How Modern Day Missionaries Are Making an Impact on the Plight of Child Poverty
Say the word “missionaries” to most people and they’ll probably give you the standard reply of, “Oh, that’s someone who knocks on my door wanting to talk about God, right?”
Wrong.
Modern day missionaries are very different from the stereotypical image that most people have of them. Modern day missionaries are committed not only to their faith, but also to upholding the Christian values of charity, love and helping those who need it most. They work tirelessly in some of the poorest parts of the world to help those trapped in a spiral of poverty. In addition, they help the most vulnerable of all the children.
Child poverty is a growing crisis. UNICEF reports that more than 1 billion people survive on less than a dollar a day. That means millions of children are living in abject poverty, unable to access decent medical treatment, education or even clean drinking water. The problem is so enormous that aid charities alone have difficulty coping. This is where modern day missionaries often step in.
A long term solution
The problem with a lot of charitable aid is that it is used as a “fire fighting” approach only going in when the situation is dire and often almost beyond control. Because of this short term approach, many aid organizations struggle to tackle the root causes of child poverty, a lack of sustainable progress, long term development, and rebuilding communities. Missionaries are there for the long haul. Their commitment is to the community they’re assigned to, acting as a focal point, mentor, doctor and teacher for everyone who needs their help.
Missionaries do not discriminate on the grounds of belief. Yes, they are there to spread the message of hope Jesus Christ can bring, but not in a way that indoctrinates their charges. Rather, they put the teachings of the Bible to practical, everyday use. Such teachings may include forgiveness, where communities have been torn apart by war, or accepting those who are sick, such as the millions of HIV and AIDS victims in sub Saharan Africa. With a concerted effort by everyone, child poverty and its root causes can become a thing of the past.
Making a difference with child poverty
Modern day missionaries don’t turn anyone away. Any child or adult in need is welcomed and brought into a safe environment where they can start to piece their lives back together, even if that’s something as simple as inoculating children against common childhood diseases such as mumps or measles. They’re helping communities build schools so that children can be educated out of child poverty, and have the chance to make a difference in their country and their communities as well as in their own lives. Missionaries are primarily concerned with making sure these people are safe, fed and cared for. Once the practicalities of existence have been dealt with, then they can talk about God.
God’s wisdom is seen in the actions of the missionaries; it’s what they do every day to preserve that most precious of things life. In countries where one of the biggest problems may be a language barrier, modern day missionaries speak a universal language of love, compassion and caring for the people around them. In addition, they are making a real difference in the lives of children in poverty. That can be teaching the Psalms or something as simple as a hug and some reassurance to a frightened child.
So, next time missionaries knock on your door, ask them in for a coffee. You never know they may actually have something to say that inspires you to help end extreme child poverty.