Sometimes on Thursdays I’ve given away 10 books. Sometimes 5. But usually 10.
And these books aren’t just random books. They are books from people I know and love and have the honor of sharing their words with you.
My friend Tom Davis, who has probably made one of the largest impacts on poverty and injustice than any single person I know, is an author as well as an advocate. He recently released a novel called “Scared.” which has received amazing reviews on Amazon, like this:
“Scared is the hand adjusting our blurry lens of the world … You?ll visit Africa while reading Scared. And once you finish, a little piece of Africa will remain with you.”
—
Tom has graciously offered to give away books to the first 100 people who leave a comment on this post.
The only question you have to answer is this in some way, shape, or form:
Imagine a world where you had the power to eliminate extreme poverty. What would you do and how would you do it? What does it look like to you?
I’ll email the first 100 commenters to get your information, and Tom will mail you the book. If you can’t wait, you can buy Scared on Amazon here.
Comments
175 responses to “Giving Away 100 Free Books!”
I would be inclined to replacing the leadership in the countries were this extreme poverty exists and establishing systems to grow, make and distribute food and water to these people. Hopefully, during this process a large amount of jobs would be generated.
Wow, we sponsor a young boy in Africa through WorldVsion. Through getting to know him, I have learned how incredibly privileged we are on a daily basis. I have been reminded of my selfishness. He is the best thing that has happened to my family. We are more blessed by him than we could ever bless him
It would look a whole lot like socialism, to be honest.
Capitalistic tendencies tend to create poverty.
But there would definitely be less fat people in the world, as well as less malnourished people.
If I had the power, we would all live out the Golden Rule.
.-= Mud Puppy´s last blog ..September Debrief =-.
I believe that one-party dictatorships and socialistic governments create poverty by removing any hope people have to improve their lives, causing them to settle for handouts.
.-= Dana Kruckenberg´s last blog ..Hurry up and wait =-.
This sounds like an interesting read. I’m praying that for India. That God would turn the hearts of the leaders to Him, break down the caste system, and bring the nation out of poverty.
.-= Prudychick´s last blog ..A Foot Ahead =-.
I think the issue of poverty is one that is largely rooted in the mindsets of those of us who have more than we need. We have such lack of perspective, in most of the world, of how blessed we are materially. So if I had the power to eliminate poverty, that’s one of the places I would start – by taking measures to open eyes and hearts to the reality of life for those in impoverished situations. I know I need a wake-up call myself!
What a great idea! This book sounds like a much needed wake-up call! I can’t wait to read it!
Looks good!
Alongside more immeadiate helps, I would ensure every people group had the Bible in their language and a written form of their language. My hope is that this would provide a good foundation for long-term eduction and encourage personal transformation in the hearts of those who need encouragement to lead and manage in healthy ways with God’s help.
.-= Parke´s last blog ..Tweeting Along =-.
Good question! Seems too big to tackle … Part of my solution would be investing in educating the children to stop the cycle. You have to provide the basics — food/ water / shelter. — so families aren’t dependent on the children working. Not give them away, necessarily, but create systems and jobs so people can earn them. But since I can’t do anything that big today, I’ll look for one person to impact locally. That I can do.
The first step I would take in eradicating poverty is within my own life – I know of poverty. I’ve seen it. Yet, there are still ways I battle my own complacency daily. My husband & I have worked on simplifying our lives, and in many ways we have, but I still long for the day when the credit card bills from days of useless spending cease. I FEEL as though I will be so much more useful then – when I have extra money to help & go & do. The reality? I don’t need to wait. I know where Bird sits on his bench – I can spare the change for his favorite ice cream of Amy’s chocolate & have a conversation with him. And even if I don’t have the cash, I can still just go and be with someone who probably hasn’t had a visitor in quite some time. I know where I can find Derrick, and I have a kitchen & the means to buy groceries so he can make this famous gumbo he always talks about when we see him.
This is how I would eradicate poverty. Within myself. Constantly checking my spirit for reminders of compassion & justice & seeking opportunities to live out James 1:27 in my daily life. I live to do this now, but like I said – it’s a daily battle. One I need to be reminded of constantly. Thanks for providing me the needed wake-up call today. :)
.-= Elora´s last blog ..Hearing His Heartbeat =-.
Big task, but if you had the power to do it…Two starting points might be education and the involvement of everyone to do something for someone else.
I would help every child I could find. We adopted our youngest from Ethiopia and our hearts were broken and are still broken after going there. I can’t stand to see children be hungry, injured, alone. Those children need basics but even more so they need love. They say that AIDS/HIV has wiped out almost an entire adult generation and so the number of orphans is unbelievable. The de facto parents are older brothers and sisters. Children raising children. I would start with basics, but more than anything want to deliver LOVE which breeds HOPE!
.-= Brendan Cosgrove´s last blog ..Who I Am =-.
What a big question. I think change in leadership is certainly a big thing. I would also say hope for the future is important, which is hard to have when you can’t even manage the basics.
My wife would LOOOOOOVE to read this! What a great concept! I’m gonna RT this :)
.-= Josiah´s last blog ..Houses/Traveling/God?s Provision =-.
We recognize extreme poverty in small children with skinny legs and round bellies, exhausted mamas with parched lips, or villages where the same water is used for drinking, bathing and collecting waste. While physical poverty is obviously life-threatening, other forms of poverty are soul-threatening.
If extreme poverty were truly eradicated, it would change lives by reaching them on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. I imagine that happening through the church: as a unified body, churches across the world would be sensitive to the needs of people hungry and hurting, who need healing. By living in the Spirit, church members would touch and heal like Jesus did … and said we would.
The only person with the power to make that happen is Jesus, but he promises us the same power — beyond what we can ask or imagine. So in a way, you could say that believers DO have the power to eradicate extreme poverty.
.-= Kirsten´s last blog ..Clear Hair Theory =-.
I think there would have to be a serious change of world view. People need to have their eyes opened to the truth, and there are a lot of organizations out there doing that – showing people what’s actually going on in the “rest” of the world. Without people understanding the truth of how most of the world actually lives, and being willing to care for these people, share their wealth and blessings… without this, and so much more, we will not be able to begin to change.
I’d use my new found power to invigorate the Church – as in the corporal body of Christ – to get engaged and make change. We should be leading the front in social justice and compassion.
I’d ask the Church to take the time to really experience poverty – experience it in a way even I have not (So, I’d experience it alongside them). Then and only then would we together begin to make the changes we see necessary – equipping, education, feeding and building up those gripped in this bondage; setting them free one person at a time in a way that best meets the person and brings glory to God.
This is such a cool dream. Thanks for spurring us on to this, Anne.
.-= Aaron´s last blog ..Virgin Islands here I come! =-.
Provide food, clothing and shelter for everyone. That is the immediate thing that comes to mind… sounds small, I know. But it is the first thing I would do. I don’t know how I would do it, but I would. :)
.-= Jessica Turner´s last blog ..Giveaway Thursday: New Joshua Bell Album: At Home with Friends =-.
Would love to check out this book!!
We’ll go old school like Joseph did in Egypt and set aside food – only for the poor. Take it even further – required tithe of ALL nations’ incomes to go directly towards those who need it – a massive redistribution of wealth. Yes, it would look a lot like socialism from our Western viewpoint, but hopefully I would be approaching it Biblically, albeit an old school OT perspective…
.-= Andy´s last blog ..Ninety Days, Day Twenty-Four. =-.
