Over the past several years, God has been dealing with me regarding world poverty. I have learned that the average North American enjoys a standard of living that has been unimaginable for most of human history.
As North American Christians, we are the wealthiest Christians in the history of the Church. Our society’s vast wealth presents us with an enormous responsibility, for throughout the Scriptures God’s people are commanded to show compassion to the poor. In fact, doing so is simply part of our job description as followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46).
Thinking about such important issues as these have led me to read and study many books, attend seminars, talk to people and lead our church in new areas. “The Hole in Our Gospel” was one such book that has influenced me greatly. Now my wife Karen and I, and others in our church, are sponsoring children in Uganda, East Africa, through World Vision.
God continues to work on my heart and mind. What about generational poverty here in the U.S., specifically here in east Kinston? What can I, what can we, do about it, if anything? What is our calling as followers of Jesus Christ in this matter? I have no easy answers, just lots of questions.
Like world poverty, we can’t do everything; but we can do one thing. What can we do to help alleviate generational poverty here in our country?
The one thing I have decided to do is to partner with an organization called “Jobs for Life.” JfL partners with churches and organizations to enable unemployed and underemployed individuals to obtain and maintain meaningful employment.
The JfL process seeks to transform lives and communities through the dignity of work. In doing so, JfL offers a unique solution to poverty and joblessness in communities and individuals across the country.
The heart of the process is the JfL class. It consists of 16 sessions and teaches timeless biblical principles concerning work and the ways those principles are applied in the marketplace. The class takes the students on a journey to discover who they are, their unique value, and the principles they need to overcome roadblocks in their lives.
Plans are under way to establish two JfL sites in Kinston — one at Spilman Baptist Church and the other at The Gate. If you are interested in participating with us in some way, or just want more information, please contact me and let’s talk.
God is at work here in our community. He wants to use you and me to further His Kingdom here in Kinston and around the world.
The Rev. Randy Outland is pastor of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church in Kinston. Reach him at droutland@gmail.com.
