I am having trouble understand why Christians love to think that it is OK that the ministry of God can be cheap or even free.
For example, you work as a missionary doctor for the church and you will earn only Php 20,000 a month ($500) and people will tell you that is OK because it is for God's ministry anyway.
Or a church member will tell you, let us get Church Member A as our accountant for the School because we can ask her to waive her professional fee or lower her PF, after all this can be her ministry.
Many other similar examples exist and all will tell you that ministry can be done with little expenses or for free. Of course that is a great strategy if you do not have the budget for your ministry.
And that is my problem. Too little money is spent in the ministry. It is like ministry can be cheap. Ministry then becomes a cheap ministry.
I look at how we spend for our different ministries as a symbol of the value we give to God's ministry. A cheap ministry is not a valued ministry. If you are willing to pay only Php 20,000 to your missionary doctor then you are not only telling the doctor that his value as a missionary is only that much compared to other doctors also healing the sick. If you want to waive the PF of the accountant you are not only telling the accountant that her value is only that much compared to other CPAs. Of course, the missionary doctor and the CPA will think that they have a lesser value than their counterparts. More than that, you are telling them that the ministry the doctor and the CPA are involved are not valued as much as well. The ministry they do is not as important as others.
Bo Sanchez wrote in his book The Abundance Formula that "money is merely a symbol of value." If he is correct, then how much you pay your missionaries is also how much you value them. How much you are willing to spend and put a budget on your ministry is also how much you value the ministry of God. Of course, there is more value to people than what money can pay them. But if we live our spiritual life in the context of the world, for we do not live in a vacuum, then in the language of monetary value our ministry is a cheap ministry.
... somewhere between these two schools of thought, they intersect...
Showing posts with label World Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Vision. Show all posts
Monday, March 3, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
100 Days after the Supertyphoon Yolanda: What is missing in building back better?
The strategy of building back better is not enough.
I had a talk with a survivor of Supertyphoon Yolanda and I was blessed by her words.
She said thank you for the work World Vision is doing in affected areas including Leyte and in rebuilding their town. But she said, the call to "build back better" is scary. She is afraid that the people are building back better the houses that were destroyed, the facilities, the businesses, the systems and other materials things damaged by the supertyphoon and that that may also be the focus of Christian NGOs and FBOs as well.
She said that Yolanda happened and became a wake up call for the people about their sins. People have recognized that their behaviors and their actions were sinful in that they destroyed the environment, they cut down trees to make way for rice fields, coco farms and factories, they failed to give value to human lives and the environment more than monetary profit, that they have forgotten to worship God and worked even on Sundays to earn more, to sell all the harvest from the crops to earn more and forgot to return to God part of the harvest, and many other sinful ways and acts. They have made profit their idols and turned away from God.
She is scared that when people will build back better, is that they will build back only a better worldly structure but they will not build back a better moral values and spirituality. That people will forget that their crooked ways and sinful life that led to risky actions and behaviors will not be better than before. That people will forget to rebuild their spiritual life.
Supertyphoon Yolanda had a big impact on the spirituality of the people. But the efforts in rebuilding the affected areas with the physical structures is not enough if the spiritual decay of the people is not rebuilt to be better. We are reminded, "Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)
I had a talk with a survivor of Supertyphoon Yolanda and I was blessed by her words.
She said thank you for the work World Vision is doing in affected areas including Leyte and in rebuilding their town. But she said, the call to "build back better" is scary. She is afraid that the people are building back better the houses that were destroyed, the facilities, the businesses, the systems and other materials things damaged by the supertyphoon and that that may also be the focus of Christian NGOs and FBOs as well.
She said that Yolanda happened and became a wake up call for the people about their sins. People have recognized that their behaviors and their actions were sinful in that they destroyed the environment, they cut down trees to make way for rice fields, coco farms and factories, they failed to give value to human lives and the environment more than monetary profit, that they have forgotten to worship God and worked even on Sundays to earn more, to sell all the harvest from the crops to earn more and forgot to return to God part of the harvest, and many other sinful ways and acts. They have made profit their idols and turned away from God.
She is scared that when people will build back better, is that they will build back only a better worldly structure but they will not build back a better moral values and spirituality. That people will forget that their crooked ways and sinful life that led to risky actions and behaviors will not be better than before. That people will forget to rebuild their spiritual life.