Wow. This is a great idea and sounds like a book I will like…a lot… injustice… and poverty… top of my list of things that just shouldn’t be.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Insanity =-.
I think one the of the greatest things we can do is be involved and our part. I’m part of a young adult bible study group that supports a child from Compassion. This little girl has really made an impact on my life just seeing her picture. imagining what she goes through on a daily basis as I live a comfortable life.
I would attempt to get every organization around the world to set up a global group to help people in each country like community centers and branch them off into other communities. Filled with food,clothes, medical, and shelter for who qualify or need it.
I think we’d have to mobilize the church.
So many people in the church do nothing
then when you do give.. you have to teach the poor how to make a living for themselves – you cant permanently fix the problem with a handout
Imagine a world where you had the power to eliminate extreme poverty. What would you do and how would you do it? What does it look like to you?
I would provide as system of sharing food and water among nations and countries where all food and water sources were not paid for but free.
Adopt the most in need countries 1 at a time until poverty, sickness, lack of jobs, lack of clean water, lack of adequate housing, and need were eradicated. Then adopt another country and repeat said process, all the while telling them about the one that not only drives me to do what I do, but wants a full life for them as well.
*Sorry about the other comment above. You can strike that one down Anne. I wasn’t thinking about what the requirements were. Sorry again.
I’d start locally with some of the families that are being stretched by the economies. Then I’d move to DFW (Dallas/Ft. Worth) area and begin working with inner city ministries to provide clothing, food and education to help the people improve their situations. Part of the money would support the Gospel being shared with them as well.
I’d issue a challenge to our congregation to match efforts (time over money) to get them to interact with families struggling with hunger and the economy.
Not sure what else would be next, but I think those steps will take up a lot of time at first.
It sounds cheesy, but I’d even things out. I’d give those who had less more, and ask those who had to much to share. In a perfect world, it would work.
Since we’re not in a perfect world, the best you can do is let those who have more know about those with less and home the make the right decision.
Wow. This is really timely. My wife leaves for a short-term missions trip to Uganda in a few weeks. And I am in the process of starting a side business (Christian apparel) that donates a portion of its profits to ministries and charitable organizations that fight against extreme poverty and social injustice. I can tell already that I am going to like this book!
Grace and peace,
ECC
Not to sound like I’m answering a Miss Universe question………….but it would have to begin with creating a common ground, finding what we cause we have in common and then putting Away Our Differences and putting Together Our Different gifts toward that common cause.
Developing a neutral playground and leveraging not only high tech, but never forsaking the little things that make a big difference.
Always connecting real faces and real stories and strong accountability to the process. That would be a good start.
Michael Trent
@churchbartender
.-= Michael Trent´s last blog ..Unleashing Beauty ? Oct. 10th =-.
I would remove the blinders from those of us (me included) who can’t see how far we’ve missed the mark of serving and loving like Jesus intended. Then, I’d give everyone one person to help and a deadline to do it. If we handed out more actionable items, rather than talk broadly about “making a difference” – and then really encourage people to act on it in a real way, something might get done. Don’t know how this would play out exactly and that’s the tough part – a lot of us who are fired up to help, are so outnumbered by the apathetic, that we get bored, exhausted or fed up while helping, that we eventually join them.
If the church were to rise up and be the Church God intended I dont think poverty would be an issue… that’s where I would begin and look to to fix this issue. If I HAD the power I would go to the people that say they Love God and Love Others, the complacent Sunday going Christian who sits on the bench and watches the game being played when they are needed on the court/field. It would take a shifting of the minds and hearts to get everyone on the same page… the “least of these” needs us! It looks like the Church banding together and making it happen…
I would really like to read that book. We need more people like Tom Davis who are showing us what is truly going on in the world. I know I need to step up and start doing things to help.
.-= Kaitlyn Peters ´s last blog ..kpeters27: RT @dirty_guvnahs october is here. what are all of you going to be for halloween this year? // a scandalous statue of liberty :) haha =-.
The book seems like a good read and what can I say, I like free stuff!
.-= kimmlee´s last blog ..Genesis 1:2 =-.
There is no doubt that if we united we could easily eliminate extreme poverty. That world would look more like a self-sacrificing nation than it does currently.
Sounds like a really good book. In my opinion, I believe we could stop poverty worldwide if we weren’t so greedy and materialistic. I would stop the greed and start feeding the people, if I had the power.
I can even begin to imagine such an opportunity. To know that my compassion child was no longer surrounded by poverty. To know that others in the third world had food to eat and a roof over their heads.
.-= Whit´s last blog ..On Being a Student? =-.
okay I’m sorry i don’t know why my twitter updates are underneath my first post :(
I’m not sure exactly what my power would look like…but I hope it might simply be the power to speak in a way that opens the minds of leaders and individuals in the church and in the world. The reality is, as human beings, we are all a part of one community. And it would be my hope that my power would transform the minds and hearts of those who have the means and the ability…and, frankly, the overabundance…so that they would be inspired by compassion for every single human being to share and give and love.
The transformed hearts and minds of those who have power and those who have means can, in turn, be transformative to the lives of those who have struggled…and even seen the ones they love die because of need.
Of course…it would be really l cool if I just had the power to snap my fingers and to make appear the most cherished meal that any person asked from me. I mean, if we’re talking about powers…why not superpowers. :D
This books looks interesting. I think it would be a great eye opening read.
We’d all have to realize that we can all have “enough” if we are willing to give up our “rights” to what we want. Compassion, Love, Justice, and Selflessness… these are the makings of a society without poverty.
Steven Burleson
@burleson
.-= Steven Burleson´s last blog ..Support Team =-.
I think the best way to do that is model Acts 2 where we are at. The church is suppose to share, help and serve the body. The next thing to do is begin to plant churches and teach sharing among believers; governments may help make an environment more conducive to sharing and sending resources, but without teaching people and more specifically the body to share resources the government can only do so much. If a church is not able to plant churches yet in extremely impoverished areas, then the next best thing is to support groups like compassion and those groups that build wells in those areas.
Such a daunting task. I don’t know where to begin. First and foremost it can’t begin only with me by my own strength. I know my God cares equally for all people and would love to see us take of each other’s physical needs better than we do. Honestly I think it starts small. I think it starts with supporting missionaries or organizations working in areas of extreme poverty to give people hope and provide them with the basic physical needs. It starts small and becomes big – viral almost. Leadership doesn’t care no do they think they have the time to care. So, it’s up to people. The first step? Education. People support a cause, they support a vision that grows out of a need. Most of us are none the wiser to the extreme poverty in the world we live in. Books like this are one step in that direction. They bring it closer to home – not just on our TV sets during the world news.
Turning the hearts of Christians all over the world to the cause of poverty and showing them how to use their time and resources to turn the fortunes of others around. If all who claim to follow Jesus did what he asked and took care of the poor, problem solved.
In my opinion at least :)
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Book Review: Redefining Beautiful =-.
I think that if we did more practical things in our own neighborhoods, such as helping out a single parent with a fwe hours of free daycare, or bringing leftovers to an older couple struggling to pay for their meds every month, or teaching others useful skills, we’d be helping to reduce poverty, and also raising a comraderie in which prejudices are torn down, unity is built, and the help and love spread even faster….it doesn’t have to be a huge effort to make a huge difference in someone’s life…
I honestly have no idea how I would end extreme poverty. I guess I see it more as a movement of a people…a collective whole. What would it look like? It would look like a world that for once was able to shout over the small minority of people who want to grab at the resources of this world for themselves to just die and leave it to others who want to hoard it. That’s just my 2 cents right off the cuff!
