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Poverty: Must I get involved?

by Alfonso Abels  
3/07/2013 / Christian Living

Christians cannot be followers of Christ without portraying the image of Christ.

Let us then, as Christians, focus on one very important part of everyday lives, the sad state named poverty.Christians have, for centuries, concerned themselves with poverty. What is the reason for this concern?

Caring for the poor is part of God`s character and discipleship. Jesus, in the book of Matthew, connects people`s eternal destiny with their contributions. Poverty also influenced Paul`s missionary journeys.

Social and religious issues have always been sensitive topics for discussion.

Nevertheless, the importance of these discussions cannot be ignored. The information may, at first, seem a bit confusing. However, as life continues, one will experience situations where you need to discern people. Everything will then be revealed to you.

As said, this discussion focuses on poverty, one of the negative results of judging.The link between the two terms, judge and poverty, is also discussed.

What do we understand by the term 'poverty'? 'What is poverty?'

Poverty is defined as the state of a person who lacks certain amounts of money or material possessions.

Destitution refers to the deprivation of basic needs. These needs include food, drinking Water, sanitation, clothing, shelter, health care and education.

South Africans regard poverty as " the inability of individuals, households, or entire communities, to command sufficient resources to satisfy a socially acceptable minimum standard of living." (May & Govender 1998:27)

This English term is defined as 'the state of being extremely poor'. The Hebrew definition of poor is 'to dispossess, to destroy, to bring to ruin' The Greek definition of poor is to bring 'down from'.

The World Bank`s view is "The inability to attain a minimal standard of living". However, the best way to define poverty lies in your own experience of this state.CT Kurien describes poverty as the carcass that remained from wealth acquisition.

South African citizen, Mrs Witbooi, from Philipstown in the Northern Cape, feels that:

"Poverty is not knowing where your next meal is going to come from, and always wondering when the council is going to put your furniture out and always praying that your husband must not lose his job. To me that is poverty." Wilson $ Mamphele 1989:14)

Ivor Price, a South African radio presenter, adds his opinion by saying that:

'Everybody knew that we were poor, except us. Poverty was a thing that we read once per week in the community newspaper.

This manner of thought gave us a sense of independence. Poverty teaches one how to struggle which can be beneficial. You are equipped with a sixth sense. You are not moved by petrol hikes, inflation or retrenchments as you know how it is to have nothing. (Rapport: 3 March 2013)

These statements apply to many South Africans.

Sadly more than 1.29 billion people, according to the World Bank, are living in absolute poverty. Of these, about 400 million people are in India while 173 million people find themselves in China.
Absolute poverty in Africa was at 47% in 2008.

During the period, 1990 - 2010, about 663 million people moved above the absolute poverty level. Millions of people, especially South Africans, currently find themselves in poverty.

Statistics prove that by 1980, 50% of the total population was living under the breadline. 1/6 of the population was earning 2/3 of the income. By 1984, the number of those living in poverty in South Africa has increased.

By 2012, we still had millions of South African children crying themselves to sleep. 60% of them are living in poverty. Their households` incomes are less than R575 per person per month.

The gap between rich and poor is rapidly growing.

Statistics prove that the poorest 10% of South Africans receive less than 1% of the national income. The richest 10% is awarded 57%. Sadly, 67% of black children in comparison to 2% of white children live under the bread line. By 2013, these numbers were still increasing

Extreme poverty remains a global challenge. The state is worldwide observed and includes the developed and developing economies.

Relative poverty, on the hand, refers to the economic inequality in the location or society in which people live. Poverty is unavoidable as traditional modes of production are insufficient. This is where an entire population needs to be given comfortable standard of living.

Mass production, after the Industrial revolution, in factories made wealth increasingly more inexpensive and accessible. Modernization of agriculture leads to enough yield being produced to feed the population.

Constraints on government services negatively influence the supply of basic needs. These constraints include corruption, illicit financial flows and developing countries' debt. The Brain drain of health care and educational professionals is included.

Strategies are implemented to increase income. The strategies include welfare, economic freedom, and providing financial services. The purpose is to make basic needs more affordable and accessible.

