Message from Chief Executive
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August 2009.
First, fast
Fasting is a faith discipline that is not necessarily high on the list of activities for many Christians! However it is commended to us by the prophet Isaiah. Speaking out the heart of God he says; "the kind of fasting I have chosen is to loose the chains of injustice...to set the oppressed free...to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter." (Isaiah 58:6&7). Here is self-denial with a purpose!
Job-seekers allowance
I was reminded of this verse when I was sent news of an initiative which is being launched this autumn through the Evangelical Alliance called "Simplify" They are suggesting that Christians consider attempting to live for a month on the basic amount an unemployed person would receive (£64.30pw) for that time. They are trying to help those of us in employment to empathise with those who are struggling through the difficulties of the present economic crisis. They also suggest that the money saved could be sent to a charity like ROPE, working to help the poor. If you would like further details go to www.simplyfy.org.uk and consider this challenge.
Addressing the challenge
To take part in "Simplify" for most of us would only give us a passing notion of the difficulty and challenges of poverty in this country, but at least we have the safety net of the welfare state. In most majority world countries the daily grind of poverty has no safety net. 1.5 billion people survive on an income of one dollar a day, around 75p per day. Just imagine if your budget was £5.25 per week! What difference would that make to our lifestyle?
Seeking God's heart
Ponder again those words from Isaiah "loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share your food with the hungry, provide shelter." These words express the heart of God for a hurting world and his desire for those of us who call him Master.
View previous messages from the CEO:
February 2010
November 2009
August 2009
June 2009
March 2009
December 2008
October 2008
May 2008
February 2008
November 2007
September 2007
May 2007