.-= Phillip Santillan´s last blog ..Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller =-.
Looking forward to the book!
Gary Gilmore
First Baptist Church
125 Stimson St.
Cadillac, MI 49601
.-= Gary Gilmore´s last blog ..Threadless Tshirt Giveaway at jaypeeonline.net =-.
I think the biggest thing lacking in some of the countries with extreme poverty is hope. There has to be transformation, not just charity, to help change these situations. I think the work done by Compassion and of others I know like Gaba Bible Institute and Mavuno Church in Nairobi is helping by transforming lives in these countries and raising up leaders who will bring about change from within. We in the Western world like to think we are the answer for everything, and we can help, but I think raising up local Christian leaders will help tremendously. And of course, we still need to do our parts with helping out…it is sad to know what little it takes from us to change the world for some people and we still do not do it.
.-= Traci Tyson´s last blog ..How He Loves Us =-.
I would help them get a job, by setting up some kind of small scale businesses.
And would teach how to stand on their own strength.
And ofcourse, people who are willing to donate to poor people are more valuable them those who give free advice :)
.-= SATISH´s last blog ..AdSense for Mobile Content ? for New high-end devices! =-.
That’s a tough question.
Everyone needs to be involved — do something about that 80%/20% thing right off the bat.
I’m of the opinion that it wouldn’t be wise to just rescue people in extreme poverty. It would be better to distribute resources and training in such a way that it would be sustainable by the people receiving it.
I’d make the aid difficult to subvert.
Wow… What a fantastic promo video! I think that education is huge. People in poverty situations deserve a chance to have a good education to help them provide for their families. People in privileged nations like the US, need to be educated that there are other people in the world who are less fortunate.
I also think that we as a church or even we as a world need to learn how to be a community. In communities, people share things. They take care of each other. They’ve got each other’s back. Seems like these days, people are only concerned with themselves.
There are many EASY ways for all of us to get involved. We’ve just gotta take a first step.
I’ve always kind of scratched my head over the fact that so much of the problem of hunger, and by extension, poverty, is really a problem of logistics.
We have enough food to feed the world. We can’t get it where it needs to go.
Some of the problems are political, but most are logistics. There aren’t good roads in developing countries. Can’t just call UPS to deliver it.
Same with water. It’s easy, and really pretty cheap to dig wells, and build purification systems. It’s just hard to get the stuff and the people to do it.
I have been wondering a lot if the first step in solving the big problems isn’t just focusing on the underlying, and much less exciting and sexy problems like infrastructure and roads, first.
LOVE to take a look at this book. Love ya, Anne!
kdl
.-= Kirk Longhofer´s last blog ..Life Equals Risk =-.
Don’t we live in that world? We look at the neighbor and the other and the one and become aid. We seek not only justice but how to do justly. There’s always room for another org I guess but rather find one and get invovled.
Love146.org for me accompanied by local inner city work and trips to Haiti.
Anyway…curious question.
.-= Jesse´s last blog ..The world still needs bible stories. =-.
Provide water wells for clean water…. resource food from areas of the world with overproduction or better growing conditions… research better growing sources… deal with corrupt leadership… teach/demonstrate what it means to love our neighbor.
I think when looking at that question you have to start small and practical. Often times the plight of extreme poverty is paralyzing to individuals when they look at how huge the problem is. When in reality we should evaluate it in perspective of one person, one life, one opportunity to change poverty. We can begin that on a local level by sponsorship of orphans around the world. Cutting our own budget to fund those who have nothing. We can do that globally by getting involved in organizations that are already working to eradicate poverty. but, the key is that we all must DO something. If we all stand around and talk about how BIG the problem is, nothing will ever change.
I would use my new super power to empower, encourage, and shepherd believers to manifest and act on our mandate to care for the widows, orphans, and stranger. I may make everyone experience poverty in some way in order to be humbled in spirit and truly experience hope and gratitude from recieving undeserving charity. I would eliminate beauracracy to allow the feeding of the hungary, clothing of the naked, and sheltering the homeless. I would remove the Church’s tendency to judge and give hope to the church that God is at work in acts of charity and kindness and remove the fear of stepping out in faith.
The poor will always be with us and it gives opportunity for the Church to extend grace and compassion. Attending to the poor in material would prepare a people to attend to the poor in spirit. Poverty would always exist, but everyone would experience, lest we become lazy.
I’d love to read the book. And as for your question, I think access to clean water and education would be two huge steps toward eliminating extreme poverty. Sadly, I think it could be possible to eliminate extreme poverty and we (me included) haven’t determined to do it. I read somewhere (someone give me a source on this if you know it) that if Christians were as dedicated to eliminating poverty as they were to opposing abortion the world would be a different place. Something to think about.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Dear Charlotte, =-.
Anne, I am not so sure we will ever see a world completly poverty-free, even though I give my life to this amazing continent and hope against hope for it. That said, in a world with a whole heck of a lot LESS poverty I dream for every orphan to be matched with a family to stop the cycle of child headed homes and street kids.
In this country alone (south africa) there are millions of orphans and oy about 2000 adoptions a year.
Lets cut the crap beaucracy and make it easy to make families.
I believe we can eliminate poverty right now. We as a church run a hot meal program two days aweek and have a food pantry. We also need to be teaching people “how to fish” rather then only to give them fish. Mostly concerned about our great wealth in the US and the terrible povert in Africa. We must somehow own that problem as Christians.
Why not do it in the same way as the Bible. Instead of providing the food/supplies, I would focus on developing the countries/grounds/water systems so that they could be self sufficient. Provide the infastructure so that they can develop the land themselves. Don’t give them a fish, teach them how to fish AND give them the fishing pole, net, hooks, bait, fishing license………
.-= Jason Hicks´s last blog ..Great Experience =-.
A world in which poverty can be extinguished is a world in which individual people, out of their own love and free will, take on the cause of the fatherless, abandoned, and less fortunate. Groups of people, voluntarily partnered with international government agencies, can make this happen. It must come out of a will not a law however.
Wow! Huge question. Education and empowerment would be where I would begin–start locally and then branch out.
I like the idea of using microfinance principles to end extreme poverty.
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Batty =-.
I’d want to help empower the people where extreme poverty exists so that they could solve the problem themselves. That empowerment may come through business loans, training, or a million other things. I suspect that given the opportunity and resources, many people would know better than I how to address the situations. Of course, it may also require help in addressing slavery, injustice, corruption, and other things.
My vision: Rev. 21-22.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Southern Charm v. East Coast Neurotics =-.
Girl Power! Changing the lives of girls around the globe would have a huge impact on poverty. Educating females, providing them with opportunities for business, and extending them dignity in countries where they are oppressed will change the world.
Today is the 9th birthday of the little girl in Rwanda that I sponser through World Vision. I am praying that she will one day change the world around her.
.-= Erika Klipa´s last blog ..Arrogance? =-.
Wow. It is always interesting to hear a fresh perspective on poverty. Thank you for your words and ideas. How awesome would it be if we could fix poverty within our lifetime? I look forward to reading your book. My sister spent a year in Africa and I know she will be excited to read it after I do. Thanks again.
