The last thing we want to do is exploit anyone, hurt anyone or oppress them – we aren’t here to rescue people from their circumstances. Only God can do the rescuing. We put our faith (in word and deed) in the supernatural work of God while we humbly advocate and come alongside those who live in the condition of poverty and join in the work God is already doing.
These are ideas we have been chewing on over the last six months from a recently released booklet and course by the president of World Impact, Dr. Alvin Sanders, called, “Redemptive Poverty Work”. In this book, the issue of toxic poverty work is identified as a common problem among those working with the poor. Issues such as the savior syndrome, paternalism, cynicism, and burnout lead to causing more harm than good. Over the last 12 years of living amongst and working alongside the poor in South Los Angeles we have seen these toxic tendencies in groups we have partnered with as well as ourselves. It is possible to want to see change in people so badly that we can lose the focus on God’s sovereignty and our roles as guides to cheer on and partner with the true heroes of the community.
At the heart is the belief that there is great potential in the people we meet and a desire to spur them on, to empower them, to help give them opportunities that they may not be able to achieve on their own…so that they can flourish and grow as God desires for them. We can’t control the outcomes, but we can work at being healthy and supportive. As three of our children are in their teenage years, learning to become adults, it makes a lot of sense that the best thing we can do for them at this stage is provide pathways of opportunity, advocate when necessary, ask for forgiveness when we mess up, and admit we haven’t done everything right, but want to cheer them on, guide them, help them and watch them fly.
We want to thank you for allowing us to stand in a unique spot. We are like a bridge. We get to empower urban leaders to reach their cities with the Gospel. We get to share resources and powerful programs, help make connections and provide other strategic support that is “wind in their sails” for these gifted and called servants. What a joy to watch so many grow and accomplish the vision God has placed on their hearts for their communities.
If you are
interested in a quick, but challenging read on Redemptive Poverty Work, let us
know by sending us an email. The book and/or course may be powerful to work through as a small group
or with a mission-minded team of people. We would be honored to guide a group
through a course on Redemptive Poverty Work too – so if that sounds interesting
or helpful, please let us know.
Please keep our Trauma Healing Groups and Evangel Church Planting Schools in prayer – there are several we are working on right now touching a wide-array of leaders, churches, communities, and countries.
We are grateful for your prayers and financial support. God bless you!