Supertyphoon Yolanda had a big impact on the spirituality of the people. But the efforts in rebuilding the affected areas with the physical structures is not enough if the spiritual decay of the people is not rebuilt to be better. We are reminded, "Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Thank you from the Philippines
The Philippines is one in showing gratitude to the whole world for their solidarity and support to us.
Three months after the biggest Typhoon of 2013 hit the Philippines, we are slowly recovering.
I could not forget the gratitude of the Barangay Captain in an isolated town in Leyte when we came to visit them. He was so thankful for the simple presence of our group. When all the other towns and barangays were getting support, the people in their community were wondering if help will ever come. I could see his face lit up when he saw our group. He said that their isolation for several days made him wonder if people care about them. That was why he was happy for the simple fact that people are coming their way to see how they are doing. "We felt God's love through your presence."
It is indeed a great blessing to know that people care for you. Just knowing that people are concerned about your situation is already something to be grateful. A simple, "kumusta?" goes a long way. The outpouring of support is overwhelming. The Filipino people are resilient because they have felt God did not leave them and still love them through the people who were willing channels of blessing.
More than the material support, the time and the effort we have received, the care and love you have shown is most appreciated.
To the biggest companies, governments or charitable organization up to the little kid who broke his piggy bank and the children who wrote their prayers for the Philippines... Thank you.
Three months after the biggest Typhoon of 2013 hit the Philippines, we are slowly recovering.
I could not forget the gratitude of the Barangay Captain in an isolated town in Leyte when we came to visit them. He was so thankful for the simple presence of our group. When all the other towns and barangays were getting support, the people in their community were wondering if help will ever come. I could see his face lit up when he saw our group. He said that their isolation for several days made him wonder if people care about them. That was why he was happy for the simple fact that people are coming their way to see how they are doing. "We felt God's love through your presence."
It is indeed a great blessing to know that people care for you. Just knowing that people are concerned about your situation is already something to be grateful. A simple, "kumusta?" goes a long way. The outpouring of support is overwhelming. The Filipino people are resilient because they have felt God did not leave them and still love them through the people who were willing channels of blessing.
More than the material support, the time and the effort we have received, the care and love you have shown is most appreciated.
To the biggest companies, governments or charitable organization up to the little kid who broke his piggy bank and the children who wrote their prayers for the Philippines... Thank you.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
A Penny's Worth: The story of a husband, father and a brother during the Haiyan Supertyphoon
As we mark the third month since Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, I want to share the story of Mark whose journey made him realize the real value of money.
In one barangay where we put up a Women and young Children Space, a young mother named Hope (not her real name) shared the story of her husband (Mark). Hope said her husband is now bedridden after what she claimed was a traumatic experience for Mark (but I will reserve that for another story). She began by sharing that she and her husband Mark were local entrepreneurs who worked hard to provide a decent life for their family. But when Supertyphoon Haiyan hit their village they realized the real value of money. She said that during the supertyphoon, her husband was separated from them. She and all her children were able to find shelter in one of the elementary classrooms while her husband Mark still went to the field to make sure the coconuts were safe in the storage area. Mark then found shelter in the day care center which was about 20 meters away from the classroom. But the classroom was not going to withstand the supertyphoon and Hope was quick to decide that they had to run across the street and find shelter instead in the barangay hall. Mark was not able to see his family leave the classroom but he did saw how its roof was torn to pieces by the storm and the classroom walls collapsing slowly. People were screaming in fear and Mark wanted to run in the middle of the storm thinking his family was inside the classroom. Mark was held by his siblings telling him it was not safe for him. Mark was crying and he was emotional throughout the whole morning as he was calling out his wife and his children. He was repentant for making the crops safe first instead of joining his family and securing their safety. Mark could not be calmed the whole morning. When the wind mellowed a little, he ran into the classroom and was relieved to find out that his family was safe in the barangay hall.