.-= Eric Schrotenboer´s last blog ..The Voice of the Martyrs =-.
I choose to give of my tithe to a non-profit agency, to help eradicate poverty; instead of a Mega Church. And, I choose to give of my time in volunteering. I do this quietly; all in the name of love and showing people they too have a Heavenly Father…
Thanks for doing what you do, Anne,… Tom.
Love.
Reese
.-= Reese´s last blog ..Chan, Francis =-.
I think that I would go about eliminating poverty with a dualistic approach of education and compassion. I feel like these are two of the most important things you can offer impoverished people. I would want to offer immediate help in the form of basic necessities: food, clothing, shelter, clean water, medicine, monetary resources, and then begin to educate people on important, prevalent subjects, as well as providing opportunities for growth for those who need and desire it.
.-= Amanda Mae´s last blog ..Summer Reading, Statistics Edition =-.
Eliminating extreme poverty for me would not only be providing food, clothing & shelter but more importantly introducing them to the love of Christ along with the community, fellowship and support that flow from that love.
.-= Andrew Mitry´s last blog ..Google Finally Supports Push Gmail via ActiveSync =-.
I would give a plane ticket, a bowl of easily digest-able, high-nutrient food to every adult with an income over $40k / year and have them spoon feed, clothe and provide shelter for 1 person suffering from extreme poverty somewhere in the world, spending an hour with that person. I sense the giver would become the long-term provider instantaneously and would sense for-real that they would be blessed to be a blessing.
.-= Rick DeVries´s last blog ..lookupward: "God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage." (from @ejswensson ) =-.
I would help people find a way to create a sustainable food source. Dig wells. Provide health care and education.
I would want to empower the people there in Africa and help them to help themselves. I’d love nothing more than to pour out His love over them, all while helping to empower them. Sadly, a lot of times… when you look into their eyes, there is no hope… it’s a scary and heartbreaking thing. That needs to change.
I would eliminate poverty by changing one person at a time. We all need to be educated to the problem of poverty and the ability we have to change the lives of millions by giving of ourselves.
Wow, this is a difficult question. I think it looks like balance. People are not hungry, but they are not indulgent and obese either. People have adequate housing suitable to the area in which they live. People have clothing and access to health care, including preventative medicine. People have the opportunity to express themselves without judgment. All people have the opportunity to give to each other and build each other up. People have the opportunity to work at a job that gives them pride and provides for their family.
I’m not sure how to accomplish each of these things though, it is an incredible task. Thanks for your generous book giveaway, even if I’m not one of the first 100! : )
Sounds like a great read. If I had that power I would do it by empowering people to make the change person helping person. No big agency sweeping in and then leaving. I would the people the power to make the change, the joy of seeing the change, and the desire to share the love because of the change.
.-= Derek Berg´s last blog ..I could listen to this all day long? =-.
I would eliminate the need to pay for food. In other words, it would be a given right to have food. No, that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but if I could do it, I would.
.-= Billy Johnson´s last blog ..My Words =-.
Even if I had all the power, I would only have 24 hours in a day – really only around 15 or 16, so I don’t burnout (learned that from a wise woman in a ‘mad’ book ;)
so I would find good people with a goal of doing the same and coordinate a worldwide grassroots effort to provide basic needs to stop immediate starving and preventable sickness. Then phase #2 would be to put a structure in place to distribute the food in the world more evenly. I would need to get some great minds together that know how that might be done. And also some experts at communicating to make some of the greedy leaders of some countries see that they would be more respected if they are good to their people, rather than abuse their power.
wow, I’m tired and need a nap from thinking all that through – can’t imagine the energy it would take to actually make it happen, but it sure would be fun trying :)
.-= Janet´s last blog ..It is all Good! =-.
Oh, how I’d be soooo excited to win something. I loooooove books!
I think if I had Ultimate power I’d just request that Jesus come back. :) Is that taking the easy way out?! LOL!
.-= Candace´s last blog ..The aquarium with friends =-.
I think I would want to see the church involved in leading the way here….no political debate, no government involvement.
Just empowering, and resourcing the church to feed, clothe, and love the world.
I would start with education. Waking people up to the crisis in the world and what they can do to help. As the knowledge spreads, people would begin to take action. Action would result in wells being dug, food and medication being distributed. Schools would be available to all. You never know the resources that can be tapped by just telling one person about the problem.
Oops – I forgot to answer the question!!! Well, I don’t know. I’d provide clean water is what comes to mind first.
.-= Kaira´s last blog ..Sewing 101 – Part 1 =-.
Wow. Tough question. I’d have to get educated, for sure! But somehow, I’d like the solution to not be a band-aid kind of thing – something instead that equips and empowers those in poverty. But the other thing is justice… somehow we in the rich parts of the world need to re-imagine our whole way of living, and so I’d want to do something that helps our attitudes and sense of how much we really need to evolve into ways of thinking that balance out the distribution of the world’s resources. Obviously, at this point, I have no idea how to do any of this. But I want to learn more….
To Ashley: one source that is dedicated to tracking poverty and the power of Christians to change it is http://www.emptytomb.org
Thanks so much for your generosity.
.-= Brent´s last blog ..Desert Island Christianity =-.
I can’t wait to read this!
I would educate, educate, educate. And I don’t think it’s just the poverty stricken that we should be educating — we need to be educating others who can go in and further educate the people who need it. Broaden our horizons, if you will.
.-= Amy Beth´s last blog ..When you trust me to fix the bottle for your baby. =-.
I would love to have this book. If I had the ultimate power, I would probably screw it up.
Thanks Anne
.-= Louis Tagliaboschi´s last blog ..18 years =-.
Imagine a world where you had the power to eliminate extreme poverty. What would you do and how would you do it? What does it look like to you?
I would mobilize followers of Christ to scatter the globe (every country) and unleash Kingdom resources (money, time, energy, strategies) and to personally make contact with every man, woman and child – meeting those specific needs. I would see the hands and feet of Christ move in a swift and aggressive wave.
.-= Kevin Beers´s last blog ..A Different Kind of Conversation =-.
I would teach a man to fish and give him the pole and tackle to to continue fishing.
.-= J Doss´s last blog ..Threadless Tshirt Giveaway at jaypeeonline.net =-.
crank. I can’t delete my first comment – so someone else can have that spot – please delete it (and this one) for me!
.-= Kaira´s last blog ..Sewing 101 – Part 1 =-.
I imagine that it’d look a lot like the book of Acts, but on a much bigger level. If I could somehow inspire those of us who have to care for those who don’t…then we wouldn’t need government/ political involvement.
.-= Kristina´s last blog ..I never thought I?d see the day =-.
I would take advantage of this wonderful power and eliminate poverty.
.-= Jay S.´s last blog ..buffal0nickel: RT @nbcstore #TheOffice giveaway: Mug autographed by John K & Jenna F! #JimPamMug http://bit.ly/tIOqm – RT this & you’re entered! =-.
Although it’s hard to think of where to begin, if I had the power to make instant and real change, I would begin with children. Clean water, medical attention, education…whatever it takes. Then work from there, from the ground up essentially.
I pray the day comes soon where this change begins happening around the world!
.-= ellweezie´s last blog ..To TV or not TV =-.