Many international organizations focus on poverty reduction as a major goal and issue. The United Nations and the World Bank are prominent is this regard.

Poverty has many dimensions. It is extremely complex and means different things to different people. The following Biblical verse proves the existence of poverty since Biblical times.

'The Christians in Palestine, from various causes, suffered from poverty. Paul awakened an interest in them among the Gentile churches, and made pecuniary collections in their behalf'
(Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:25, 26; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 2:10).

Katharine Hall, a senior researcher, is convinced that reducing inequality went beyond tackling poverty. Hall is linked to the University of Cape Town`s Children Institute.

She mentioned, during an interview with a news reporter , that: 'Children have equal rights under the constitution but the world into which they are born and the opportunities in life are very unequal.'

Statistics further prove that 26% of children in the poorest 20% of households experience hunger. 54% of children in this section have no suitable drinking water. 40% of them have no adequate sanitation facilities.

The absence of one or both parents plays a negative role in family relationships. Only 19% of the poorest children live with both parents.

A reader of the Hall article felt that quality education holds the key to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. This view was greeted by various outcries. A critic felt that a solid currency would ease matters. Another critic felt that is the duty of the parents to educate their children.

Let us do a brief study of India.

Calcutta, a big Indian city, is known for its highly concentrated slums. A great cloud of spiritual darkness has befallen the city. The deity Kali, the goddess of destruction, is holding the city captive. Economic, political, physical, social, moral and spiritual degradation results from this demonic possession and oppression. There is also a clear blindness to the gospel.
50% of Calcutta's citizens fit into this misery.

The city has more than 45 million child labourers. Most are aged 14 years and younger of which some start as young as 3 4 years.

They support their families by working longer than 14 hours per day. Their working environment is very harsh. Child labourers earn less than $2.80 (+/- R25) per month.

20% of the total Indian prostitutes is children younger than 15 years. More than 20 000 child prostitutes find themselves in Calcutta.

The Christian belief in Jesus is, unfortunately, not easily accepted in India. Trust and love (more than miracles) are very much important. These are the keys to attracting people to the gospel

The state of poverty in India is indeed a huge problem for humanity. It certainly gives Christians enough food for thought as Christians will need to think about what can be done.

What about poverty in Africa?

Referral is made to the lack of basic human needs faced by certain people in African societies. The African continent is rich in natural resources. Sadly, African nations still linger at the bottom of worldly measurements such as income per capita.

The average European currently earns at least twenty times more than their African counterparts.

Poverty is viewed from different angles. It, however, definitely affects people from all walks of life.

Therefore, it is not only Christians that need to do something about this state. We, however, for the sake of reasoning, concentrate on the duties of Christians regarding this aspect.

Bear in mind: Poverty is a reality. It is not something that was created from a dream. It can, as strange it may sound, be part of a ideology. Yes, some people purposefully instigate and implement poverty. The results are usually horrific. Indeed very inhuman and unchristian.

Based on this, let us continue, to get to the bottom of all things, by quite rightly asking: "What about poverty in Africa?"

Referral, as said, is made to the lack of basic human needs faced by certain people in African society. The African continent is rich in natural resources.

Sadly, African nations still linger at the bottom of worldly measurements such as income per capita. The average European currently earns at least twenty times more than their African counterparts.

Sadly, Africans regular encounter problems such as:

●
Mismanagement of land

The African continent is known for the scarcity of small, individual land holdings.

Laws make it impossible for people from disadvantaged groups to own any land.Land is mostly owned by descendants of European settlers of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Africans are forced to work as farm labourers or in factories in order to survive.This leads to the erection of squatter camps as people flock to the cities for survival.

Financing property purchases is a huge problem as financiers are reluctant to indulge in any projects that are not worth the effort.

●
Misused money

African nations have so far received more than 500 U.S. dollars.Lots of these donations were invested in weapons (ready to use) or in the making of nuclear weapons.

Newly democratic nations are saddled up with huge debts that were inherited from totalitarian regimes.Social services receive little attention as result of these huge debts.

