THE
CURE FOR WORLD POVERTY

Topics: Cost; Finances; Generosity; Giving; Materialism; Missions; Needs; Poverty; Social Action; Stewardship; Tithing

References: Deuteronomy 15:11; Proverbs 11:25; 22:9; Malachi 3:8–10; 2 Corinthians 9:5–11; 1 Timothy 6:8

If church members in the United States increased their giving to 10 percent of their income, there could be an additional $86 billion available for overseas missions. And according to researchers John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, founders of Empty Tomb, Inc., in Champaign, Illinois, that amount of money would meet the most essential human needs around the world.

“Projects for clean water and sanitation, prenatal and infant/maternal care, basic education, immunizations, and long-term development efforts are among the activities that could help overcome the poverty conditions that now kill and maim so many children and adults,” the Ronsvalles say.

—Craig L. Blomberg, Preaching the Parables (Baker, 2004); statistics from www.emptytomb.com