Thanks Anne! would love the book
I think it would start with making people truly aware of the situation. So many of us have no real clue of the depth and breadth of the problem. And commercials that we watch don’t communicate it. I think it may start with one person being awakened and showing others what they’ve found. That’s very broad, but I believe that the current generation of young adults really desires to make a difference, they’re just not sure how to do it.
.-= Rachel Pridgen´s last blog ..Rachel loves…being a reformed whiner. =-.
I am not too sure about the logistics of that, but I think a big portion of eradicating poverty is education! Providing opportunity!
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Children’s Books Tuesday: I Like You =-.
Working in the poorest part of DC one summer, I had the chance to worm with some of
the poorest people I’ve ever met. Would love to check it out.
Translation of scripture. It is so vital. Potential to change so many lives. And of course people to share te truths found in scripture.
This is great. Contributing to a beautiful conversation and getting a free book!
From a strictly pragmatic standpoint, education is the key to reducing poverty and solving many of the worlds problems. I work with a program called LEAD Uganda that takes children on the fringes of society and puts them in the top schools in Uganda. The kids stay connected to their communities, but they are also entrenched in a new world of learning and of influence. I really believe that these kids are going to change the future of their nation.
Jacob Lange
Forefront Church
New York City
I don’t assume I could eradicate poverty all on my own. But I am using what I’ve got…
Currently am donating proceeds from a few work projects to fund water projects for third world countries.
Love this blog! :)
.-= Michelle Sidles´s last blog ..Meaghan’s Senior Session =-.
I would educate. To keep someone out of poverty they must be educated. i would also set up sustainable markets for the countries of poverty to work in.
I wish I had the perfect answer. To me, the end of poverty means that those of us in the U.S. might have to give up some of our comforts and luxuries. I think the problem is that we want to help others, but we don’t want to sacrifice. The end of poverty means realizing that we have a responsibility to take care of our fellow man, regardless of his or her citizenship.
I don’t imagine a world in the future, where we have that power… we have that power right here, right now. The fact of the matter is whether we decide to utilize that power or not. I believe that if we really tap into our potential not only as a Church, but as society as a whole… we could change the world, and eliminate poverty.
Complete overly simplistic answer to “How to eradicate world poverty”.
Legislate morality… We as a church want that in so many areas of modern society, yet when it comes to alleviating the plight of the global poor, we bang the socialist drum, and play the “God wants us to prosper” pile of horse turd.
The honest answer, is start making informed choices… in all aspects of our life. Cracking down on the conscienceless self focused spiritualism that tells me “make me better before helping others” which equates to a life spent on me, and not on Us!
how does that look… it looks like something not seen on this planted in a couple thousand years!
I think that the biggest challenge facing us right now as regular people is insulation from the crappy stuff that is happening to real people in the world. If money weren’t an issue, it would be great to do ludicrous giving in meaningfully ways where governments and people don’t already step in. Life changing and highly visible transformation where needs are met in huge ways. I’m thinking of Advent Conspiracy on steroids!
Just went to South Africa this past summer to work with children with HIV and living in poverty. Love the principles of micro-finance to end poverty described in this book’s article
.-= Kurt Duggleby´s last blog ..Being Mean About Vision =-.
I would love a free book!
.-= David Norman´s last blog ..Preaching this week in Kansas =-.
Poverty is a state of mind.
A strategy I like is getting basic needs met first: food, water, shelter (clothing)…there are simply too many people without theses basic things.
From there, education opens the doors that have been closed starting with just elementary level stuff and moving on to simple vocational skills as kids get older.
Finally, justice, by removing the corrupt from power and replacing them with systems that support and encourage the people to bring about recovery, health, and safety.
.-= kellygubser´s last blog ..Opening a Present =-.
Education will cure all poverty. Teaching children will empower them to take responsibility for themselves.
I would educate, educate, educate. And I don?t think it?s just the poverty stricken that we should be educating ? we need to be educating others who can go in and further educate the people who need it. Broaden our horizons, if you will.
I would make all the churches in the US and any country, that is economically sound, aware of the problem. After that, it would be no big deal. Because in this same world where I am able to end poverty, Christians understand what it really means to follow Christ. So we would all give sacrificially, have compassion, and make sure that no one goes hungry.
.-= Ken´s last blog ..What I?ve learned from John Mayer & Frank Decker? =-.
Eliminating all poverty really would be impossible – I think some people choose to live that way.
That being said, extreme poverty is something that can and should be dealt with. If I had unlimited resources, I would end it through education – of both the impoverished and of those that keep them that way. In many places, poverty seems to stick around due to the fact that unjust rulers and leaders crush people to maintain a sense of control. I really think that educating these people would help as much as educating the ones in poverty.
.-= Kevin Y´s last blog ..The Calendar! =-.
I would not give them any free handouts. I would not try to Americanize them. I would try to see what is doable in their culture and try to help set things up, train some of them in whatever it is, stay awhile and then leave. I would have to trust them.
.-= bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Facing Your Fear =-.
Hi Anne, Thanks for sharing this with us. OK if I could eradicate poverty in this world, I would start by equipping and training people in leadership and teach them about how to become successful financially. I really believe that ending poverty starts with changing one’s mindset. If a person’s mind is set on overcoming, rather than surviving then there’s a goal to work towards and a movement will start. Also I would encourage first world countries to not just give money to third world countries, but to also equip people in third world countries to become leaders… etc etc.
You really got me thinking now! thanks!
love,
Doreen
.-= Doreen van der Spek´s last blog ..dovanderspek: @Maaikebr me me meeeee… dat ben ik en mijn man! haha =-.
I would really find a way to tangibly promote and deliver the absolute basic needs of those in Poverty – I think digging wells and finding water is a HUGE priority, so I would invest my resources into making Water provision happen!!! Water is something that contributes heavily to other factors contributing to extreme Poverty!
More water for the people! :)
.-= Al Ronberg´s last blog ..#309/365 ? Landmarks =-.
I think that if the church would be the church and take care of its underprivileged and trained/taught the people to be responsible, we can take care of the problem of poverty. Stop letting the government do it, and let the church be the church.
The only power any of us have is the power to change ourselves–to give more freely—to love those around us. The thing is that changing ourselves starts changing those around us. Jesus says the poor will always be with us. It gives us an opportunity in some small way to give ourselves and understand how much He loves us.
The first thing that comes to mind (which I think most above would agree) is eliminating the worldwide poverty/hunger/slavery/injustice issues we face by providing the basics that most of us take for granted, such as: food, clean water, clothing, shelter, medicine, money, education etc. Though the slaver/injustice issues may take more work. But I think one important way of doing so is within our own cities and branching out to the world around us-maybe causing some sort of ripple effect. By educating the people on how to sustain this type of lifestyle, we could empower them to become self sufficient. Hopefully showing this type of love/compassion/support would allow us to also share the message of Christ to those nonbelievers. Maybe even opening the eyes of those around us who are far more fortunate, seeing that they don’t need to live beyond their means to be happy. That even something as small as giving up two Starbux’s a day can change the life of someone.
.-= Katy´s last blog ..Threadless Tshirt Giveaway at jaypeeonline.net =-.
Anne,
You do not know me, but I am friends with Len Sweet (he told me about you and I started following you on twitter). Please, I would love it if you could connect me with the auther of this book. The program that I work with, and that my church supports, was started by a New York based photojournalist (Stephen Shames). I feel like this could become a really fruitful collaboration. Stephen Shames, after being the photographer for the Black Panthers, went on to devote most of his career to social justice issues around the world.
