He talked about poverty being a vicious cycle. Poverty is caused, in part, by people in despair. Not knowing what else to do, they try to cover this despair with drugs, alcohol, sex, and other various means.
Kristof highlighted an organization called CARE, which provides the poor with loans and coaches them about how to start businesses.
He says, "Assistance succeeds when it gives people a feeling that a better outcome is possible, and those hopes become self-fulfilling as people work more industriously and invest more wisely."
As a Christian, along with this hope of a better outcome, I want to see the poor receive the hope that only Jesus can give. Along with helping the poor find hope spiritually, we need to help meet their physical needs.
Here in Pattaya, I have loved seeing how the Tamar Center is tranforming lives. They not only provide women and men with the hope of Jesus, but they also teach them skills that will allow them to earn an income in ways other than prostitution.
On Monday night, I attended a party to celebrate 14 new people (including young teenage girls, 2 pregnant moms, and 3 lady-boys) joining the Tamar Center and leaving their former lives. The training lasts for 12 weeks. At this training, they learn how to make cards and also salon and bakery skills. They also receive teaching from the Bible that will give them the opportunity to heal from the brokenness of their past. At the party, it was beautiful to see the joy on these 14 people as they started a new journey in their lives.
Pray for these 14 people with me. Pray that they are able to receive hope. Hope of a better life here on this earth. Hope of a better life in heaven.
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