelical denominations and institutions dedicated to fighting global poverty, is honored to join the ONE Campaign in calling on Americans to make their voices heard and to speak out on global poverty during this election.
-Brian Swarts, National Coordinator – Micah Challenge USA
P.S. Before heading off on their cross-country tour, Bishop Paul Mususu and Lawrence Temfwe visited the ONE offices in Washington, D.C. While here, they shared some of what they plan to tell American congregations and campuses over the next weeks. Check out a few clips below:
 |
 |
 |
Featured Series
About the Blog
The ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with frequent contributions from volunteers, members and partner organizations.
The ONE Blog updates readers daily with the latest in global development news and analysis and what ONE members and our partners are doing around the world to influence world leaders in the fight against global poverty.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE or ONE Action. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
September 25, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Bishop Mususu and Lawrence are great spokespeople with a great message. Looking forward to hearing more from them.
September 26, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Screw the other “poor countries” of the world; what about taking care of things here at home in America? How about getting Healthcare under control here first?… How about stemming poverty in the United States first?… Who’s going to come to the aid of America once our society “implodes”; which it’s on the very edge of ecomomically, politically, resource-wise, healthcare-wise, employment-wise, illegal-immigration/iinvasion-wise, militarily, and so on. Let’s get America in propper shape first before helping strangers of the world. C’mon.
September 26, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Our candidates running for president presently have no time to ponder world poverty. As a Christian I am aware of the Lord’s rejoinder to Peter that “The poor will always be with us”. And so they will be, no matter how many controlled substance, addle brained pop stars feel otherwise. I give to the poor, but it is not the place of my government to do likewise.
September 27, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Dennis, I appreciate your taking the time to comment. I think that these two men from Africa are not asking for a handout to the poor, they are saying that our government’s policies can impact poverty for positive or negative–and that as Christians we should hold the elected leaders accountable to make sure they do not cause poverty through their policies. If we have time to benefit from globalization by buying products made by cheap labor and things like that then we have the time to also ponder poverty caused by globalization–obama and mccain know this. If God did not care about political institutions he would have sent Moses to deliver charity to the Israelites–feed them, clothe them, etc. while they remain in captivity. RATHER God send moses to free them from an oppressive regime so we must also free brothers and sisters from oppressive political policies.
October 5, 2008 at 12:36 pm
In 2008, isn’t the time right for the United States of America to re-focus attentions and resources to aid and assist the needs of our Domestic poor and those in need, and finally begin to give less to those in foreign lands?
October 6, 2008 at 2:16 am
Thank you for sharing these videos, the campaigns efforts to bring an awareness to the issues of those in the world is a noble cause. As a Christian I find it disheartning that anyone would shun the poor, yes, brother,Jesus said the poor will always be with us. He also said, that we as his deciples should die to self, pour out the whole of our being and live a life of sacrifice.
Each of these men have humbled themselves representing so many unknown souls, I look forward to hearing more of this campaign, I hope it comes to my city.
Blessings,
Enriqueta
October 12, 2008 at 8:44 am
Dear brother and Sister’s
Blessing and greetings from Pakistan:
I am Ev. Qaisar Anwar from Pakistan. We are working in Thirst Of Holy Spirit Ministries in Pakistan is a Christian faith based organization working since 2004 to promote Christianity in Pakistan. It helps poor Christians in getting education and Christian’s values. It works in Toba Tek Singh and its adjoining areas. You can find view some of the activities in pictures by clicking the following link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/kastts/UntitledAlbum#
Thirst Of Holy Spirit Ministries has the following plan to spread the Word of God among the Christians in Pakistan.
Spreading the word of God through Mobile Phones
Background:
Pakistan is situated in South Asia with 160 million population. Christians are comprised of 1.5 of the total population. Official literacy rate is 40 out 100. Pakistan is generally considered an Islamic state where the weaker groups of the societies are the hot target of the extremists. The Christians. Women, children are abused and persecuted.
Christianity is a growing day by day in Pakistan. Different ministries & denominations are serving through education, health and other social services. Christian groups are reaching out in the areas where Christianity was not known or people were not active Christians.
