Blog Action Day 2008: the Lord speaks on behalf of the poor

I’m going to get out of the way and let these scripture verses speak for themselves.

I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Psalm 140:12

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honor God. Proverbs 14:11

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:27

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Galatians 2:10

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18

Blog Action Day: The facts and faces of poverty

Today, 30,000 children will die as a result of living in extreme poverty.

2.8 billion people live on less than $2 per day.

More than 1 billion live on less than $1 per day.

More than 800 million people go hungry daily.

100 million children around the world are homeless.

I don’t like numbers. Too easily dismissed, no emotional impact. Tell me you have X number of children, I understand the number.

But show me their photograph, and I’ll smile, thinking of my own. I’m emotionally involved when I see a face.

I understand the severe problem of poverty by reading the numbers, but it’s not until I see pictures that it begins to get down into my gut.

People, many of them children, are dying as a result of living in poverty.

Normally when I post a video, I tell you to enjoy it. You will not enjoy this video, I want you to see it because it serves a purpose: to show what numbers – 30,000, 800 million, 2.8 billion – can’t accomplish.

You can’t comprehend death and suffering only with a number.

All numbers provided by Compassion International.