Today’s episode introduces a whole new mini-series all about the problem! The problem being that often when we try to help the poor, we cause them harm.
On this episode, I introduce the series with a case-study on the global orphanage industry, and conclude that we, as Christians, as the church, and as individuals need to look at the systems of help within our world, analyze them, and act in accordance to both the mandate of scripture and the reality of the world in which we live. We all need to be okay asking and answering some really tough questions. Questions like:
· Is our helping hurting people?
· Is the system of help and aid that we are a part of effective in the long-term?
· Who is truly benefiting from the assistance that we are giving?
· Are we meeting true needs or felt needs, and what is the difference?
· What are the unintended consequences of our assistance?
· Who benefits the most from our methods?
· How could our money and resources be better spent?
· And, are we improving or disabling this community’s ability to steward their own lives and resources?
It is only when we answer these questions honestly and critically that we will begin to discover effective and sustainable solutions to the global poverty problem.
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