Anyway, feel free to get in touch with me, or forward my information to Tom Davis.
Jacob
I would really like to read this book… but it looks like I might be too late, a good one to search out!
Hi Anne,
I love your blog! If you still have books let me know. This is a topic that lately I have grown more interested in and would love to read this book. Thanks!
good questions.. good thing..
i have seen a lot of poverty.. it’s what i deal with working on the streets in germany (and before here south africa) as a drug counsellor.
there are several projects i wish i was able to help with. some of the basics, like helping teach people in third world countries how to build water purification systems, and windmills or parks to create electricity (i forgot the projects name, but its googleable). also aids edjucation, especially in subsaharan africa.
but since its me… i would go big time into drug prevention work.
.-= cate´s last blog ..tea time =-.
The first thing that comes to mind (which I think most above would agree) is eliminating the worldwide poverty/hunger/slavery/injustice issues we face by providing the basics that most of us take for granted, such as: food, clean water, clothing, shelter, medicine, money, education etc. Though the slaver/injustice issues may take more work. But I think one important way of doing so is within our own cities and branching out to the world around us-maybe causing some sort of ripple effect. By educating the people on how to sustain this type of lifestyle, we could empower them to become self sufficient. Hopefully showing this type of love/compassion/support would allow us to also share the message of Christ to those nonbelievers. Maybe even opening the eyes of those around us who are far more fortunate, seeing that they don?t need to live beyond their means to be happy. That even something as small as giving up two Starbux?s a day can change the life of someone.
Awesome, thanks for sharing!
Christ said that there should be no poor among us, for he has abundantly blessed us (Deut 15).
We do have the power to eradicate extreme poverty – through making simple choices in our everyday lives. Stop buying products made from slave traders sold to us through large chain stores, buy local, tithe.
It’s not hopeless, don’t give up – just do the small things that count.
After that – find a way to stay in human contact with those in need, treat them as equals, not pet projects, but friends.
mercyrising.blogspot.com
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Shoe Fun =-.
I believe that there will always be poverty in this world.. But I beleive it is a great opportunity for us to live beyond ourselves!Ok, readers digest version..
I think there is a Famine in this land, not just of bread and water but for the Lord..So in trying to meet the needs of both., the church, Not churches, but people who truly have a relationship with Jesus.Not just a knowledge of him .If we would do what he has called us to do, then it would help eliminate extreme poverty.
I would have it so that the church could have unlimited resources to be able to reach out in their surrounding communities, then countries and then the world. I know that is broad(and sounds churchie) but If churches would work together, regardless of their denominations
(together the resources can go further) and work with the local authorities,( yes the government) and para church ministries, to help them with the poverty in their areas.. by food, work, services.etc… match people up with others who can help them learn a trade.. and serve others. provide service, car care, child care.. but just like the charter schools,The ones who are being helped , have to give back.
Then in the country, if these same churches would work together with other churches in different states, doing the same on a larger scale.. Then in the world, the same churches working together with missionaries or other like minded groups. doing the same… but right now, each person is working independently, so much, that their resources are few and only a few are effective.. all because they want the recognition instead of working together and allow God to get it!
Again, it is all a heart attitude, towards God and others… laying down our rights and taking up His!! We see this clearly, when churches criticize people for having abortions..( which i do believe is a sin) yet, they are the ones who never foster, adopt or help the Kids they are trying to save.. It is only for preaching not living it out..
big idea but we do have a Big God!!
I am beginning to think we as Christians spend to much time at conferences thinking we are growing and tuning ourselves to the work of God. All who suffer and groan in the injustices of the day, simply need to see God’s people Trust and Obey in the direction of the less fortunate. Christians have learned to dance around the scriptures so well, in order that they (we) won’t have to obey what they (we) read. Thus the God given direction of the Bible is ignored and thrown to the ground.
Christian Sub-Culture jargon, and a Christians need for validation in ministry has poisened the mission of loving nieghbors, orphans and widows. We all know exactly what to do but lack courage and simply are afraid of the peoples faces both in our church and those we have yet to meet on the mission field.
I think Pastors need to stop being so afraid of their congregations and the backlash of the pew takers and speak with love and risk. Writers need to write from their deepest depths and vomit their words if needed onto their pages because of what they’re seeing. This is risk as well.
If 1% of the American church would have this mind set and commitment it would change the people in far away lands dieing to be remembered. We all partake of neglecting the suffering world as one big church family. But truth be told, shame doesn’t bother us anymore. New definitions of leadership need to be born. Reputations must be put on the line. Then I beleive God will begin to think we are serious and might involve His power in our service to others as unto Him.
Yet one person service makes a difference and God multiplies it. How awesome!
I would love a copy of this book. We sponsor a boy in Malawi that I got to meet in 2006 and we are adopting a baby boy from Rwanda. I would seek to eliminate poverty through empowerment and micro finance. I would establish a team of individuals and churches and parter with locals to help train those that need help so they can in turn train others.
“Imagine a world where you had the power to eliminate extreme poverty. What would you do and how would you do it? What does it look like to you?”
I don’t have to imagine it, we’re living in it. We have every resource available to eliminate extreme poverty in this day and age…and we do not.
I don’t know how to do it, I don’t know how to motivate the people, and even I do little myself to change much of anything outside my own very small and limited sphere of influence.
We have the power, we have the ability, some of us have the motivation. But not enough.
So the world where we have the ability to eliminate extreme poverty, in my opinion, looks exactly like the one we’re in now. It looks like one with extreme poverty still affecting a huge percentage of the world. Because the ability to eliminate extreme poverty does not equate a desire, and does not equate action.
.-= Danny Bixby´s last blog ..What Angie Said =-.
The power to eliminate extreme poverty is totally overwhelming. One element is educating people of its extent, what they can do, how little it takes to feed people, etc. Another element is just the realization that all people are loved by God and deserving of our love. That’s motivating! I think it would also require teaching people how to help themselves. There are so many reasons that people live in poverty that there has to be more than one solution.
.-= Megan´s last blog ..The Cool Church =-.
I can imagine a world without extreme poverty, and I try to do my small part to achieve such a vision. We have recorded sessions for a program called “Community Development in a Box,” where we teach people to find clean water, do subsistence farming, start micro-enterprises, treat tropical diseases, deliver babies, teach young children, etc. We then translate these recordings into the major languages of the world. It debuts in February. We have been doing this, on a case by case basis, for years, but now we want to see massive multiplication.
.-= Lisa Gilfillan´s last blog ..Greetings from ISOM?s Founders =-.
I would focus on education, myself. Having worked with poor and disadvantaged folks of all kinds, a lack of skills and know-how is a common thread.
Ok, I think that I am past the 100 free books, but I just wanted to say what a great giveaway!
I think it is so overwhelming to think about eradicating extreme poverty. I see so many people in the world with so much wealth and they do a bit to help, but it isnt enough. I think we need to stop being so materialistic and start giving. It will take the effort of all and not just one.
I have thought before that if there was a required donation made on your taxes of at least $5 then it could be put toward poverty. That would be millions of dollars each year. What is required is education and resources!
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Mama Dearest by E. Lynn Harris =-.
Like Bob said, education (teach a man to fish), but also distribution of surplus – the feast/famine wisdom Joseph displayed in Egypt – storing up during good times to use during bad times, etc – but these days, that would go beyond a nation doing it for themselves, it would be nations supporting nations.
