Main Idea
Poverty is not only about a lack of resources but is primarily caused by broken relationships with God, self, others, and creation. Poverty alleviation, then, must center on relational reconciliation. Efforts that focus on relief over development can hurt the poor more than it helps.
Understanding the true cause of poverty prevents helpers from treating symptoms only or providing relief for the wrong problems. When understood, the correct intervention of relief, rehabilitation, or development can be humbly offered. In the process, the materially poor are equipped and empowered to use their God-given talents and gifts to glorify God in work, while allowing their families to enjoy the fruit of that work.
The foundation concepts, principles, and strategies presented in this book will help pastors, missions leaders, and anyone interested in poverty alleviation to maximize their efforts in helping the poor.
Many people want to help those in poverty. However, most efforts for poverty alleviation are based on the foundational idea that the poor only need more resources. This is not true. Poverty alleviation involves much more than resource allocation. Instead, poverty alleviation requires restoring relationships and long-term development.
The paradigms of poverty alleviation need to change so that the poor are empowered and equipped to help themselves escape poverty. Otherwise, the poor are either made to be dependent upon the helper, and their poverty is perpetuated, or they are enabled to continue making choices that have contributed to their poverty. Cultural differences need to be understood in order to find the best way of helping the poor in other countries.
Any person who wishes to impact poverty will greatly benefit from this book. It will challenge conventional wisdom that has proven to unintentionally create poverty rather than alleviate it. Sometimes good intentions have resulted in injury both to those being helped as well as the helper.
