Poverty

THE ISSUE:

In 2000, all 189 member states of the United Nations signed on to the Millennium Development Goals—eight targets aiming to halve world poverty by 2015. Some have called them the Beatitudes of the 21st century. The goals include: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; combating HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development.

This year, 2007, is half time to the goal year of 2015. Can we reach these goals? Economists say we can. What we’re lacking is the will to do it. It seems we have other priorities.

For instance, the United Nations estimates that the additional cost to achieve universal access to basic social services in all developing countries is:

• $US6 billion—Basic education for all

• $US9 billion—Water and sanitation for all

• $US12 billion—Reproductive health for all women

• $US13 billion—Basic health and nutrition

It sounds like a lot but the money is available.
We’re just choosing to spend it elsewhere. For example, each year we spend the following amounts:

• $US8 billion—Cosmetics (USA)

• $US11 billion—Ice-cream ( Europe)

• $US11 billion—Holidays ( Australia)

• $US17 billion—Pet food ( USA and Europe)

• $US400 billion—Narcotic drugs (worldwide)

• $US780 billion—Military spending (worldwide)

Poverty exists because, each day, we choose to let it. With the extreme wealth, power and influence you have comes responsibility. The decisions you make each day on how you spend your money either positively or negatively affects the lives of people around the world.

RESPONSE:

Jesus was open about His deep concern and compassion for the poor, and was direct about how we should respond to them. In Matthew 25, He states that the righteous are those who passionately respond to the poor and oppressed. His sentiments are also strong in Micah 6:8: “The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God’” (CEV).

When it comes to justice the Bible says it’s what the Lord demands—not “suggests” or “encourages.” Not “if you find the time I hope you’ll do. . . .” He demands we speak out for the poor, take a stand and make it known that it’s not OK that half the world lives on less that $2 a day—a mere fraction of what you live on. It’s not OK that nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read or sign their name when you can. It’s not OK that 30,000 children die each day due to poverty that we could prevent. It’s not OK that some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation when you have plenty. It’s not OK that where you live often determines if you’ll live.

A newspaper columnist once wrote that she often hears people ask how God could allow hunger and poverty to exist when He could do something about it. Her answer: What if God asked you the same question?

ACT:

> Sign the Micah Call to be a voice for justice.
> Wear a “Make Poverty History” wristband.
> Make a donation to ADRA.
> Carefully consider your shopping habits.
> Carry out edgy tasks that help bring about the end of poverty.
> Participate in ADRA’s Anti-Poverty Week campaign in October.
> Participate in Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge “Half Time” events.

LINKS:

> www.adra.org.au
> www.micahchallenge.org.au
> www.makepovertyhistory.org.au
> www.takethechallenge.org.au