And that starts with the individuals. Being Jesus to your neighbour.
.-= David´s last blog ..Refugees : Australia Cancels Your ?Debt? =-.
Teach the people to fish, dont give them the fish. Food and education those are the keys to fight poverty.
Hmm…I have been searching for this answer for a while…as a matter of fact have had a faith struggle over it these past few weeks! I think I would create a system where life is truly lived in community. Where there were not the extremes that we have today of wealth and poverty. I would oust out corrupt leadership and would find ways to provide food, education, healthcare and clean water to those who lack it…and a few other things! :-)
.-= Christie´s last blog ..Not Quite As Blank =-.
the book looks great, really interesting.
only if we truly loved our neighbor like ourselves would we find the end of poverty. our cultural paradigm would have to change and what we hold as important now would no longer be important.
welfare, family, health, and love would have to replace the focus on money, possessions, and status that serve as our starting point for our own sense of security.
even if im not one to get this book from you anne, im still going to get it.
Looks like I am too late, but I will look around for it later.
.-= Adam S´s last blog ..A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and Blue Like Jazz: The story of a story =-.
A world without poverty would look like Levis instead of Designer jeans; Hondas instead of Porches; adoption instead of orphanages; moderate homes instead of mansions; kids on playgrounds instead of elite sports clubs. A world without poverty has a church that looks a lot more like Jesus when He was here on Earth.
I firmly believe that education is important, but it can be meaningless without a way to put it into action. So I would create awareness of the extreme need, and couple it with opportunities to experience it, and move into action. Every person I know who has seen the extreme poverty of this world has been deeply moved by it into action.
.-= Sheyenne´s last blog ..Is It Worth It? (and other miscellaneous things…) =-.
It is an overwhelming thought. I’m in the Dominican Republic now, observing how things functions here and it isn’t pretty. I’m not sure what other options there are other than starting with educating children, teaching them to be leaders and giving them the skills and vision to transform their countries. It isn’t a quick fix but it is the best one I know right now.
I agree with another poster, it would look a lot like socialism. I think that if every believer, at least, tithed and the church handled the money properly, there would be a LOT LESS poverty.
I recently heard a radio story about a man who had gone from a position of affluence to a position of poverty simply because of making some bad business decisions during the recent economic downturn. He expressed his remorse that he had not done more when he had his wealth to help those who were in need. He got caught up in having the money and spent so much of it on thing to boost his pride or pleasure.
This seems to relate to the question of this post.
I know I don’t currently have “all the money needed to eradicate poverty” but I know I already have enough to eradicate poverty for ONE person or maybe TWO or THREE . . . if I make the choice to use it in that way . . . and I want to somehow break my own selfishness to the point where I will make use of my affluence for the sake of those who need it.
One area that especially breaks my heart is the way that women and girls are exploited throughout the world. Hearing stories of how they are sexually victimized rips at every sense of decency and hope, but I believe that much can be done on behalf of these women. I’m trying to find my place in this story, and I hope I will continue learning and making as many courageous choices as I can.
I don’t think I’m in under the 100 comments limit, but if not, I’ll probably pick up a copy of this book–it sounds like it will be really powerful.
.-= NICOLE´s last blog ..And So It Is . . . =-.
I know that I’m out of the running but I want to jump in anyway. If I had the ability to end world poverty and that was all taken care of I believe my one and only mission following that would be to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony…
.-= Kevin Twombly´s last blog ..Open Letter To Parents =-.
I’m doing my best in my own small hobbity way. Please check out http://www.hobbitmeals.wordpress.com.
.-= Greg´s last blog ..First Ever Hobbit Meals Moot a Success! =-.
I’m an advocate of the church so I would establish churches throughout the regions where poverty exists and equip them to serve the poor among them. My dream would be that every one of these churches would have 2-3 partner churches elsewhere in the world that would link with them to provide the human, financial, and spiritual resources to effectively eliminate poverty. Why can’t we do this?
.-= Joe Donaldson´s last blog ..The Intersection of Mission and Market =-.
I would make it possible for everyone to have access to education because it is so important for fighting poverty in so many ways- job skills, health education ect.
.-= Joanna´s last blog ..Photos: Kampong Glam =-.
I would pray, ALOT. Ask God what to do, because it’s a problem way bigger than me. Then I’d do it. My guess is that it might look something like the early church in the book of Acts…
Education, healthcare, clean water, identify leaders within their own countries and grow leadership from within…..it’d be a lifelong commitment!
If there are any books left???
How are you Anne?
.-= Lori Biddle´s last blog ..lifes little blessings =-.
First off, I love free books. If it’s free, it’s for me.
To your question, My mind is puzzled. I just got through reading a letter from our Compassion child in India. Suppose it’s just coincidence, but I can’t even think of where to start.
I feel like a lot of extreme poverty in this world is in the fault of leadership and history. An if that is the case and true than I think I would have to start by changing leadership and breaking those historical barriers. I know that is more complex than singing kum-by-ya together but it’s such a huge issue that I think the power to do that would have to come through lots of change and getting LOTS of others to take part and make it a priority.
In short, I dunno, but I’m interested in the answer.
.-= aaron´s last blog ..Who Do You Say I Am? ? Thoughts on the book Your Jesus is Too Safe =-.
A world without extreme poverty is a world full of Jesus. This is an impossible question to answer in a short comment. There are so many reasons poverty exists…..greed, gluttony, corruption, pride, ignorance, etc.
The only solution to all of those things is Jesus.
As far as personal action, it starts within each of our own hearts. Realizing that I am the greedy, selfish, prideful one. I remember when this thought first occurred to me…I was reading Blue Like Jazz.
.-= Charity´s last blog ..Vitamin C. =-.
Everyone have access to clean water, food, health care and education is a world without extreme poverty.
How would I do that? Pray for a miracle.
I would want to enable and inspire people to use their innate talents and gifts. Everyone can do something. Following Christ’s example of touching the untouchables, and using my skills of a therapeutic massage therapist, I would hold the hands and faces of the forgotten, poorest of the poor.
.-= Anita Yoder´s last blog ..Publicize: Yahoo! Updates =-.
You’re always fantastic with starting a conversation. :>)
I would help teach the blessings of giving. Because poverty could end by better trade, better technology, better… whatever. But (probably) the coolest way for it to end would be for thousands of people give away themselves to end poverty.
Giving makes everyone rich and no one poor.
Marshall Jones Jr.
.-= Marshall Jones Jr.´s last blog ..Boycott boycotting: Support instead ? Part 1 =-.
I’d start in Haiti, where I’ve seen heartbreaking poverty first-hand many times, and in other countries in similar situations. I’d help to educate the people and provide the resources they need to live sustainable lives where they are. I’d work alongside them to encourage and empower them to help their country and their people.
I would get millions of people to sponser a child @ $35 a month!
I would empower churches to not spend money on themselves. To take their budget for one year and spend it radically changing to plant. As the wife of a full time minister, I know what this act would cost me.
I believe that one of the best ways to get an entire generation out of poverty is through education. I would build schools along with a holistic approach of providing clean water, nutritious food, doctors, and spiritual guidance.
.-= Curtis Honeycutt´s last blog ..Just Wallpaper T-Shirts! =-.
Hi Anne!
I would love to get a free copy of Sacred. I read and review books on my blog a good bit and this would be the kind of book my readers would really be into.
