Make Poverty History - Who Wants to Help?

How many of you have heard about this "Make Poverty History Campaign?" It's been all over the news lately, and it looks and sounds like a pretty big and important movement. I'm quite impressed by it.

I've been reading around and I've learned many interesting facts. For example, here are some facts about global poverty, from netaid.org:

• Each year, more than 8 million people around the world die because they are too poor to stay alive.
• Over 1 billion people—1 in 6 people around the world—live in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1 a day.
• More than 800 million go hungry each day.
• Over 100 million primary school-age children cannot go to school.

As Christians, we have to listen to these facts. And we have to listen to Christ, and listen intently on what he would have us do. I don't think the answer is difficult.

The impressive thing about this campaign is that it's global. Countries the world over are joining in an effort not just to raise awareness, but to effect real change. The organizers have chosen this year especially, because leaders of many of the world's wealthiest countries are holding key meetings to discuss the issues that affect the poorest who share our earth.

This statement is quite powerful: "We are the first generation with the plan, the technology and the money to end world poverty. What we don't have is the will."

It's interesting. Just this past Sunday I preached a sermon about "Not Stealing." The truth is, as blessed as we are, when we don't help others in need--just as Christ did with us--we are very truly stealing from the rest of the world. When we don't share as we should, we are stealing.

So, how can we help? Or, first of all, who wants to help?

I'm going to start by posting this, and then buy some white bands to spread the word.