Sometimes, the problem of global poverty can seem completely overwhelming. Ok, if we are honest with ourselves … maybe it’s more than sometimes. We are surrounded by evidence of the extreme inequality that plagues our planet. How can it be that there are still so many deaths of children from malnutrition and diarrhoea, families crammed together sleeping on floors, with no idea of when their next meal will be, children forced into lives as soldiers and slaves due to extreme poverty and violence, or living on the street and stealing from garbage bins to stay alive? And more pertinently, how can we possibly do anything about it? According to the World Bank, there are well over 700 million people living in extreme poverty, about 9.2% of the world’s population. How could any of us do anything tangible in the face of such immense hardship?
As Christians, we believe that the answer lies in the love and power of Jesus to save and to bring full life to every one of his children. We also believe that He wants to use us as his tools to help bring about drastic change to the imbalance that currently exists in our human society. Large scale change will take time, and will take revolutionary action. Here at Comfort International though, we really believe that a little can change a life, and we see it every day in the lives of the people that we are privileged to meet and walk with through the projects and partners we work with in Africa. That revolutionary action has to start with us, the individual. Here are 5 practical steps you can take to help make a tangible difference in real people’s lives who are suffering from poverty today:
1. Donate
There are numerous charities such as Comfort International, and many others, who are fiercely committed to ending global poverty and working for sustainable change in some of the world’s poorest countries. We are working with local partners to engender change through long-term and partner-based solutions so that transformation can be achieved in lives and circumstances long after Comfort has provided support. Here at Comfort International, 100% of all donations designated for a specific purpose will go directly to that cause, and at least 90% of all other general donations go towards supporting our work in Central Africa, with up to 10% used for UK admin costs. Your donations through 24 years of Comfort International have helped send children to school, provide safe accommodation for mums and babies, support survivor communities of the Rwandan genocide, send young people to study vocational training, rescue child soldiers, and so, so much more.
2. Volunteer
The challenge of global poverty is an enormous one, and everyone is needed in the fight. Your skills could be extraordinarily valuable, even if you don’t think so! Comfort International runs on the sheer dedication and brilliance of its incredible team of volunteers, and you could be a part of that. There are loads of ways you can engage, whether that involves a day a week helping with office tasks or volunteering at our charity shop in Cumbernauld, taking on the administration of one of our projects in Africa, helping with event management or visiting Africa on one of our trips. You could run a craft stall, or speak at your church, school or business – even become a Comfort representative! We need you to get involved! Get in touch with us today at [email protected] to chat to us about volunteering.
3. Pray
We really need people to pray for the work of Comfort International and for the end of global poverty as we know it. The bible says in Psalm chapter 9, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” We are also told in Philippians chapter 4, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This is a God who cares about his people and wants to see them well. We believe that prayer can move mountains. If you believe in the power of prayer, please remember the many millions of people who live in extreme poverty throughout the world, and the organisations across the world who are trying to change that story. If you would like to know how to pray specifically for the work of Comfort International, you can sign up to our monthly newsletter here.
4. Fundraise
There are so many ways to fundraise for Comfort International – the more creative the better! You could do a sponsored run, walk, climb, cycle, fast, shave, silence or other challenge! You could run a bake sale or craft stall, or organise an event like a sports day or a ceilidh. There are so many ways to get your friends, family and colleagues involved to help raise money for those that need it most.
5. Buy second hand
Did you know that Comfort International has a charity shop? There are so many reasons why buying second hand is a great thing to do. It saves money, it’s good for the environment, and it is a brilliant alternative to fast fashion, which is guilty of so much oppression of many people living in poverty today. When you visit our charity shop in Cumbernauld, it has the added bonus that all proceeds go to the work of Comfort International!
We believe that you have incredible power in your choices, and we hope that you are inspired to take action against global poverty. We would love you to join us in our mission. If you are interested in getting involved, visit our website, follow us on social media, and start making small changes to join the fight.