Examples of the misuse of money include the many large empty silos in Ghana.

Africa is also known for its huge rate of corruption, nepotism and bribery.Leaders are convinced that it is better to place their families' needs first before those of their nations.

Aid money and foreign investments are rather diverted to banks outside their respective countries.Citizens have to pay bribes in order to get access to basic government services.

●
Human resources

Cheap labour is widespread available which has permanent policies.These policies encourage inefficient industrial and agriculture practices.

Human labour is still used instead of machinery regarding projects in certain countries.Lack of proper education also poses problems as illiteracy rates are still high.

Higher education receives very little attention resulting in a shortage of skilled workers.Many Africans speak at least two languages (their native language and another).

●
Diseases

Water- borne diseases usually affects infants and young children.
The cause of these diseases is a regional water crises or lack of safe drinking water.

AIDS / HIV, a much dreaded disease, cause the death of more 3000 Africans per day. More than 11 000 are daily infected by AIDS / HIV.

Only 1% of these patients are treated.Malaria, tuberculosis, tapeworm and dysentery claim far more victims than AIDS / HIV.

●
Conflict

Africa is known for its hotspots for war, continuing conflicts and civil wars.Military forces are often well financed and well equipped despite their respective countries not having fully developed infrastructures.

Conflicts lead to refugees being found all over the continent.Refugees eventually become major problems for other African countries as they have to, in some cases, plan for almost double their own population.

Conflicts also lead to educated and skilled refugees find themselves in the USA, Germany and Canada.Civil wars normally lead to the disruption, even shutting down, of essential government services and in production of e.g. materials, etc.

●
Effects of poverty

The effects of poverty include the following: disease, famine, warfare, misgovernment and corruption.The inflation rate in some countries double or even triple.

Human development (including low standard of living and quality of life) is also counted among poverty`s effects.Increasing unemployment rates also influence the state of poverty.

Many people, as result of the latter, do not have access to radios, televisions and transport.Poverty leads to the high rate of infant mortality, while life expectancy, literacy and education are low.

The best educated people eventually decide to leave the continent.

How can we measure poverty?

The determining of a poverty or bread line is the easiest way of measuring poverty. "This poverty line is a cut-off point above which people can maintain a minimum or higher standard of living, and below which this is not possible."

South Africa and Poverty:

South African poverty is unique in inequality. It is the most striking feature of poverty. The width of the gulf between rich and poor is the basis of this aspect.

A deliberate policy determines to which level of extent poverty exists. The way material poverty is reinforced by racist policies is assault on people`s humanity.

Equality refers to a state of social organization that grants equal access to resources and opportunities. The indicators of inequality are:

●
The outbreak, due to bad circumstances, of diseases like Cholera.
Undernourishment is caused by the lack of proper food.These diseases are rife amongst people living in impoverished social circumstances.

●
Squatter camps were erected as result of the lack of proper housing.Living conditions are appalling, for example, crime, sexual exploitation, rape, periodic fires and floods that destroys the squatters' meager belongings.

●
Illiteracy and lack of education is common among the poor.

●
Vulnerability and helplessness. The poor feel helpless to improve their living conditions.These people feel trapped in the vicious circle of poverty.They are exposed to criminal elements and live in constant insecurity and fear.

The United States has been characterized by inequalities between blacks that widened. This happened while wealth trickled down to a small, growing class. Sadly, the majority of the people had been left behind.

The inequalities of colour caste are reinforced by that geographic administration in South Africa. Income per head and the infant mortality rates influences how poverty varies regarding geo administrative categories.

Poverty in the rural areas (platteland) seems to be worse than other areas. The primary geographic division is that between urbanization and the rural areas.

South Africa is divided into three parts:

●
The major cities` metropolitan areas
●
The towns in the rural areas (platteland)
●
The farms

Characteristics of poverty include the following:

●
Alienation from one`s community, for example, elderly citizens that reside in tiny rooms.
●
Lack of at least the basic food necessities.
●
Overcrowding of living spaces, for example, 10 people in a room meant for 4 people.
●
Lack of basic forms of energy and clean water, e.g. shortage of electricity supply.
●
Lack of employment opportunities.
●
Break up of families, for example, the absence of fathers in the households.