The next day, Mark and 2 of his brothers decided to go to Tacloban to check on the condition of their youngest sister and other family members. They joined some other men from their village. They made sure they have enough money for whatever incidental expenses they might incur during that visit. They left their village at dawn to catch the early bus trip going to Tacloban. But they realized that no vehicle will be able to travel the highway with all the debris scattered on the road. Being physically fit and able, Mark and the other men from their village decided to walk the 40 kilometer stretch to reach Tacloban. What they did not expect was the horror they will encounter in the journey and the emotional and mental anguish it will have on them.
Hope recalled that Mark told him how he felt helpless during that long walk to Tacloban. Mark can only feel pity for the lifeless children and women lying on the roadside, over some trees and together with the debris. Mark shared to his wife how he felt thinking these children and women could have been his family. He wanted to help them but the money he had in his pocket could not be of any value for them. Mark felt helpless.
The day long walk made Mark and the other men hungry. They did not bring any packed lunch thinking they could buy some food along the way with the money they prepared in their pockets.
They did not expect the extent of the damage to the properties and livelihood of the people in Leyte. No store was open. No food. No water. There was nothing to buy. Money has no value.
When they arrived at Tacloban, Mark and the other men went straight to the boarding house where their sister and other relatives were staying. The boarding house was totally destroyed. The owner was there but she did not know the whereabouts of her boarders. She was grieving for the loss of her property that she had invested in. It has no more value. She spent millions of pesos to invest on her rental business but it was all gone in just a matter of minutes. All her invested efforts, time and money were for naught.
Mark was not able to find his sister. They searched the city of possible whereabouts of his sister. Other people were there too searching in evacuation centers, makeshift hospitals and worst, in the pile of dead bodies. People from all walks of life were there searching just like Mark. Mark and the men were tired. They had money but it could not buy anything. Money had no value. Mark reflected how the rich and the poor were made equal by the supertyphoon.
Mark and the men took another long day to walk back home to their village. In that journey, they realized what was really important in life and the real worth of a penny.
In one barangay where we put up a Women and young Children Space, a young mother named Hope (not her real name) shared the story of her husband (Mark). Hope said her husband is now bedridden after what she claimed was a traumatic experience for Mark (but I will reserve that for another story). She began by sharing that she and her husband Mark were local entrepreneurs who worked hard to provide a decent life for their family. But when Supertyphoon Haiyan hit their village they realized the real value of money. She said that during the supertyphoon, her husband was separated from them. She and all her children were able to find shelter in one of the elementary classrooms while her husband Mark still went to the field to make sure the coconuts were safe in the storage area. Mark then found shelter in the day care center which was about 20 meters away from the classroom. But the classroom was not going to withstand the supertyphoon and Hope was quick to decide that they had to run across the street and find shelter instead in the barangay hall. Mark was not able to see his family leave the classroom but he did saw how its roof was torn to pieces by the storm and the classroom walls collapsing slowly. People were screaming in fear and Mark wanted to run in the middle of the storm thinking his family was inside the classroom. Mark was held by his siblings telling him it was not safe for him. Mark was crying and he was emotional throughout the whole morning as he was calling out his wife and his children. He was repentant for making the crops safe first instead of joining his family and securing their safety. Mark could not be calmed the whole morning. When the wind mellowed a little, he ran into the classroom and was relieved to find out that his family was safe in the barangay hall.
The next day, Mark and 2 of his brothers decided to go to Tacloban to check on the condition of their youngest sister and other family members. They joined some other men from their village. They made sure they have enough money for whatever incidental expenses they might incur during that visit. They left their village at dawn to catch the early bus trip going to Tacloban. But they realized that no vehicle will be able to travel the highway with all the debris scattered on the road. Being physically fit and able, Mark and the other men from their village decided to walk the 40 kilometer stretch to reach Tacloban. What they did not expect was the horror they will encounter in the journey and the emotional and mental anguish it will have on them.
Hope recalled that Mark told him how he felt helpless during that long walk to Tacloban. Mark can only feel pity for the lifeless children and women lying on the roadside, over some trees and together with the debris. Mark shared to his wife how he felt thinking these children and women could have been his family. He wanted to help them but the money he had in his pocket could not be of any value for them. Mark felt helpless.
The day long walk made Mark and the other men hungry. They did not bring any packed lunch thinking they could buy some food along the way with the money they prepared in their pockets.
They did not expect the extent of the damage to the properties and livelihood of the people in Leyte. No store was open. No food. No water. There was nothing to buy. Money has no value.
