A reflection on our countries and continent would discern some of the vices and affronts that have beset it. Among them is poverty and under development, more so, on the sub Saharan Africa. Such a reality would not only be reflected on any endeavour that seeks to propagate its agenda within the continent, but also slows the pace and projection of its impact. Meaning, any attempt geared towards fast tracking positive impact and improving any sphere of humanity must not gloss over the underlined issues.
The global position of Africa in economic and development fronts is tailing and pathetic. Poverty has continued to be a menace, a nasty replacement to the water crocodile, and a croc on drying land claiming millions, blurring vision, thwarting potential and leaving many hopeless. One poor African is quoted, “I know poverty because poverty was there before I was born and it has become part of life like the blood through my veins. Poverty is not going empty for a single day and getting something to eat the next day. Poverty is going empty with no hope for the future. Poverty is getting nobody to feel your pain and poverty is when your dreams go in vain because nobody is there to help you.. Poverty is when people accuse you and prosecute you for no fault of yours but who is there to say some for you? Poverty is when the hopes of your fathers and grandfathers just vanish within a blink of an eye”.
Dr. Savas Alpay writing for SESRTCIC reports, “Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is the only region in the world where poverty, in terms of proportion of the poor, has been rising over time and where the poor are relatively worse off than their counterparts in other parts of the world. With extremely low per capita GDP and savings rate, most countries in the region are in dire need of substantial public investment through external assistance to reverse the current poverty trends.” As growing Christian leaders of the continent, we must seek relevant ways of addressing the issue. We must not wallow in the miasma of deceit of a reduced gospel which only emphasizes the way of entering the kingdom (salvation) but neglects other aspects of God’s kingdom. Depicting Jesus who saves us and leaves us standing in the door of the kingdom, calling others to salvation. We have been called to be part of the wider community as salt and light of the world. It is George Kinoti of Kenya who says, “The wretchedness of the African people dishonors their Creator. Therefore every Christian has a moral responsibility to do their very best to correct the situation.” To such an end, we are equipping ourselves with the right Biblical perspective on money, wealth and business. The Bible study guide on the subject is ready and we are called upon to make copies at the same cost we incurred with challenge of ethnicity. You can forward the money for your copy.
The guide takes us in understanding issues like: What is God’s mind concerning money and wealth? Does God want his people poor or well to do? Has He given them resources to better their lives or not? And if yes, how would He have them go about it? The study will help us understand it in the light of the scripture. Welcome as we begin this journey of exploration.
By Gordon Odira
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