A Bridge in Between

Truth & Transformation / Speaker Andrew Vanderput / Poverty Cure

The Poverty Cure series is an initiative of Acton Institue that seeks to ground the battle against local and global poverty in a proper understanding of the human person and society.  Their purpose is to encourage creative solutions to engage in long-term with people in their communities. 

During these last 60 years, many thousands of NGO´s (Non-governmental organizations) and natural people have donated trillions of dollars in assistance to the poor countries.

Many of these generous gifts to bless the nations have brought instant relief. But in long-term, these donations have become a negative impact in their economies. If "help" doesn´t include thoughtful solutions in long-term,  good intentions may damage the identity of the people we want to help. Creating a cycle of dependency making the vulnerable think that they are not capable, or good enough making them feel hopeless.

The main point of this issue is our worldview of human beings. If we think the poor mainly lack stuff, living with one or two dollars a day, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Material poverty is actually a symptom of a larger problem. The fact is that the poor are excluded, are voiceless, have a lack of options, don´t have freedom. 

When we understand the meaning and transcendence of the human being, that they are valuable, dignity, because they are who they are, made in the image and likeness of God, with so much creativity and capacity, this truly shifts the way we see.

They lack property rights and rule of law, a reality that excludes them from the legal system and won't permit them to succeed if they don´t have any legal rights over their properties or businesses that they want to manage. Society doesn't provide them the soil to allow entrepreneurs to flourish. They are like bonsai people, the pot is to small for all their talents, creativity, and natural needs like a human being to grow and succeed.  Two thirds of the world don´t have access to the rule of law, but instead, they deal with a complex regulation where only the rich can navigate.

The call to solidarity with the poor urges us to connect in broader circles of exchange. They are excluded from the markets and productivities. Disconnected from global trade. Stuck in a whole with all your skills and talents, with no access to education, financial system, cel phones, internet, etc.

I see such an opportunity for those who have the connections, who have access to the legal system, to engage and walk side by side with people that don´t have. Whatever is in my hands is so precious to reach out and bless those who are in need. I see a greater responsibility to be that bridge in between. 

The call of "Acton Institute" is to act wisely, humbly, connect to things that actually work to create value and property. Help people shift from subsistence mentality to a living generous mentality. From slumps to cities, independence to dignity, self-esteem to valuable. 

Each person has to know that he (she) is the "solution" to that reality where he´s (she's) at, and our part is empowering them, showing that it's actually true.