When they arrived at Tacloban, Mark and the other men went straight to the boarding house where their sister and other relatives were staying. The boarding house was totally destroyed. The owner was there but she did not know the whereabouts of her boarders. She was grieving for the loss of her property that she had invested in. It has no more value. She spent millions of pesos to invest on her rental business but it was all gone in just a matter of minutes. All her invested efforts, time and money were for naught.
Mark was not able to find his sister. They searched the city of possible whereabouts of his sister. Other people were there too searching in evacuation centers, makeshift hospitals and worst, in the pile of dead bodies. People from all walks of life were there searching just like Mark. Mark and the men were tired. They had money but it could not buy anything. Money had no value. Mark reflected how the rich and the poor were made equal by the supertyphoon.
Mark and the men took another long day to walk back home to their village. In that journey, they realized what was really important in life and the real worth of a penny.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Are you the one who is to come?
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. The Gospel lesson comes from Matthew 11:2-11. This is a timely story to tell for all of us doing relief and rehabilitation in Leyte for the Typhoon Yolanda affected areas.
The story is about the disciples of John who went to ask Jesus if he is the messiah or is it somebody else. They know he is doing great things, helping the people, healing the sick, feeding the hungry and water to the thirsty. Yet, they are not sure if he is the messiah. John was pretty sure that his cousin, Jesus, was the anointed one by the Holy Spirit because he baptized Jesus himself. But, John is now in prison and he has doubts.
John has doubts. Whenever things go wrong, we doubt God. We are Christians, and likeJohn we believe in God. But, when things go wrong we doubt and ask, why would God let it happen to us if he loves us? Why would God let the corrupt suffer if he is just? Why would God allowed destruction if he is powerful?
We are like John, we have also doubts. Especially whenever we are in prison, like John. The bad things that happen to us could be considered our prison. Our prison could be financial burden, failed relationships, unrealized goals and targets and being sick or a love one with poor health. We focus on our situation and we fail to recognize who God is.
Why did John doubt if Jesus was really the messiah? Because John was expecting Jesus as the messiah to be able to help him. John had expectations of Jesus and they were not met. Expectations were big, and when they are not met, they fall big.
We believe in God and expect God to do certain things as our God. When our expectations of what our God should be able to do are not accomplished, we doubt if God and ask why did he allow it to happen?
The strategic targets for our organizations, the cluster targets and other deliverable are not according to our expectations. We are frustrated because we know we are doing this as part of God's ministry to the little children and their families. We doubt God because God is not helping us accomplish our plans.
We forget that God works according to God's own plan and not on our plan. God is expected to do the things God plans to do and not on our expectations and plans. We are blinded by our prison that we could not see the whole picture just as God does.
Whenever we are in doubt because our expectations of God's rewards for our hardwork, God's blessings on our faithfulness, and all the other expectations were not met, let us remember that God remains a God. And God is working according to God's masterplan which is better than ours.
The story is about the disciples of John who went to ask Jesus if he is the messiah or is it somebody else. They know he is doing great things, helping the people, healing the sick, feeding the hungry and water to the thirsty. Yet, they are not sure if he is the messiah. John was pretty sure that his cousin, Jesus, was the anointed one by the Holy Spirit because he baptized Jesus himself. But, John is now in prison and he has doubts.
John has doubts. Whenever things go wrong, we doubt God. We are Christians, and likeJohn we believe in God. But, when things go wrong we doubt and ask, why would God let it happen to us if he loves us? Why would God let the corrupt suffer if he is just? Why would God allowed destruction if he is powerful?
We are like John, we have also doubts. Especially whenever we are in prison, like John. The bad things that happen to us could be considered our prison. Our prison could be financial burden, failed relationships, unrealized goals and targets and being sick or a love one with poor health. We focus on our situation and we fail to recognize who God is.
Why did John doubt if Jesus was really the messiah? Because John was expecting Jesus as the messiah to be able to help him. John had expectations of Jesus and they were not met. Expectations were big, and when they are not met, they fall big.
We believe in God and expect God to do certain things as our God. When our expectations of what our God should be able to do are not accomplished, we doubt if God and ask why did he allow it to happen?
