20 09
o rl d vi
si o n
ve ra /w
an d re s
L esson three
the multiple causes of poverty
Ove rview
Jesus sought to understand the circumstances of all those he came across, including
and especially the most vulnerable. With Jesus as our model, we, too, must seek to
understand the circumstances that create and perpetuate poverty and oppression
throughout the world and discern our call to serve “the least of these.”
Key S cri p ture
John 10:10
E s s e n t ial Q uest io n
What causes poverty? How are we called to be part of the solution?
L e s s on Goals
» Reflect on what poverty looks like and some of the underlying causes.
»F
urther understand commonalities between those who are poor and those who are
not poor.
» Consider a Christian understanding of poverty.
M at e r ials
Pen, Bible
Age n da
» Welcome and opening prayer
» Consider cause and effect
» Reflect on Scripture
» Consider your own viewpoint
» Choose a personal response
» Close in prayer
» Review homework and further study suggestions
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 1
I n t r o duct io n and Op ening P rayer
1. Share or journal about the images and statistics you gathered from last week’s
homework assignment. Then take some time to consider the following questions:
» What do these images have in common?
» What do the images and statistics say about poverty?
» What has impressed you most?
2. Offer a prayer. Pray for the situations represented in these images. Spend a few
minutes in silent meditation, concentrating on opening your heart and mind to
where this lesson might lead you.
Cau s e and Effect
sibus isiwe ndlovu/ wor ld v ision 2009
Most of us are raised
and educated to believe
in a cause-and-effect
relationship—
if we can identify the
cause of a problem,
we can propose a
useful response.
1. Many of us have assumptions about poverty. What are yours? Brainstorm
ideas about the causes of poverty.
2. Consider the following:
Most of us are raised and educated to believe in a cause-and-effect relationship—if
we can identify the cause of a problem, we can propose a useful response. Therefore,
we believe that if we identify the cause of poverty, we will be able to diminish it.
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 2
In his book Walking with the Poor, Bryant L. Myers identifies the following as
common assumptions about poverty’s causes and the response each provokes:
Successful
intervention with
those living in poverty
must address all of
the causes that
play a role in a
particular situation.
Cause
Sin
Sinned against (wronged)
Lack of knowledge/skills
Lack of things
Flawed culture
Poor social systems or governments*
Proposed Response
Christian witness
Social action/need for justice
Education/training
Relief/social welfare
Change culture to be like ours
Change the system
* This is particularly true for women, who are often treated as inferior to men.
Although these categories can be useful, we must also be aware that problems rarely
stem from a single cause. Poverty isn’t that simple. It is a complicated problem
that requires consideration of its multiple causes and consequences. Effective
approaches to alleviating poverty address all of this, not just one small part of it.
If the only thing those living in poverty lacked were resources like clean water
or food, we could simply give them what they need. This, however, can set up the
dangerous result in which people passively receive goods without addressing the
multiple causes of the problem.
Poverty is more than a lack of resources. Bryant Myers examines various definitions
of poverty, grouping the causes in four areas:
» Physical causes (example: lack of adequate housing)
» Social causes (example: girls are not allowed to attend school)
» Mental causes (example: abilities diminished by poor nutrition)
» Spiritual causes (example: broken relationships)
Successful intervention with those living in poverty must address all of the causes
that play a role in a particular situation. That means the intervention must include
teaching skills that create lasting desire for change and hope among those who are
struggling—rather than simply providing material goods that will soon be used up or
worn out.
3. Consider each of the four causes of poverty. List at least one more example of
each type of cause.
Physical c ourtes y sarah malian 2008
Social
Mental
Spiritual
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 3
4. Share or journal your response to the following question:
» What do you have in common with those who are poor?
5. Each person has five basic resources in varying amounts. These resources
are: time, energy, material goods, skills, and desire. Complete the chart as these
resources might relate to you individually.
Resources of people living in poverty as compared to my life:
I have: more
less
time
energy
material goods
skills
desire
k ar i costanza/world vision 2005
The child was
critically ill. Yet,
his mother’s heart
overflowed with
expectations for her
child’s future.
6. Read and think about the following:
Most of us have more material goods, skills, education, and time because of
conveniences (running water, appliances, etc.) than those who are poor. On the
surface, it might seem that those who live in poverty have less and because of their
circumstances, they lack hope for a better future. But those who have worked with
the poor find something else to be true.
One visitor to an emergency clinic in Niger met a 17-year-old mother with a dehydrated, 1-year-old son. Feeding tubes were taped to his nose, and a nurse tried
desperately to find a vein to insert an IV. The child was critically ill. Yet, his mother’s
heart overflowed with expectations for her child’s future. She wanted her son to go to
school, to learn about the world, to speak other languages. She had hope that his life
would be better than hers.