These characteristics compel Christians to donate to the poor. We cannot depend on the Bible and its contents alone. Charity should be part of Christianity. Jesus mentioned that He came for the poor.

Sadly, there are certain negative features attached (since biblical times) to caring for the poor:

●
People are becoming less involved in this aspect of life.
●
No help for the poor in rural areas.
●No or very little attention are paid to the needs of the masses.
●
People regard poverty, from a religious viewpoint, as an imitation of the life of Christ.

Not forgetting, the sacrifices made by various people in the past that include:

●
Women helped people with home nursing and funerals.
●
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was an example of Christians who forcibly had to end tragedies.
●
Christians sometimes have to ignore the presence of emergency measures., e.g., Christians who ignored laws of segregation.
●
Revenues rose as donations for charitable purposes.

The following verses in the New Testament (Luke 3:11; 14:13; Acts 6:1; Gal. 2:10; James 2:15, 16, Luke 16:20, 21) are references to the poor.

Begging, only known in the New Testament times, was, in the case of those who were able to work, forbidden.

Others were enjoined to "work with their own hands" as a Christian duty (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:7-13; Eph. 4:28). This word is used figuratively: Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; 2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 3:17.'
Indeed something to think about!

Paul showed interest in the poor by collecting donations for them. He constantly reminded the Christians of that time not too forget the poor. Jesus declared that, if we give to the poor, we will have treasure in heaven.

Sadly, poverty has been taken for granted since ancient times. The need of our neighbours is blatantly ignored. Many people see it that it is their democratic right not to give. However, blessing the poor surely opens doors to the donators.

Let us recap: Where did it all start? Yea, right, of course, by judging people.

"We cannot live with you as our neighbour. " "Our reputation and standards are above yours."? See how dangerous religion and judging can be?

Does it sound familiar?

Shockingly, the term judge actually, as said, is part of the birth of poverty. People judge others and force their ideology upon them.

This term judge has thus long entered the world of politics. Politicians have, for centuries and worldwide, decided to classify people into race groups. They further restricted them to areas.

The South African political scene is a good example. Even though 'apartheid' has long been abolished, people are still feeling the effects of this system.

The system of apartheid was formed on the basis of religion. The idea of this system was to segregate people on the basis of the colour of their skins. The implementation of it was coupled with forced removals and violence. Christians of the 'white' race group believed that they were part of the chosen nation.

This system was not only limited to South Africa, but all over the world. The only difference was that some countries did not want to acknowledge it. They were just as guilty of segregating people. The United States of America is a good example.

This system of segregation has, on South African soil, led to thousands of people being moved to remote areas. An example is the forced removals from Cape Town`s District Six to Bonteheuwel on the outskirts of Cape Town.

District Six is just two minutes away from Cape Town`s Central Business District. Bonteheuwel is about 15 - 20 minutes drive to the CBD. The idea was to have them as far away from facilities as possible.

This contributed to dissatisfaction amongst the effected citizens. Eventually it led to violence amongst the citizens of that particular area. The distance to their areas of employment played a negative role. Workers were long hours away from their homes. Many siblings were thus for long periods without proper supervision.

Domestic problems crept in resulting in divorces, gangsterism and various forms of abuse. These aspects, together with poverty, became part of everyday life on the outlying areas of Cape Town. These incidents later rolled over to the squatter camps as mentioned earlier.This was as the government of the day hoped it to be.

The government`s plans of action actually forced people into poverty. As said, today we are still struggling with the effects of these actions.

Unfortunately, things are not going to get better as we are living in the end times.

Many countries governments, as mentioned earlier, are using poverty as part of their strategies to keep the masses away from prosperity. These people believe that prosperity should only belong to an elite group.

Is this the will of God? My opinion: Certainly not! What`s yours?

Alfonso lives in Mamre, South Africa and is married to Jean. Both are born - again Christians. Alfonso is a full - time minister of the Word and author of Christian materials.

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