In the fall of 2004, evangelical Americans emerged as a powerful force among voters, lobbying hard for social issues. Policymakers took note, and the political landscape shifted. Appealing to faith-based voters became a must for campaign strategy; and now, at the dawn of the 2008 presidential campaign, candidates have been quick to refer to their personal faith journeys, and how their belief systems inform their dreams for the country.
With such power comes great responsibility. And as evangelicals continue to work out differences in opinion among themselves, the fact remains: America is listening, so what do Christians have to say?
In a November 13, 2006 Newsweek article, "A New Social Gospel,” writer Michael Gerson describes believers as “becoming more globally focused and more likely to consider themselves ‘pro-life and pro-poor.’”1 Whereas the 2004 election focused around a few “values” issues (namely the sanctity of marriage and rights of the unborn child), “the current focus on moral values has created a platform to talk about other issues, especially poverty, as both political and moral concerns.”2 In the words of Bishop Harry R. Jackson Jr., pastor of Hope Christian Church, a 3,000-member congregation in Lanham, Maryland, broadening the scope of evangelical issues “helps improve our image and more accurately reflects the full panoply of our beliefs.”3
Ever since Jesus uttered His charge to care for "the least of these," Christianity has owned the responsibility to fight poverty wherever present. From the early Church pooling its resources to provide for its less fortunate community members to the present-day Christ-centered rescue missions, part of Jesus followers’ legacy includes serving the poor. And unlike other core issues, ending poverty appeals to Americans across the board – regardless of denominational differences. At the intersection of all these factors rests an unprecedented opportunity to bring genuine, restorative change to America’s hurting.
As the grants consultant for the Union Rescue Mission (URM), Kerri (Fernsworth ’02) Feazell witnesses firsthand the effects hopelessness can have on people caught in the cycle of poverty. One of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and the oldest in Los Angeles, URM offers a host of services, including food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children, and families.
“I’ve heard formerly homeless people say that poverty and homelessness form a frame of mind that entraps,” she said. “One of our formerly homeless case managers described her nine-year period of homelessness as a ‘disease.’ Once you adjust to living a certain way, it’s difficult to imagine a different life. Opportunities to see what is possible beyond your present circumstances, and to believe that you can set and reach goals, can lift people out of poverty. Staying in an impoverished environment breeds poverty.”