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 4
S c ri p t ure Reflect io n
1. Read John 10:10. Then consider the following:
The Hebrew word shalom is often translated to mean “peace.” For many individuals, the
word peace connotes lack of war. But the true intention of the word in its full meaning
also includes the idea of completeness and welfare for each individual person.
Scripture illustrates the idea of shalom in this verse from John. Consider what
Bryant Myers writes about this concept in Walking with the Poor:
“Life in its fullness
is the purpose; this is
what we are for and
what Christ has come
to make possible.”
—Bryant Myers
“Life in its fullness is the purpose; this is what we are for and what Christ has
come to make possible. To live fully in the present in relationships that are
just, harmonious, and enjoyable, that allows everyone to contribute. And to
live fully for all time. A life of joy in being that goes beyond having.”
This concept of shalom has a strong role in how Christians understand and approach poverty. If we choose to fully embrace this idea, it means recognizing the marred
identity of the poor as well as our own marred identity. It means meeting the poor
with a heart to create a relationship of mutual understanding and respect. It means
recognizing the multiple facets of “having life to the full.”
Yet most of us unwittingly interact with those we consider poor, much as did the
thief referred to in the Scripture. When we see the poor as helpless, we give ourselves
permission to play God in their lives. When we see them as nameless, we treat them
as objects of compassion rather than brothers and sisters. When we see poverty as a
thing, we feel we can do what we believe is best for them.
Adopting these viewpoints encourages us to speak for the poor rather than
empowering them to address their poverty themselves. It also robs us of our ability
to see them as our equals, all children of God.
2. Share or journal your response to the following questions:
» What do you think someone needs to live life to its full?
» What does this idea of shalom call you to do?
jon warren/world vis ion 2008
» In what ways does our relationship with those in need become mutually
transforming?
» How does this idea of shalom influence the way you will approach someone
dealing with poverty?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 5
3. In the Bible, there are more than 2,000 passages that reveal God’s sorrow over
poverty and injustice, and His command to believers to act to eradicate them.
Christian leader and commentator Tony Campolo says, “Here’s proof that faith
without commitment to justice for the poor is a sham, because it ignores the most
explicit of all the social concerns of Scripture.” Take some time to read and reflect on
the following Bible verses:
» Deuteronomy 15:7-8
» Isaiah 6:8
» Job 29:11-16
» Psalm 70:5
» Matthew 5:16
» James 1:27
4. Share your reactions to the verses above.
What kind of priority does God place on helping those in need?
C o n s i d er Yo ur Ow n View p o int
1. Group activity: (activity for individuals is on next page)
Your group leader will lead you in an interactive exercise. Afterword, share your
responses to the following questions:
» Which station most surprised you?
» What was a solution to a problem that occurred to you at one station?
andrew goodwin /world vision 2009
» How did being in the company of the other person make you feel?
» Did this reveal any of your biases? If so, which ones?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 6
Individual Activity:
»F
ill two buckets with water. (You can use pitchers or gallon-size bottles as an
alternative.)Walk around the house a few times carrying both buckets. If you
feel daring, try carrying one of the buckets on your head. Then reflect on the
following questions:
• How many buckets of water do you think you would need for your daily
tasks?
• How much more difficult would it be for you if no running water was
available in your home?
• How would this change your daily routine?
» Place a handful of rice (uncooked is fine) on a plate. Then make a list of all of
the foods you ate for dinner last evening. Place that list beside the plate of rice.
Think about the difference between what you ate (your list) and what many of
the poor have to eat (a handful of rice), then reflect on the following questions:
• How does it make you feel to have this much to eat while others do not?
What might it
be like to only have a
handful of rice
for a meal?
• What might it be like to only have a handful of rice for a meal?
• How would this change your daily routine?
world vision s taff 2007
» Make a list of government or influential people in your community, state, and
country. Now consider the following questions:
• How would you make your voice heard in this group of people?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 7
• What resources might you have to draw from that would increase your
chance of succeeding?
»L
ocate an item in your home that weighs about 2 or 3 pounds. Also locate an
item that weighs a little over 7 pounds. Compare the difference by holding
both items. Did you know an underweight infant born in the developing world
averages 2 to 3 pounds at birth, while a child born in the United States averages
7 pounds, 5 ounces? Consider this question:
• What do you think each child’s prospect of a healthy future might be?
This exercise would be worthwhile to do as a family, with your children.
2. Reflect on the activity. As we consider who the poor are, we also need to know
more about how we see ourselves, as well as how others see us. Thus far in this study,
we have considered the different lenses through which we view and experience the
world. Now let’s take some time to further explore our identity as Americans by
spending a few minutes answering the following questions.