The strategic targets for our organizations, the cluster targets and other deliverable are not according to our expectations. We are frustrated because we know we are doing this as part of God's ministry to the little children and their families. We doubt God because God is not helping us accomplish our plans.
We forget that God works according to God's own plan and not on our plan. God is expected to do the things God plans to do and not on our expectations and plans. We are blinded by our prison that we could not see the whole picture just as God does.
Whenever we are in doubt because our expectations of God's rewards for our hardwork, God's blessings on our faithfulness, and all the other expectations were not met, let us remember that God remains a God. And God is working according to God's masterplan which is better than ours.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Update 10 on Supertyphoon Haiyan
"Breastmilk is the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants and young children and it protects them from infection and its consequences. Especially in disaster situations like in affected Visayas communities, optimum breastfeeding gives infants and young children continued nourishment anytime; avoids risks of using contaminated water and materials; and gives protection from illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory ailments, which can be fatal in such situations.
However, uncontrolled distribution of breastmilk substitutes like infant formulas to affected families can lead to early and unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding. This could have dire consequences. Donation of breastmilk substitutes, especially during disasters, in fact, is illegal in our country. Relief assistance emphasis for infant and young children should be on protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding and ensuring timely, safe and appropriate complementary feeding."
Several civil society organizations in the Philippines like World Vision, Save the Children, ACF, Plan International and coalitions like KAIN has issued statements supporting the use of human breastmilk during emergencies. Let us not allow milk companies to influence our government in watering down the effective Milk Code of the Philippines (EO 51) that will allow them to donate milk to advance their agenda.
Please continue to help our brothers and sisters but avoid donating milk formulas to anybody. We want to give with integrity. We want to be faithful stewards of God. We want to give the best, and the best and practical for babies are human breastmilk.
To send help, contact Office of the Bishop - DEA or UMCOR.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Update 9 on Supertyphoon Haiyan
Update 9 - More than two weeks have passed since Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines. Many have contributed to the relief work in Tacloban. Some have courageously went to the field to help. Most have contributed to fund raising cmpaings. One way or another, helped has been offered. Thank you. But after the relief efforts in the previous days has been done, the real work in rebuilding begins.
The government has now transitioned to the early recovery phase of the affected areas. It comes at a time when relief teams are starting to leave the area, when most medical missions are over and the media has started to shift focus on other equally important news topics. But the internally displaced people still needs support. The affected areas still needs help as they rehabilitate. This is where community development organizations from the religious groups, CSOs and other individuals make a great impact (and oftentimes away from the limelight).
If you feel called to help in this rehab phase please contact Office of the Bishop- DEA or UMCOR.
The government has now transitioned to the early recovery phase of the affected areas. It comes at a time when relief teams are starting to leave the area, when most medical missions are over and the media has started to shift focus on other equally important news topics. But the internally displaced people still needs support. The affected areas still needs help as they rehabilitate. This is where community development organizations from the religious groups, CSOs and other individuals make a great impact (and oftentimes away from the limelight).
If you feel called to help in this rehab phase please contact Office of the Bishop- DEA or UMCOR.
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| Photos by Rev. Bayani Alkuino |
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Update 6 on Supertyphoon Haiyan
Update 6 - Different local United Methodist Churches in the Philippines has helped in responding to affected church members and fellow Filipinos in general. Donations in cash and in kind were sent to the Office of the Bishop in their respective Episcopal Areas and through UMCOR Philippines. Even little children during their Sunday Schools are helping in their own little way by inspiring and praying for all the victims. A little inspiration can be very big as the government has stepped up efforts to address the mental health and psychosocial concerns of the affected population. A local reported shared how a father has been frequenting for 5 days now and wandering aimlessly in the same street in downtown Tacloban while crying and shouting several names (probably his children). Another young woman was noted to be circling around the rubble of her house while half-naked, dirty and in obvious state of shock. No one seems to take notice of them as most people are scrambling for whatever food and water is available in the area.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Update 5 on Supertyphoon Haiyan
Update
5 - The two missing United Methodist pastors in Tacloban City, Leyte
are reported to be okay and their family is now in Ormoc City. Rev. Iris Picardal, who is still in Tacloban,
and Ptr. Lito Luana are now safe but some of their family members
remained missing. Affected residents of Tacloban City and nearby areas
are moving out of the typhoon-affected areas into Manila and other key
cities due to lack of food and water. Relief workers
are having a difficult time distributing the goods because most of the
roads are still scattered with debris. The government has hold-off the
coming in of aide workers and Foreign Medical Teams (FMT) because of the
scarce supply in the area. The government is asking the aide workers to
be self-sufficient if they want to help in the affected areas.
