This Sunday I am preaching from Matthew 6:1-4. In preparation for that sermon, I have been doing research on world-wide poverty and it is heart-breaking. Pastors, preach the whole counsel of God’s Word. Encourage you people to give to the world, for to whom much is given much is required. We are a rich people and we should be channels of blessing for God’s resources. Below I’ve listed just a few of the figures I will be using on Sunday. I pray that it pricks your heart as it has mine.
- 2.7 million children die each year of pneumonia.
- 2 million children die each year of diarrhea.
- 80 % of humanity lives on less than $10 per day.
- 1.4 billion people live on less than 1.25 per day ($456.25 annually).
- The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the 41 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (567 million people) is less than the wealth of the world’s 7 richest people combined.
- 1 billion children live in poverty (1 in 2 children in the world). 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5 (or roughly 29,000 children per day).
Jesus said, “That which you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.” we need always to keep this in mind. Yesterday’s book review of Crazy Love is worth your while on this issue to because Francis Chan is seriously committed to the task of impacting global poverty.