Pastors, Preachers, Evangelists etc conduct weekly, daily prayer services or door to door visitations, conventions, Bible reflection classes, formal educational centers, seminars audio/visual etc to educate Christians. Approximately, few thousands of Christians all over Pakistan have access to internet service therefore, they learn through payer groups, Christian Communities, yahoo/google/msn groups etc.
People from USA and other countries make their Mission Trips and share the word of God among the people. The interaction of world Christians with Pakistani Christians have built their capacity and given them ideas to work more effectively. New leadership has also been emerged.
The economic survey 2007-2008 conducted by the government of Pakistan has indicated that every second Pakistani has cell phone facilities. The cell phone is used for phoning, internet and messaging. Most of the people use for phoning and messaging.
The Call Phone Service providing companies send different lottery offers, film songs, jokes, poetry, Islamic thoughts etc. Dirty jokes and poetry and other negative material has created bad impact on youth and others. Each day stereotypes on women and children are promoted. Rarely some good value based messages are shared.
It has been observed in the fast life that people do not get much time to attend seminars, prayer services or study printed material as the most of the people are illiterate. Everyday prayer with family or community is not very common.
Few days back a group of Christian activists were having a reflection meeting to identify Christians religious/legal/economic and social issues. It was found that Christians have greater challenges and social, economic and legal issues. The biggest challenge is how to transform/promote Christian life in Pakistan when there is extremism, poverty, joblessness, terrorism & insecurity etc. The meeting was postponed for some reason while it was coming to suggestions what can be done to improve the situation.
Thirst Of Holy Spirit Ministries has designed a program “Jesus speaks through Waves/Mobiles” Or Christian Online; Your Mobile is a blessing for people around you.
Central idea:
The central idea is to use mobile through written messages in English/Urdu/Punjabi languages. Each day in the morning a verse & prayer or Christians Songs shall be sent to the Christians. They shall be asked to reflect and share the message with their friends & family. They can write back to Thirst Of Holy Spirit Ministries team for questions/comments.
The following objectives shall be achieved
• Access to Word of God daily
• To create interest to get more knowledge about their faith
• Praying and sharing with family and friends
• Networking with people of diverse back grounds
• Information Sharing on programs and activities
• Making Jesus known among people
• Promoting Christian Values
• Providing alternatives to dirty jokes and useless mobile activities.
• Identify Christian volunteers and leaders
• Creating unity among Christians
• Getting the ideas to know peoples spiritual issues and needs
• Online Christian resource group
• Christian News sharing.
Methodology:
• People shall be invited to apply simply sending message showing their willingness to receive the messages or other material.
• A list of the recipients shall be complied with their details.
• Each day early morning the verse and prayer or Christian Songs shall be sent later Christian wallpapers or wishing days etc.
• Each recipient shall be expected to reply at least once in a week.
• Fortnightly report shall be prepared and shared with members.
• Members shall be asked to share their experience or stories after receiving the messages.
• Members shall be expected to share the news of their areas of prayerful meetings or activities etc.
Help Needed:
• Verses, prayers, songs, pictures and other materials.
• Continues consultation with Christian leaders
• Funds for 18 to 24 months to run this program. During these months team shall try to find local sources to carry on its work.
Email Address: tohs_ministries@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/thirstofholyspiritministries/
With peace,
Ev. Qaisar Anwar
Toba Tek Singh
Pakistan
October 29, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Earthquake in Balochistan
29/10/2008
“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers.. Peter 3:12
An earthquake early this morning in Balochistan Province has left dozens dead and many more injured. Initial aid efforts are getting under way.
Wednesday’s earthquake was the deadliest since a magnitude 7.6 temblor struck Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and other northern regions on October 8, 2005, killing over 80 thousand people and injuring thousands of others.
The death toll could rise as rescue workers move into more remote villages. Hundreds of others had been injured in the tremor and perhaps 75,000 left homeless and in need of help.
The death toll of quake that hit parts of Balochistan on Wednesday morning has reached to thirty-five.
