WithoutWax.tv by Pete Wilson | Tag Archive | poverty
Tag Archive - poverty

Can We Really End Poverty?

June 29, 2011 in Missions, Spiritual Growth with 22 Comments

What thought comes to your mind when you read this?

We CAN end poverty.

While I think most people like the idea of fighting poverty when it’s convenient, I seriously doubt many of us actually think it’s beatable.

What if I told you I believed it is possible for the Church to end extreme poverty in our lifetime?

What If I told you I believed it is time for our low expectations in the church to change?

I know the statistics are staggering and at times overwhelming but here’s the amazing news: extreme poverty is ending. In just 25 years the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has been cut in half. (52% to  26%)  And every statistic is showing momentum toward zero in our lifetime.

There’s an awesome new movement called 58.  I don’t know if you saw the USA Today article on this Monday, but I’m so excited this is getting national headlines. It’s not about coming around a brand but under the only banner that really matters – the name of Jesus Christ. And so we are coming together.

Do me a favor and check this out.  Just CLICK here for more information about 58.  “Like” the facebook page and then RT this post. Let’s see if we can’t get behind this as a community.

We CAN end poverty.

Dear Pete

July 22, 2008 in Cross Point Church, Dominican 08 Trip, God, Leadership, Missions, Religion with 32 Comments

Dear Pete,

I know this poverty is hard to see. Imagine how I must feel not only seeing it in that one location but seeing it across the world at all times. Imagine how I feel as I look down not on strangers but individuals I have created to reflect my glory that are living in such conditions. It’s heart breaking.

You ask why. I think you know why. If you dig deeper you will find that what you’re really asking is why aren’t you doing more. Why aren’t you using the influence I’ve given you to more effectively stomp out such poverty? Why aren’t you using your resources more generously to put a dent in this epidemic problem?

Pete, just be my hands and feet. Love as I have loved. Give as I have given. For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ (Duet 15:11)

In Kindness,

God

Dear God

July 21, 2008 in Church Planting, Cross Point Church, Dominican 08 Trip, God, Leadership, Missions, Religion with 34 Comments

Dear God,

After spending an afternoon in the Hole*, once again, I’m full of pain, confusions and tons of questions.

God, I just don’t get it. WHY?

Why are there so many kids that don’t have enough food to eat?

Why are families living in city dump and using trash to feed their kids and build their homes?

Why is their widespread incest and abuse here?

Why don’t you do something?

Why don’t you make this right?

Why?

your servant,

Pete

*The “hole” is a make shift community where hundreds of Dominican and Haitians live. The property was set aside as a city dump and place for sewage run off. It’s widespread with poverty, disease, and crime.

God Bless America?

June 26, 2008 in Church Leadership, Church Planting, Cross Point Church, God, Leadership, Missions, Religion with 87 Comments

I saw this bumper sticker the other day when I was walking into Blockbuster. It says, “My Pastor Says God Bless America.” Since seeing the bumper sticker I’ve discovered it’s linked to a political movement.

I want to be clear that I’m neither condemning nor endorsing this organization. I know nothing about it, but this bumper sticker just prompted the following thoughts.

I’m tired of praying “God Bless America.” Now, before you try to stone me at the county courthouse, let me clearly state, “I’m proud of our country.” I’m indebted to people who have served her to give me the freedoms I have. So we’re cool. I shoot fireworks off on the 4th and everything.

I’m just thinking this. It kind of looks like God has already blessed America. I kind of feel like maybe I should be praying “God thanks for already blessing America, so now I’m going to bless you.” Or maybe “God, thanks for already blessing America, so help me use your blessing to bless some others.” Or maybe just simply, “God bless Uganda.” I think they need it a little more than we do.

Around the world, some 26,500 children die every day (source: global issues.com)

That is equivalent to:

* 1 child dying every 3 seconds

* 18 children dying every minute

* A 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring every week* An Iraq-scale death toll every 15–36 days

* Almost 10 million children dying every year

* Some 60 million children dying between 2000 and 2006 Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day.

A friend sent me a video link yesterday from CNN. I dare you to CLICK HERE and watch this disturbing video where the parents walk away from their 11 year old boy leaving him in the custody of the government because they can’ afford to feed him. When I watched that little boys chin start to quiver as his mom walked away I just LOST IT.

So, I’m sorry if today I just can’t pray “God bless America”. But, make no mistake about it, I’m praying for Ahri and his family. I’m praying for the families of the almost 40 kids who have died in the time you’ve been reading this post.

Does this wreck you like it wrecks me?

my chaos,

Pete

Cross Point Campuses Partner

June 13, 2008 in Church Planting, Cross Point Church, God, Leadership, Missions, Multi Campus with 5 Comments

I’m so proud of the mission trip Ryan Bult led this past weekend. Ryan took a Cross Point missions team that consisted of people from both the Nashville and Dickson campuses. This is the first time both campuses have partnered together to serve and it was awesome. Further proof that Cross Point is ONE CHURCH that happens to meet in two locations.

These individuals took off for a weekend mission trip to Wheelright, KY. While there, they helped serve some local families by doing home renovations and making improvements to the ministry center there.

I’m so proud of both campuses for getting out there and serving in this way!