Two recently published books examine the challenges and opportunities that Christ followers face when looking to alleviate financial AND spiritual poverty in the developing world.  One of these authors, Peter Greer, the President of Hope International, will be in Durham on Nov 11 at 8:00pm at The Summit Church (2335 Presidential Dr.) to talk about his book, but most importantly to talk about Christ Centered Economic Development and how it is being used as a remarkably effective tool to help address poverty and the spread of the Gospel.

A little background and context:

There has been much talk recently about effective and sustainable international aid.  Books like, “White Man’s Burden” by William Easterly, and “Dead Aid” by Dambisa Moyo have railed against the decades of foreign aid and the poor results that they have to show for them.  They describe systems that are full of corruption on with much money never reaching the poor, and that seems often to actually be the best case.  The worst case seems to be when the money actually reaches the poor and how it so often builds a culture of dependency on foreign aid that provides perverse incentives for creativity, innovation and economic development.  One can’t help but read these critiques that each book takes pain to examine with stats and expert commentary and wonder if the continent of Africa would actually have been better off without receiving any money from Western Governments at all.

So, what does this mean for us Western Christians that are moved by the pictures we see of abject poverty AND who are also driven by a desire to honor the Great Commission as we make disciples of Christ? Well, two recently published books provide great commentaries on the opportunities for Christ followers to make a meaningful, Kingdom impact in the countries ravaged by war, famine, and yes by poorly
conceived aid programs, both secular and Christian.  “When Helping Hurts”, by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett spends equal time on examining how easy it is do do harm with giving, and what programs lift people up.  I recommend the book unreservedly, and we are hopeful to have Brian Fikkert come to the Triangle area in late February, early March to tell us more.

Peter’s book, “The Poor Will Be Glad” examines the unique ministry model of Christ Centered Economic Development (CCED).  It’s suprising to me, sometimes, how few of us Christ followers actually know about CCED and particularly about it’s use as a discipleship and evangelism tool.  Sure, we have heard about Muhammad Yunnus of Grameen Bank (the Nobel Prize, of course, did wonders for public awareness for the microfinance industry—MFI).  We get the concept that MFI delivers the working poor from usurious money lenders who typically charge 10-20% interest PER DAY and secures these loans through a concept called “social collateral” - effectively each borrower in a group co-signs each others loan - a concept effective enough to deliver repayment rates industry wide at better than 97%.

But, using it is a ministry tool?  Of course!  I Peter 3:15 says, “.....Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  The caseworker who develops a relationship with the poor in multiple borrowing groups is in a perfect position to do just that by either sharing the Gospel message with the folks that they’ve partnered with, or to introduce them to a local church.  The caseworkers is working to extend the Kingdom by addressing financial poverty AND spiritual poverty, and doing it in a way that extends dignity RATHER than dependency.

I could go on and on, about how impressive Hope International and Peter Greer are, but if a picture is worth 1,000 words, then a YouTube video is worth 10,000.  This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen, regardless of genre…....it’s very worth watching it to the end:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrKQZeoAzyI

I hope that you get a chance to come and hear Peter, and that you bring a friend.  This could be the best ministry presentation you hear this year.

Henry