drunk on charity?

in a time when Christian missions has largely meant giving money to 'the poor people,' quick fixes of charity have made us feel good while probably causing more damage than help to the lives of 'the poor people,' as we've likely only reinforced the systems of poverty by postponing the development of sustainable lives with our quick fixes. ...in a time when Christians are getting drunk on charity while the homeless man rots on the street out front of the bar, we need a better understanding of what exactly Development, Relief and Justice are. the CRWRC (Christian Reformed World Relief Committeee) offers some helpful thoughts on these topics:

Transformational Development
In poor communities around the world and in North America, CRWRC works with local churches and organizations to bring about change. Our goal is complete community transformation to build up the Kingdom of God on earth. The thinking is this:

• A handout might help a family eat today. This is good.
• A job might help the family eat tomorrow. This is better.
• Owning a small business might help that family have a steady stream of income and growing assets. This is better still.
• Yet, living in a community where…

People gather to shape their future together
People work together on programs that will benefit their quality of life
Everyone’s gifts and talents are welcomed and put to use
Leaders are identified, developed, and affirmed
On-going learning leads to awareness, understanding, and improved lives
Justice prevails and laws protect
Civic life is active
Mercy is generous and flowing
Christians are asked to provide input based on biblical values will ensure that people and their neighbors have a lifetime of fruitful living. This is best of all.

...to read more, please go to the development story archives. Or read The Buzzzzz About Bees on the beekeeping industry in Kenya.

Providing Relief. Restoring Hope.
It’s remarkable. Hope somehow manages to exist even in the smallest, poorest villages of world. So when disaster threatens to wash food, life and hope away, CRWRC aims to be on the scene.

CRWRC Disaster Response Services and CRWRC International Relief respond quickly to suffering unleashed by both man-made and natural disasters. Paid and volunteer staff work together with local agencies to distribute food, medicine, blankets and temporary shelter, offering a practical testimony of the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Learn more about CRWRC relief work In North America and Around the World. One story to check out for sure is Relief finally becoming reality in Darfur on the building of latrines in Sudan.

Justice
CRWRC has learned that to really help people overcome poverty, we need to go beyond teaching and training to examine the structural issues that may be keeping people poor. Whether it is civil unrest, lack of knowledge about one's government, lack of land ownership, gender inequality, child labor, or international debt, many factors are at work to limit the potential of people around the world.

CRWRC is working with our partners to advocate for the oppressed and right some of these wrongs. Together, we also provide training in civil rights, human rights, peace-building, and Biblical justice.

Visit the CRC's Office of Social Justice and Hunger Action online. To read stories about CRWRC's justice programs, visit our story archives. A good one to start with is Shining Light on the Shadows .