What Are the Signs of Spirit of Poverty?
Some signs of spirit of poverty are more obvious than others. Currently, almost 700 million people—8.5 percent of the global population—live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 a day.[1] Lacking access or opportunity to attend school is another symptom and cause of poverty. In 2023, around 244 million children were not in school across primary and secondary education.[2]
Besides these more obvious tolls, there are mental and spiritual signs of poverty, too. One study showed that teens who have lived in poverty experience stress at higher levels than those in more economically secure families. The researchers found that even after living in improved economic circumstances for a time, the teens’ stress responses remained abnormal. This shows that poverty can have a deep and lasting impact for years.[3]
Many children in the most impoverished areas grow up hearing that they aren’t important, they won’t amount to much and they don’t deserve better. But GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program teaches them something different. Along with getting assistance with their schoolwork, the kids learn about values such as diligence, honesty, kindness and respect. They learn their lives matter no matter what their circumstances are, and they learn to have hope.[4]
One boy whose life was changed by this knowledge and care was Sven. His father was a day laborer, and the money he earned had to provide for Sven, his mother and two sisters. Despite his dad’s hard work, the money was not enough to properly support Sven in his studies, leaving little hope that Sven’s future would be any different than his present. Then, GFA workers visited the family’s home and offered a solution: the Child Sponsorship Program. When he first started attending, Sven was covered in dirt with no clean clothes, but he was eager to learn. The staff tutored Sven for free and taught him hygiene—one of the greatest deterrents to disease—providing what his family couldn’t afford: soap, school supplies and clean uniforms. Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of the program, Sven grew into a studious learner, earning top marks in his classes. His parents no longer had to worry about a bleak future for Sven because he was given the tools, foundation and hope that he could achieve something brighter.[5]
GFA World is working against the spirit of poverty and its effects on physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and you can help. You can sponsor a child like Sven for just $35 a month, showing them God’s love and giving them hope for the future.[6]
Learn more about how GFA World is breaking the spirit of poverty and providing hope[1] “Poverty: Overview.” World Bank Group. October 15, 2024. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview.
[2] Ritchie, Hannah, et al. “Global education.” Our World in Data. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://ourworldindata.org/global-education?insight=hundreds-of-millions-of-children-worldwide-do-not-go-to-school#key-insights.
[3] Nikos-Rose, Karen. “Poverty predicts stress levels in teens, research suggests.” UC Davis. August 24, 2021. https://www.ucdavis.edu/curiosity/news/poverty-predicts-stress-levels-teens-research-suggests.
[4] Psarris, Emily. “Fighting global poverty with ideas.” GFA World Special Report. October 14, 2020. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/solutions-extreme-poverty-line-poor-impoverished.
[5] “Given Tools, Boy Thrives.” GFA World. February 7, 2022. https://gospelforasia-reports.org/2022/02/given-tools-boy-thrives.
[6] “Sponsor a Child with GFA World.” GFA World. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsorachild.