Politicians

The debate among five Republican pols tonight was pretty good. At least they are not promising every citizen and illegal immigrant on earth a free education and free unlimited medical care forever. The Democrats are seemingly trying to out do each other in false promises.

But, still, it does not appear that the debators are taking seriously the huge number of people who are hitting sixty every day and what that will do to Medicare, Medicaid and taxes. Can you say, "Break the bank?"

I need to examine more closely the statements of these men. I know what the Dem's are saying and, since I can count, know it cannot work. So, let's just elect a nice person who will lie to us because we demand it instead of an adult who will tell us the truth.

Debt and Poverty

Last week a group of Christian leaders got together to share what is happening in our lives. The issue of financial freedom came up and I was happy to hear that several of them have both a weekly emphasis upon financial issues along with semi annual or quarterly video sessions about the need for Believers to use their financial resources wisely.

Some have a "Creed" about financial and practical resources they ask the congregation to read each week. This emphasizes that finances are important not only as a tithe but as resources for living.

Rex Schrolucke, Pastor of Trinity Christian Fellowship, is using a 13 week DVD series by Dave Ramsey to teach his, Financial Peace University materials. Rex was very positive about the practical ways his people have benefitted from the training.

I recommend Dr. Ruby Payne's book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty as a great resource. It has helped me understand how background and culture influence our approach to financial issues.

Many churches and Christian groups give money and resources to the chronically poor without realizing they might be making the problem worse for the current and future generations.

City Cure of Cincinnati uses Dr. Payne's approach in an ongoing ministry to help people break the cycle of generational poverty. Contact them at:

Roger Howell
rhowell@cityministries.com
http://citycure.org/
(513) 345-1023

What have you found helpful to get people out of debt and poverty? Let us know.