april 2012
CityLight.org 33
W
hen you can't buy shoes for your
children, that may be poverty.
When you can't afford medicine
for the treatment of common illnesses, that
may be poverty. When you can't afford to
send your kids to the larger town and there
is no high school in your town, that may be
poverty. When you can't afford 6 Bolivianos
a day (less than one American dollar) so your
young children can get food and childcare for
7 hours a day, that may be poverty. These indi-
cations of poverty all
exist in the small vil-
lage of less than 2000
residents called San
Lorenzo de Moxos in
the Beni province of
Bolivia, SA. I recently
returned having deliv-
ered some shoes, some
clothing, some Bible
teaching, some coun-
sel and some of the
love of Jesus Christ.
The physical needs
are great, but the spiritual needs are even
greater. There is little that is more sad
than trying to fine joy and peace in the
"fun" of a fiesta. There is some temporary
happiness among friends but no deep
inner joy or real peace. Lots of party-
ing does not bring peace. Lots of loud
rhythmic music does not bring peace.
Lots of parades and veneration of the
town saint does not bring peace.
Peace and joy can be found even if physi-
cal poverty is great. As Jesus said, "the
poor you will have with you always." Care
for the poor, of course, but even more
importantly show those same people the
path to joy and peace. Jesus said that
worship is more important than help-
ing the poor. We don't usually have to
choose between these two, but we know
that poverty can be alleviated outwardly
but the inner person can be in as must
spiritual distress
on a "full stomach"
or on an "empty
stomach."
So show them what
a real relationship
is with the God of
the universe and
s i m u l t a n e o u s l y
show them how
to overcome their
poverty, even as you
help them fill their
"empty stomachs."
In doing these you will show the love of
Christ and the reason for His sacrifice
on the cross. In doing these you will
show that you are tenderhearted and not
so selfish. Your own peace and joy will
grow as you inwardly hear the precious
words of our Heavenly Father. "Well
done, good and faithful servant."
Happy caring for the poor! Happy worship.
J
ed
n. s
nyder
, d. M
in
.
Founder/President
Jesus Every Day Ministries, Inc. | www.jedministries.com
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...
POVERTY
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POVERTY