My church does a lot of mission trips each year and we have a pretty large community of people who continually grapple with these issues and the way it plays out for us is asking ourselves the hard questions about how we spend our money. The number one thing people say when they come back from a mission is realizing how materialistic or wasteful we are in our community (we live in Washington, DC). Some folks have been so inspired to sell cars, tvs, and even homes after returning from a trip. Others still make small steps like sponsoring a child through Compassion or World Vision or invest in some other kind of long term financial commitment helping the poor.
I was part of a team that went to Kenya earlier this year on a medical mission trip, and after returning from the trip we all decided to form a foundation to support the work of the Kenyan church we partnered with while we were serving. We named the foundation after one of the orphans we met and call it “David’s Hope” our vision is to create lasting solutions for the physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of abandoned children in the poorest communities of the world. The mission is to build bridges between local organizations serving abandoned children in impoverished communities and those who can do something to meet the needs in practical ways.
What I think is cool about David’s Hope is that it was started on the cusp of the worst famine Kenya has seen in decades. God knew when he sent us in January that there would be famine in 2009 and since the founding of David’s Hope ordinary people have had the chance to do something tangible for others living in extreme poverty and meet an immediate need. We have been able to raise money through the foundation and send it directly to people who are starving. By God’s grace we have hosted several feedings in the small town of Eburru and even were able to purchase a few acres of land near one of the only natural water sources in the area so that the church has a place they can depend on for some food to grow.
Well I didnt mean to write this much! But in response to the question :what would you do and how would you do it: eliminating extreme poverty” David’s Hope is one small way that our church is doing its part. I hope others will check out David’s Hope online at http://davidshope.org and be inspired to start something to address the issues of extreme poverty in your own corner of the world.
.-= annielaurie´s last blog ..A New Season =-.
I think it looks like LOVE to me. I would LOVE more. I would make life LESS about me and MORE about the world we live in. I would GIVE more and be less concerned with TAKING. I would focus on what Jesus said we are to do and then actually try to DO IT. I would make ADOPTION an easier thing for people to accomplish. I would make people LOVE ORPHANS like their own (it’s easy guys!). I would make the unmeasurable heart explosion of love experienced through ADOPTION a more openly talked about thing. I would…
I could go on and on and on. And Tom sent me his book already and I loved it – but if he sent me another I would LOVE to hold a giveaway on our blog as well as our foundation website which we launch SUNDAY!!! wwwBrightonKennedy.org – in honor of two incredible orphans that shook up this world in their short, tiny lives.
Love what Tom does. Love what you do too Anne. Would love to talk when you’re in Atlanta sometime – also interested in possibly “partnering” with your new blog ya got coming. Your demographics are something I think our foundation wants to speak too. They seem to have the heart we are after…
.-= tymm´s last blog ..Nay!!! =-.
in order to eliminate extreme poverty i would begin by sharing the love of Jesus. Africa is a tough place (i lived there for a while) and sometimes the mindset of the culture is part of the problem. Jesus can transform lives and that’s what needs to happen first. second, i would make education free and include school lunch. the more kids that can go to school and not just learn, but be fed, the better. the next part would be to provide practical training in agriculture, trade, handicrafts, business, etc. the more people learn to help themselves, the better. and with the motivating power of Christ in the mix, they will not only be helping themselves, but each other. it would be awesome!
I would d what I am doing now…help one family at a time. I use coupons to buy extra food/toiletries. I pass on goodie bags to families in my neighborhood who are struggling. This gives them hope and then when the tough times are over for them( and many times before the times are over) , they want to turn around and help someone else out that has more of a need than they have. It’s a small gesture but something almost anyone can do and it just takes a little bit of your time.
.-= Jana´s last blog ..Friday Good Reads…. =-.
I would work to see that hierarchies of power and corruption that allowed for some to be greedy at the cost of others lives would be exposed.
I’d have more people over for dinner.
I’d tell more stories about love.
.-= Chad Estes´s last blog ..Dealing With My Disenfranchised Grief =-.
Education, education, education! To truly elimate poverty, you have to break the cycle that happens when people don’t know how by themselves. To teach somone is to love someone.
Sounds like a LIFE-changing story and read. Thanks so much for sharing!
.-= Karla Meachem´s last blog ..Need A Little Perspective? =-.
I hear so many of my friends who work among the poor and disenfranchised talk about how much they learn from their communities and how much they have to teach us. My experiences both in North America and in Latin America confirm that to a certain degree but in the end I still feel it rings kinda hollow. Yes; there is spiritual potential to be found in suffering, dependance, and the rawness of life unencumbered by material things. I still don’t want it for my family and friends.
Would I eradicate extreme poverty? Yes; but I wondder what the real cost of doing so would be.
.-= chris wignall´s last blog ..When can I walk to school? =-.
If I had the power to elminate extreme poverty, the first thing I would do would be to do away with evil leaders of impovrished countries. After that, I think the key to healing the problem is education! Giving people the empowerment to provide for themselves is priceless. I would also share the LOVE that our Lord has for them! Amen!
Can’t. Believe. I missed this.
.-= Lex´s last blog ..September in pictures =-.
I’m buying this book! :)
.-= KB´s last blog ..Threadless Tshirt Giveaway at jaypeeonline.net =-.
Take part of waking the sleeping church. Many in our church body are now … in response to reading Crazy Love … being aggressive about reaching out. We are now raising funds to build orphanages and are in the initial stages of taking a more active role in ministering to the needs in our community. We call the outreach Operation Crazy Love and realized that our love just didn’t look very crazy. We realize the ultimate goal is sharing the gospel but realize it is easier to hear if your belly is not growling….I truly believe once the church gets a taste of sacrificial love they will be dissatisified with the selfish pursuits of their own hearts and the hearts of churches that have fallen asleep….
For me, it’s pretty easy (implementation is challenging). What would I do to eliminate extreme poverty? Three things:
1. Eliminate unemployment – if everyone who wanted a job had the opportunity to have a job, that would go a long way towards eliminating poverty.
2. Provide a stable government and infrastructure in all countries. Economic development would be much more possible in places like Haiti, Somalia and Rwanda if the governments were stable.
3. Eliminate the need for orphanages. There are over 2 Billion Christians in the world and ONLY 143 million orphans. That’s a doable number.
There’s my wish list for visualizing world peace and eliminating poverty. I’d love to help in the book project!
Tom Vanderwell
.-= Tom Vanderwell´s last blog ..$8,000 Tax Credit ? not such a done deal? =-.
I would do what I am doing already – just bigger. I am currently making jewelry and selling Ethiopian Crosses in order to raise money for “The Women’s Bread Oven Project” that I started as a result of visiting the poorest of the poor in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At first I wanted to just give money away, but i knew I had to figure out what would be a better long term solution. Many of the women who couldn’t send their children to school because of the cost were barely keeping their heads afloat by baking bread to sell on primitive inefficient ovens. i found out that with just $30 per woman that I could provide them with enough of a micro-loan that they could purchase a more efficient indoor vented oven to bake their bread on. They would also be able to cook year round and not worry about living on no income during the rainy season. I would make $30 change a person’s entire life, overnight. I am planning to go to Ethiopia and set up 100 ovens in January 2010 in Addis. I work with an organization called IOI that gives 100% of funds designate to specific projects including the education of orphans http://www.ioiusa.org