Did you know that an
underweight infant
born in the developing
world averages
2 to 3 pounds at birth,
while a child born in
the U.S. averages 7
pounds, 5 ounces?
» What advantages do you have over someone who cannot read, must walk
everywhere they go, and lacks access to clean water?
» Do you believe that those in well-developed countries have something to teach
people in less-developed countries? If so, what might that be?
jon warren/world vis ion 2008
» Do you believe people in less-developed countries have something to teach
those from well-developed countries? If so, what might that be?
» We call this kind of learning relationship “mutual transformation.” Do you think
it applies in our own communities and churches? How might this approach
help build relationships with those from different backgrounds, cultures, and
economic circumstances? What might this look like in our own communities?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 8
Answers to these questions reflect some of our biases as people from a welldeveloped country. These biases often dictate the relationships we form and on what
we base them.
C h o o s e a P ers o nal Res p o ns e God is calling us all to simply respond to the needs of the poor as we feel led. When
we do, amazing things can happen. In No Greater Love, Mother Teresa tells a
wonder­ful story that beautifully illustrates this point:
“Not so long ago a very wealthy Hindu lady came to see me. She sat down and
told me, ‘I would like to share in your work.’ In India, more and more people like
her are offering to help. I said, ‘That is fine.’ The poor woman had a weakness
that she confessed to me. ‘I love elegant saris,’ she said. Indeed, she had on
a very expensive sari that probably cost around 800 rupees. Mine cost only
eight rupees. Hers cost 100 times more . . . It occurred to me to say to her, ‘I
would start with the saris. The next time you go to buy one, instead of paying
800 rupees, buy one that costs 500. With the extra 300 rupees, buy saris for
the poor.’ The good woman now wears 100-rupee saris, and that is because I
have asked her not to buy cheaper ones. She has confessed to me that this has
changed her life. She now knows what it means to share. That woman assures
me that she has received more than what she has given.”
Return to the idea of shalom as meaning every person lives life in all its fullness.
Perhaps part of our calling to care for those living in material poverty is an
opportunity for us to be challenged in our own poverty. Think of your own life
experiences and ways you have been blessed and taught by those less fortunate.
“That woman assures
me that she has
received more than
what she has given.”
—Mother Teresa
Share or journal your responses to the following questions:
» What have you learned?
» How have those relationships helped you?
ryan s mith/world vis ion 2007
» Are those relationships and lessons part of God’s plan?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 9
»H
ow might those relationships help you to respond more fully to God’s call to
serve “the least of these”?
C lo s i ng P rayer
Spend a few moments in prayer. Pray for people who do not believe they are
worthy of God’s love and redemption. Spend some time in silence, meditating on
how you can “bring life to the fullest” to our brothers and sisters.
Conclude by praying the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis was born at Assisi
in 1182. After a carefree youth, he turned his back on inherited wealth and committed himself to God. Like many early saints, he lived a very simple life of poverty.
P RAYER OF ST . FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
H o m ewo rk fo r Next Ses s io n
1. Read and study next week’s lesson.
2. Read Esther, chapters 4 to 8.
jon warren/world vis ion 2009
3. Keep a log this week of anything you do that might be considered advocacy. For
example, did you speak up for anyone? Do something on another person’s behalf?
Express your opinion on an issue in some way?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 10
+
F u rt h er St udy
» Read The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision U.S.
»G
o to www.povertyinamerica.psu.edu and use the Living Wage Calculator to
discover the living wage in your state.
» Visit Web sites and read blogs from a variety of aid workers in the field.
Consider their experiences, the work they are doing to help those in great
need, and how it is also transforming their lives. World Vision has a number of
aid workers who post blogs. Go to www.worldvision.org and conduct a search
using the key words “aid workers blogs.”
Additional Scriptures for Personal Study
» Mark 10:17-25
»M
ark 5: 25-33
»L
uke 10:25-28
»M
atthew 22:34-40
Lectio Divina or “Divine Reading”
Using the Scriptures above, try this traditional contemplative practice to listen
deeply to what God has to say—to “hear the with ear of our hearts.”
1. Read one Scripture each day. Read aloud if you can.
2. After the first reading, sit in silence for a few moments.
3. Slowly read the same passage a second time. Listen for a word or phrase that
touches your heart. Reflect on the word or phrase during the silence that follows.
4. Read the passage a third time. Where do you see or hear Christ in the text? Is
there an image that comes to your mind?
5. Read a fourth and final time. What is Christ calling you to do or be, today or
this week, through this text?
Hope in a World of Hurt: Lesson Three | Page 11