20,000 dead bodies had been recovered so far and we have need the providing food, shelter and medical care to those who survived the devastation. And medical teams on helicopters into Khawas and other towns and villages, 25 doctors are busy providing first aid to the injured.
Balochistan’s capital, Quetta, was spared the brunt of the force, but there were injuries. Please, we will wait for your email and your good response as soon as possible.
With Peace.
Ev.Qaisar Anwar,
Holy Spirit Ministries.
Christian Coloy Toba Tek Singh 36050.
Pakistan,
Email address: tohs_ministries@yahoo.com
January 17, 2009 at 10:44 am
Blessing and greetings from Pakistan 1
My name is Atif Younas. I am 30 year old and I Study in F.A class. I am also working with PFO as a member. PFO means Peace Foundation Organizing. We are 30 students work in PFO. We are all got Education and working with PFO. We are all belongs to poor families but we have strong faith of Jesus Christ. We wish we organize Educational program for Christian & Muslim children and give them Bible and Social education.
We have noted a big program. We have only little and small vision for our Christian young boys and girls. We do some work for our fund like cards making and paper work. Now we have a small budget but that is not enough for us because we try to give books, note books, pencils, colors, and bags every child who related with our community. We need some more funds for this work. We are all young and not have any salary and job. But we always try to work hard and get funds for our group. Our principal always helps us. He always support Christmas program for Christian community in our city Toba Tek Singh.
Since 2004 I went to Bangladesh for experience for Taize Community life. I stay 45 days in District Mymensingh, Bangladesh. I work in Bangladesh with handicaps children .There have four mentally and Physical Handicaps children centre three for boys and one for girls. I would like to share names of these centers. 1. Asha Nir (Home of Hope ) , 2- Shopno Nir ( Home of Dreams) , 3- Pushpo Nir ( Home of Flowers ) and last is Day care centre. All Centres trained the children for do any work for life like making cards, Candle making, peanut Butter making, Making shirts, and making Decoration peaces with wood. All children got different skill for life. They all work in CCH. CCH means Community Centre for Handicaps. Taize Brother Community funds all centre. Mymensingh is a big city of Handicap’s. 60,000 (sixty thousand) peoples handicaps in Mymensingh city. I got some from Bangladesh. They working equality abscise. I learn on line from all. This is written by Mother Teresa. “No color, no religion, no nationality should come between us. Because we are all children of God”. All centers people belongs different religions but they live as a family. Taize brothers have also Small NGO its name Human Resources Development Organization. Brothers open many child friendly schools behalf of this NGO. I also work with all handicaps centers. Mostly I work in Shapno Nir , Asha Nir and day care centre. I also teach for two weeks in child friendly schools. I like so Much work with handicaps children. I have many friends in Bangladesh . I cant forget my this Experience in my all life.. This is my great visit.
Dear friends in Pakistan also have many handicaps peoples but not have any centre or any institute for teach and give skills to handicaps peoples. I organize a other group who like to work with handicaps children in Pakistan. This group name Peace group. We have five people who wish opened a centre for handicaps children and peoples in our city Toba Tek Singh. I also attach my some picture work in Day care centre Bangladesh.
I am work in day care as a helper and assistant. I got training how we work with mentally handicaps. I work at least 6 hours with handicaps children per day in Bangladesh. I hope and I believe I work with handicaps in my future and make one beautiful house for handicaps children. I love this work I mean work with handicaps children. Dear brothers and sister help me in my work. I sent my all information with my Email. God bless you and your work. Jesus Said “Who help other needy people I help them”. Have a nice day.
Postal address :
Brother Atif Younas
Mubarakabad
Colony Toba Tek Singh
36050 Punjab
Pakistan
Cell: 0092-3335598832
Email: atifyounas56@ymail.com or kastts@gmail.com
March 18, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Helpless People’s Conference Pakistan
Dear friends,
Praise be to our God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We really thank you for the good and marvelous work you are doing in the kingdom of God .
We are a Christian ministry that looks after orphans and other many vulnerable people. Because of the great number of needy people in the community and the world as whole, we have decided to express their needs to you.
