As World AIDS Day approaches, Kim Buttonow discusses HIV/AIDS in Africa. The spread of the virus – and whom it affects – may surprise you. Kim shares stories of tragedy and hope in Africa, including this quote from a volunteer in Kenya: “The most important thing we offer to the community is not the skills …
Tag Archives: Christian development
PU 013: Thanksgiving in the Hard Places
Thankfulness among the poor. Are the poor thankful? For what? Listen to reports from people working with poor and marginalized people around the world. More listening options: Right-click to download.
PU 012: How to Secure God’s Blessing
In Isaiah 58, God promises to bless and guide those who serve the poor. Sins of commission vs. sins of omission Personal blessings and community blessings Answered prayer and guidance The spiritual discipline of fasting More listening options: Right-click to download.
PU 011: Equipping the Local Church
Local churches have the ability and responsibility to serve as agents of change in their communities. Celeste Brown of Food for the Hungry shares principles from the Church Strengthening Program in El Alto, Bolivia. Hunger Corps is the overseas missionary sending arm of Food for the Hungry. Biblical basis for congregations serving as agents of …
PU 010: Insights from a Short-term Team
An interview with Josh Kienzle on lessons learned from colonialism and taking the posture of a cross-cultural learner. Josh shares the location and characteristics of Mozambique, with special attention to the community of Mucodza, Mozambique. Who is the main character of a short-term mission trip? It should be God, not the team. (Mark 10) God …
PU 009: Learning from the Life of Christ
Five ways we can learn from Jesus’ posture in caring for the poor. Walking with God – Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:39 Identifying with People – John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11 Humility – Matthew 11:29 Loving people and appreciating culture – John 4:4-26 Serving in the periphery, advocating in the center Get your church involved on …
PU 008: Dependency
Today we look at how we can minister to the poor without taking over their lives, their communities, and their goals. There is a line between healthy reliance on other people (Galatians 6:2) and unhealthy dependency. Handouts send messages beyond the goal of charity. Playing God in the lives of the poor leads to a …
PU 007: Made in the Image of God
The poor are image-bearers of God, but well-meaning Christians sometimes send a different message. Scripture tells us that God made all people, rich and poor (Prov. 22:2). We also know from Scripture that all people were created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26, 27). More than a nice idea, this truth should impact our interactions with …
PU 006: Why People Stay Poor
Why is it so hard for people to pull themselves out of poverty? In this episode we consider how people change and what keeps them from changing. Conclusions are drawn for charitable giving. The change process: Life experience, followed by… Reflection, followed by… Decision, followed by… Action, followed by a new life experience. Obstacles to …
PU 005: The Transformation Toolkit
Four simple tools that facilitate holistic development. This episode features four tools to facilitate holistic development. These approaches are practical methods based on the foundational material from previous episodes. They can be used on a daily basis anywhere from villages in Peru to housing projects in Chicago. More listening options: Right-click to download. Ready for …