Andrew Jones, aka Tall Skinny Kiwi, recently wrote a post, “Choosing to be homeless and poor.” In the post he makes the following observations:
Last week was a wake up call for Americans on the subject of poverty when it was discovered that poverty had risen to 15.1%. The number of Americans in poverty is the highest since counting began in 1959.
The USA poverty line is an income of US$22,113 a year for a family of 4. That puts our family under the p. line also. Maybe yours? ….
Some random thoughts on being homeless and poor.
- Over one billion people live in the worlds urban squats and slums and that number is rising. Very, very, very FEW Christian workers relocate to these places and very, very, very LITTLE of mission-bound finances end up flowing into these squats….
- Being homeless is not the same as being poor. USA has over 8 million RV’s but and at least a million “full-time RV’ers” but it is estimated that about a quarter of a million of these people live in their motorhome and do not own a permanent place to park it. Which is not sign of poverty – some of these motorhomes cost a million dollars.
- Jesus choose to be homeless and poor in order to complete his mission on earth. Abraham was homeless and nomadic when he received his vision from God (Gen 12). Jacob was wild camping when he had his dream of the ladder and God’s restating of the promise to his Grandad…
Discussion: What do you think of when you hear the terms “homeless” or “poor”? Share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks.
And be sure to read the rest of Andrew’s post - he has lots more to say about the topic.