By recent we had a Helpless People’s Conference which started on 16th March 2009 and ended on 21st march 2009, We request you to please help our ministry financially and please come and share with us the work of God in Pakistan.We shall be grateful when we hear from you.
Email Address: work_for_peace_82@yahoo.com
March 28, 2009 at 6:20 am
We visit Pakistani community which are poor and working on brick kiln there families are in troubles they do not have good health and food. There future is dark. Brick kiln workers children both boys and girls are working with parents on brick kiln .they have many dieses of Pneumonia ,T.B, Cancer and Skin dieses .They do not have Education .Typically our aim is to provide Food and Education. Your gift of $200 US can help us provide a save averment where each child get Cloth, Medical care and Education your Donation ,Love offering ,Tithing will be great contribution with us. Email Address: work_for_peace_82@yahoo.com
May 17, 2009 at 7:40 am
Pray for Pakistan
Evangelistic Gospel Ministries of Pakistan (PEGM) is performing its religious, social, welfare and relief services in all major cities and hundreds of remote and rural areas of the country, totally on self-support basis since 1994. It has almost 213 centers throughout the country, running regularly delivering faith, education, skills and employment to thousands of the poor Christians of Pakistan.
With our attention and support it all starts, the sewing and Handicraft centers produce more than 100 categories of best quality items that we sale in international markets over the world and collect funds to perform our respective services i.e. Religious, Social, Welfare and Relief Services.
All this enables us to help ourselves by our own struggles instead of asking for or depending upon foreign aid. In this way, our members find better opportunities to develop themselves according to the society. Our aim is to provide an infrastructure where our poor Christian community can subject themselves towards a bright future for them.
Problems:
1) Poverty, ignorance & unemployment derive people not only towards crime but also take them away from religion.
2) Preference is not given to religion.
3) Faith has becoming weaker.
4) Remote & rural areas, lack of churches, chapels & synagogues.
5) Lack of religion trainers, scholars, preachers & evangelists.
6) Lack of spiritual wisdom.
7) Lack of religious resources
God Bless You all prayer Partners . Pray for Pakistan.
July 27, 2009 at 3:55 am
To Whom It May Concern: Greetings! It’s a great honor for me to contact you through this e-mail. My name is Evangelist Fahim John have been involved in Sunday school and prayer groups at our local level. I have went through your website and found it very very interesting and fruitful for Christian believers and people who have interest in Christianity and are growing in Christian faith. Brothers and sisters, I could read your website and most of your teachings and stuff because I can read and understand English, but how about those Christians who do not know English and can not understand it. They also need such a wonderful teachings and material on your website to grow more and more in their faith and understand the great message of Jesus Christ Pakistan is a Muslim country but Christians are growing in numbers day by day but not all of them know English. As you may be aware that many ministries and churches and reaching out to people in countries like Pakistan by translating their teachings and messages in their local languages like Urdu. Urdu is a national language of Pakistan and it’s widely spoken and understood in the country. I would like to express my deepest desire to request you to translate your teachings and web site materiel, tracts, magazines, booklets and audio material like CDs and DVDs in Urdu language. By translating your written and audio material in Urdu language is a great opportunity to reach out people in Pakistan. This translated material will be a useful source for Christians as well as non Christians to understand the message of Gospel more clearly and easily. Please consider this request to translate your wonderful teachings and Gospel messages in Urdu languages. Hope to hear from you soon. Keeping this in my daily prayers.
Your brother in Christ
Evangelist Fahim John Pakistan.
Fahimjohn2003@yahoo.com
Cell; 0092-300-4500596
August 16, 2009 at 11:05 am
Dear Brother and Sister’s
Im from Pakistan , Karachi.
it is rally sad news about Gojra in Punjab where many Houses and Christian people Burn.so now the time of Unity and Pray.
August 16, 2009 at 11:12 am
We should take some strong action about this incident and our Leaders should stand for it and Government of Pakistan should Amendments in Law of 295-A , 295-B , 295-C and all laws which are against the minorities.