Poverty is indeed terrible, and a major cause of poverty is injustice. In fact, one could say that, indirectly, it is the only cause.
A long time ago, I read a book called The Good News About Injustice, by Gary A. Haugen. The book stood out in my memory, and still does. It made an impact which will never leave, and may be one reason why I started Kairos Children’s Fund.
In the first chapter the author writes about his experiences in Rwanda, where he was directing the UN’s investigation, gathering evidence for the International Criminal Court on the genocide of 1994. Following chapters discuss Christians who have done good, fighting against injustice, and then laying down a theological treatise on why Christians should stand against injustice.
The same hold true for poverty. We – Christians especially, need to stand against the systemic and abusive problem of poverty. Often, and sadly, we don’t. And most people who read this post do not and may never.
Proverbs 24:10-12 which says “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, But we knew nothing about this, does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?”
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”
And there are many ways that we can help people rise above poverty.
Understanding the reasons for poverty – understanding justice and injustice – understanding how education can help (and it can.)
Kairos Children’s Fund has always provided allowances for children to go to school, and we have seen results. Just ask the kids, or ask our volunteers. We have done more than that, providing small loans to parents to start businesses, or the time we had a rice cooperative so that families could get rice on credit.
We can’t continue to do this without your help though.