You can send your donations to UMCOR or Office of the Bishop - DEA bank account. Bank of the Philippine Islands: The United Methodist Church-Davao Episcopal Area, acc. no. 2084-0457-59, Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Update: (Nov 29, 2013)
Pastor Iris P. Terrana and her son Jayden.... the whole family is safe and in high spirit as the Lord covered them with His Divine protection during the super typhoon... their small house was amazingly un-scratched while houses in the neighborhood big and small were all blown away... Praise God...
You can send your donations to UMCOR or Office of the Bishop - DEA bank account. Bank of the Philippine Islands: The United Methodist Church-Davao Episcopal Area, acc. no. 2084-0457-59, Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Update: (Nov 29, 2013)
 |
| Photos by Rev. Bayani Alkuino |
Pastor Iris P. Terrana and her son Jayden.... the whole family is safe and in high spirit as the Lord covered them with His Divine protection during the super typhoon... their small house was amazingly un-scratched while houses in the neighborhood big and small were all blown away... Praise God...
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Update 3 on Supertyphoon Haiyan in the Philippines
Update 3 - Two United Methodist pastors in Tacloban are still missing as of 7:00 pm today, Nov 13, 2013. DS David Dacaya Cosmiano
reported that their church members has not yet receive any
communication from Rev. Iris Picardal and family and Pastor Lito Luana
and family. The UMC in Tacloban was destroyed by the Supertyphoon.
Members described the city as a virtual mudwaste with a smell of death. Meanwhile, DS Cosmiano happily shared that his son Dzey-ahr Cosmiano texted them informing them that he is well.
On the otherhand, DS Irene Respuesto shared that members in Negros had their livelihood and farm fields destroyed. The government has appealed for support in other affected areas other than Tacloban. DS Roy Tibalbag also shared that churches in Aklan need help but because the area do not get enough media mileage, support has not been received. Local government officials in Panay and Negros needs food as their supply is also getting low. Food and non-food items donations are most welcome.
You can send your help to UMCOR or to the Office of the Bishop-DEA.
On the otherhand, DS Irene Respuesto shared that members in Negros had their livelihood and farm fields destroyed. The government has appealed for support in other affected areas other than Tacloban. DS Roy Tibalbag also shared that churches in Aklan need help but because the area do not get enough media mileage, support has not been received. Local government officials in Panay and Negros needs food as their supply is also getting low. Food and non-food items donations are most welcome.
You can send your help to UMCOR or to the Office of the Bishop-DEA.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Three Steps To Know How Education Reduces Poverty
Countless research have shown evidence on the impact of education in reducing poverty. This is the reason why NGOs, CSOs and the national governments have intensified their efforts to strengthen the education of its population. The Global Partnership for Education has reported that:
- If all students in low income countries left school with basic reading skills there will be a 12% cut in global poverty.
- One extra year of schooling increases an individual's earnings by up to 10%.
- Wages, income and productivity are higher where women receive a better education.
So where is God in the equation? Is education really reducing poverty or is there a powerful God working at this and uses education as the tool for reducing poverty? Philippians 2:13 reminds us that "it is God who works" and not just us or our knowledge or education in itself. God is at work.
This Children's Month, we must educate children about the work of God in reducing poverty. We must emphasize that God loves people so much that God educates them and gives them knowledge to raise their living condition. Let us be careful about teaching them "the fallacy" that education is the key to fight poverty. Instead, we must emphasize God's work. Three steps needs to be settled to know how education can reduce poverty. If we can answer these 3 questions, people will see the real reason how poverty is reduced. Deuteronomy 11:13, 19 guides us in answering these steps.
- Who will teach? "You..." v19
- When and where to teach? "...when you are sitting... walking... lie down... or rise up..." v19
- What to teach? "love the Lord your God, and serve Him with all your heart..." v13
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