Tag Archives: churches

Four things any church can do to address global poverty

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Four things any church can do to address global poverty | World Vision Blog
Churches and pastors are often eager to respond to the problems of global poverty and injustice. Yet before they take steps to address these problems, pastors — like anyone else — want to know how they can make a difference. Because there are so many hurting people whose communities face complex obstacles, I’m frequently asked what one person or one church can do. If you’re a fellow church or ministry leader, you know that God doesn’t promise that the odds will always be in our favor when accomplishing the work He has set before us. When church leaders look today at the scale of global poverty, it’s easy to feel like the numbers are stacked against them. 1 billion people...
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I’ve met the face of AIDS

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I've met the face of AIDS
My name is Ange, and this is my story. The first time I stepped into Africa was in 2004. It was in Kitale, Kenya, on a mission trip. I met a young boy named Andrew. He captured my heart and my soul, and I still think about him often. The first time I “Stepped into Africa” was in 2007. It was at my church in Southern California. I met a boy named Kombo. He captured my heart and my soul, and I think about him often. I know both of these kids’ stories. I’ve seen where they live. I’ve seen their families. I’ve learned their stories. And I feel a strong connection and compassion for both of them. But what’s...
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Dreaming with Martin Luther King Jr.

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It was 48 years ago this week that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of his most famous speeches on the Mall in Washington D.C. His declaration, “I have a dream” remains one of the most stirring addresses in American history as well as a prophetic discourse opposing injustice and the continued oppression of grandchildren and great grandchildren of slaves. If Dr. King were to deliver his address again this year, I’m sure he would continue to see the need to speak out against the injustices that continue to oppress many black and other minority communities in the U.S. But I believe that Dr. King might also speak out against the injustices, oppression, and poverty that cause suffering in...
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Easter in Colombia

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Martha, 11, and Mara, 7, outside their home in Colombia during Lent. (WV)
Editor’s note: Celebrating Easter, including its preparation, is distinct to religious tradition and cultural custom. Candelaria, a World Vision community volunteer, and her daughters Martha and Mara describe how their family prepares and celebrates Easter according to Catholic tradition in Colombia. The following post was written by World Vision field communicators Ivon Curevo and Astrid Zacipa. There is a Wednesday ever year in which Candelaria, 29, and her husband Carlos, 46, go with their daughters Marta, 11, and Mara, 7, to the nearest Catholic Church to receive from the priest the imposition of the “Cross of Ashes”. “You are dust and to dust you shall become,” says the priest, while drawing the symbol of the cross on their foreheads with...
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My story: a hope-filled Sunday

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Jay's story | Hope Sunday (Photo courtesy of Jay Strum)
“What if they reject me?” Swallowing my fear and pride, I stood up and began to speak. I quietly prayed to myself for God to allow the words to flow out. Then as I spoke from my heart, I knew exactly what to say. I had a few reservations when I learned that I could share about World Vision’s child sponsorship program at my church.......
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