Poverty simply compounds every problem - and how you can help.

In our staff meeting on Wednesday, I showed our staff team this light-hearted but pointed video about 1st world problems and then showed this video about the possibilities of eliminating global poverty. In casting the vision that we can eliminate poverty within our generation, Dr. Scott Todd paints the picture of how poverty multiplies other challenges and disasters. As our temperature and humidity soared in greater Baltimore (101 today with a heat index of 125), most of us could stay inside in AC or find a place with AC. In East Africa, as the worst drought in 60 years continues, it's impact is multiplied by poverty. I just read that Somali Islamic extremists are banning foreign aid agencies, believing they are spies or Christian crusaders.

Want to help? You can make a difference in this crisis through World Vision's Horn of Africa Food Crisis fund, or by sponsoring a child in Nairobi, Kenya through Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF) and Missions of Hope International (MOHI), or by giving to the Big Dent which provides microfinance loans through CMF and MOHI to help people make their way out of poverty.

$35 per month is one less meal out for my family and I still can escape to my AC. But it may save a child's life or help a family begin the journey out of poverty.

Sponsor a child, change a life - and more!

If you already sponsor a child, here's a great article to encourage you in your efforts and to challenge you in your communication with your child. If you don't already sponsor a child, read this and consider the impact of just $1 per day. 

http://blog.compassion.com/kenya-slums-out-of-the-slums-of-kenya/

Is it possible to end poverty in our generation?

Many of us at Mountain have been captured by the needs of the poor around the world. With our recent trip to Nairobi, Kenya and reports back from that team, God has wrecked our hearts anew. God, please continue to break our hearts for what breaks yours. 

With that in mind, here is a great, thought provoking post and link by Jon Acuff: 

http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2011/07/is-it-possible-to-end-poverty-in-our-generation/