By Isaac-Phil Etanireri.
October 17, 2024.
On October 17, 2024, the world unites to recognize World Poverty Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the pervasive issue of Global poverty and galvanising efforts to combat it. This year’s theme is, “Together We Can End Poverty: A Collective Responsibility.”
This year’s theme emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive actions that bring together governments, organisations, and communities to eradicate poverty in all its forms.
Unfortunately, such efforts in the past had not yet yielded all the desired promises and hope.
According to the United Nations, over 700 Million people remain in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day. This mind boggling statistics is a stack reminder of the severity of this condition and scopes the intensity of what needs to be done in addressing it.
The impact of poverty goes beyond mere economic deprivation; it affects access to education, health care, and essential services, entrenching a cycle that is profoundly destructive for individuals and communities worldwide.
Throughout the thousands of years of human history, every type of government and every type of economic and social system has been tried, yet poverty is still with us.
Indeed, despite progress in such areas as science, industry, and medicine, the hard fact is that worldwide the numbers of people trapped by poverty is increasing.
Though the problem of poverty is an ancient one, we should not conclude that the creator is insensitive to the poor.
Amidst the failed promises and hopelessness, Jehovah’s witnesses are reemphasising a solid and guaranteed hope that the end of poverty is near!
No one should conclude that poverty will never end. This is clear from what the Bible, the most widely distributed “ancient book of wisdom,” says about the matter. Ending poverty is not just an aspiration; it is an imperative that requires cohesive action and unwavering commitment. However, securing that cohesive and commitment from the comity of nations appears an elusive dream, with national and sometimes commercial interests superseding the altruism required to end poverty.
For Jehovah’s witnesses, who are known for their global Bible educational work, the end of poverty is guaranteed, but by a source scarcely mentioned in international poverty eradication programs. According to Jehovah’s witnesses, the Bible promises that poverty will be eradicated by God’s Kingdom, a universal Government headed by Jesus Christ.
Beyond special programs to commemorate the world poverty day, the real challenge now is to look beyond the statistics – to envision a world where every individual can thrive and contribute to their community.
Perhaps, it is time to consider the perspective that an end to poverty can only be realised, not by human government, but by a truly committed universal Government. This perspective however guarantees some probing questions:
1. What is God’s Kingdom?
2. What will it accomplish?
3. How can we be sure it will bring a permanent end to poverty and when?
The answers to these and many more are available on a Bible based website: www.jw.org. The website realistically teaches realistic ways to cope with poverty even now.
