Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
At the age of eight years, Kelvin was abandoned and homeless. He lived on the streets, barefoot and dressed in rags, fearful of the abuse and violence he witnessed every day. Hunger pains constantly gnawed at his stomach. Life seemed hopeless.
Tragically, Kelvin’s story is not an uncommon one in Tanzania. Many communities lack electricity, clean water, and medical care. Girls and young women often face the horrors of child marriage and female genital mutilation. Thousands of children are malnourished, face extreme poverty, are forced into child labor, and suffer from horrific abuse.
City of Hope exists for children like Kelvin. Along with many other children, he is now safe and cared for by our loving staff, experiencing God’s love as he looks forward to a future full of hope and opportunity.
Research shows that poverty has long-lasting damage: it is correlated with lower executive functioning, a lack of education, higher rates of illness and depression, and a shorter life span (APA).
God’s desire is that there be no more poor people. He has a special love for the poor, the marginalized, the refugees, widows, and orphans. Throughout the Bible, God responds to the cries of the oppressed. He sees all of the injustice in the world and the pain and suffering of every individual.
As followers of Christ, therefore, we are called to take action against injustice.
God has commanded us to serve the poor and encourages us to share His heart for them. We must speak up for the vulnerable and pray for those in need. The Bible is clear on this subject: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).
If we are to be “doers” and not just “hearers” of the Word of God, then we have to take poverty seriously.
HopeCo is committed to helping vulnerable children and families break out of poverty. We do this through rescuing at-risk children like Kelvin from abuse, providing quality medical care to thousands of people each year, equipping kids with quality education, and empowering vulnerable women with skills needed to earn an income.
There’s a part for you to play, too. Will you love poor and oppressed children, families, and communities as Jesus does?
You can help break the cycle for children!
Pray with us for vulnerable children and families trapped in poverty in Tanzania. You can download a prayer guide below that may be helpful as you pray for these precious kids and their families.
Partner with HopeCo to see lives transformed and communities flourishing. You could sponsor a child in need, support our schools, or give the community access to health care by supporting Amani Medical Center.
Come and see all that God is doing at City of Hope by serving on a mission team!
Micah 6:8 sums it up: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
