Micah Challenge Australia Blog

 

The Micah Challenge blog is a space for discussion and debate about the issues of global poverty, faith, advocacy and justice and the Millennium Development Goals. This blog aims to provoke thought and challenge you to learn more about the issues discussed. We welcome your comments.

Micah Challenge is a global campaign of Christians speaking out against poverty and injustice. Click here to visit the Micah Challenge website.

  • Jesus' approach to poverty

    Posted by Nils

    17 January, 2012

    Towards the end of last year I discussed on this blog how we keep the poor in their place. As I think about this, I immediately think of the contrast between this attitude and that of how Jesus treated people, and how, in doing so, he turned the social order completely upside down. Let’s look at some examples from the Gospels. Firstly, there is the story of the woman at the well in John 4. When the disciples return to the well after having gone into town, they are astonished that Jesus had even been speaking to the woman. And what's more, he even asked her for something. The Son of God expressed neediness to a “nobody”, and in doing so, affirmed her dignity as a person of worth. Another story to consider in this context is that of the woman with the flow of blood, told in all three synoptic gospels. This is another situation in which Jesus affirms a “nobody”, and he does so in front of everyone. Think of what that would have meant to the woman. Having a constant flow of blood, she would likely not have been able to have... read more

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  • Ordinary Prophets

    Posted by Amanda

    18 October, 2011

    Last month over 230 ‘ordinary' people in Australia took four days off work, study or family commitments to visit Parliament House in Canberra for the Voices for Justice gathering. They prepared in prayer then knocked on doors to talk, listen and debate about global poverty with the leaders of their nation - these Micah Challenge supporters are a powerful and prophetic voice on the Millennium Development Goals. All over our world, ordinary Christians are discovering their prophetic advocacy role on justice and righteousness issues. It's a faith tradition that somehow got lost in some parts of the Church last century but Old Testament figures like Daniel, Joseph, Moses and Nebuchadnezzar had no issues dealing with kings to get things done for God and to make life more godly for all. And throughout the history of the Church, people motivated by biblical truth, have tried to right wrongs. Elizabeth Fry is a personal favourite on my list of prophetic Christians. An ‘ordinary' mother and wife, living very comfortably, she yearned for God to... read more

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  • Helping pollies overcome their 'poo taboo'

    Posted by Micah

    4 October, 2011

    The topic of poo is not usual dinner table conversation for nice Christians, and certainly taboo during a meeting with a politician. But last week - and no doubt to the horror of etiquette experts - that's exactly what was the topic of discussion between the leaders of our country and 230 Christians. I was a first-timer at Micah Challenge's Voices for Justice. Like a little raindrop, I joined Christians from across Australia, descending upon Canberra in a deluge of justice, overflowing with love for the world's poorest people. The pitter-patter of these raindrops was a gentle but persistent sound our politicians could not ignore, as we advocated on behalf of people living in extreme poverty. This year, there was a focus on the pressing issue of sanitation in developing countries and increasing aid to 0.7 % of our Gross National Income (GNI). With the volatility of our current political landscape, it was particularly important to encourage both sides of politics to remember their commitment to our poorest neighbours in the global village. The... read more

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  • Tea and Toast: Take aways and reflections on Voices for Justice

    Posted by Micah

    26 September, 2011

    On the long drive home from Canberra, in the wee hours of the morning, I was asked what I will take away from Voices for Justice. I have come to realise that many of the things I have taken away can be applicable beyond Voices participants. I spent Sept 17-20 in Canberra at Voices for Justice, organised by Micah Challenge. Micah Challenge is a unified movement of over 50 Christian denominations and aid and development organisations who believe that seeking justice for the global poor and marginalised is an integral expression of the Christian faith. Voices for Justice is a campaigning event that builds community and trains everyday Australians, facilitating the opportunity to advocate and lobby politicians to meet our commitment to the Millennium Development Goals and reduce global poverty. "Take aways" // The call to do justice and to use our voice is for all of us - aware that God has gone before us, goes with us, and will follow after us. This was my first Voices for Justice, and I was amazed at both the diversity of organisations, traditions,... read more

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