This is an introductory course providing an overview about the nature, extent, and causes of poverty in the United States and the world. Questions of race, gender, and spatial manifestation, as well as demographics, religious context, and anti-poverty policies will be addressed.
According to Understanding social problems (Mooney et al.:2011). “poverty is going empty with no hope for the future.” Students planning on missionary work must receive the necessary information and develop the best possible skills to seek the elimination of poverty.
Poverty will not diminish overnight. It will continue to be of importance and many will continue living impoverished lives in urban areas around the world. Knowledge of poverty is a great opportunity to join God where He is working and with the hope and freedom that can be found in Him. We have the opportunity to join Him in His mission.
This course will be based on a biblical worldview. We will specifically focus Dueteronomy 15:7 For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.”
Our goal is to see how God can and is working in impoverished areas around the world and how this allows us the opportunity to join Him in that work. It is a mission that He has provided for us.
Poverty is not new. There are eight goals that comprise an international agenda for reducing poverty and improving lives (Henslin 2011).
A focus on poverty gives everyone of us the opportunity to reach people regardless of their current faith or lack of faith, and lead them to Jesus. This course gives students the opportunity to see how this can work around the world.
This course will give students the practical tools and insights that they need to create and make a difference in their respective communities.
This course will not only focus on the ideas and concepts that are taught, but will also give students the opportunity to apply them and live them out in their lives. Students will take what they have learned and apply that learning to their specific environment.
