The Christian Reformed Church, through the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) and the Office of Social Justice (OSJ), works to address issues of poverty and injustice by exposing problems at their roots.
Digging out the root causes of poverty means we have to ask why it occurs.
Here are some examples of churches and leaders who asked that question:
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Why are so many males incarcerated, throwing their families into poverty? Doug Tjapkes was visiting prisoners when he met Maurice Carter, jailed for 20 years for shooting a police officer in Benton Harbor, Mich. Doug listened to his story, checked out his trial record, and asked why he had been convicted on such scanty evidence. Maurice Carter was released in 2004 following 10 years of effort by Tjapkes. Carter died four months later.
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Undocumented immigrants work in the lowest jobs making the lowest salaries. Often they are exploited because they have no legal status to complain. Recently CRC pastors Denise Posie and Ken Baker from Kalamazoo, Mich., joined other Christians at a press conference calling on their congressional representative to enact comprehensive and fair immigration reform.
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Spurred by the rise in youth homicides in Toronto, CRC pastor Fred Witteveen of Friendship Community Church joined with other faith-based leaders to stop youth violence at its roots. The coalition received a $3 million grant to carry out its proposal targeting education programs, community, and family support.
CRWRC works beside those in need, digging in deep and planting seeds that help whole communities flourish. Here are a few ways CRWRC is growing communities in North America:
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Disaster is devastating, but it’s even more catastrophic for the poor. CRWRC helps ease the crisis with food, clothing, housing, immediate aid, or a friendly visit. Volunteers Fred and Mary Visser love the work. "When our grandchildren tell us, 'You guys are my heroes,' you know you’re doing something right."
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Adjusting to life after years in prison or a refugee camp can be overwhelming. CRWRC supports people in transition with counseling, friendship, resettlement, and skill training to help smooth the path to a new life.
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Most people don’t want help—they want to learn to help themselves. Education, language proficiency, money management, and some counseling or interviewing tips can be just the lift needed to jump-start life at a whole new level.
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CRWRC started a non-denominational organization called Communities First Association (CFA). As of July 1, 2009 the CFA will become the primary network through which CRWRC does community development in the U.S.
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By using "asset-based community development," CFA helps churches, organizations, and individuals recognize the resources they already have and then utilize those resources to make positive improvements in their neighborhoods.
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Community building can put the brakes on pass-it-on poverty. CRWRC helps neighborhoods discover their gifts, set up associations, and hold events so everyone can take off in a different direction.
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CRWRC helps people build self-esteem and pride in their community. Workshops on legal rights, health-care options, and the election process boost confidence and community spirit.
