Often when people return across the border after spending the day working with us in Tijuana they have a few nagging questions. Some feel a little guilty. A day at work with us in a poor barrio can be both rewarding and frustrating. One question that often surfaces is what can I do living in my world to help the poor existing in their world?

Today we are looking for quick and simple answers after all we in America live in an instant world. Rather than give you the common quick fix answer "give money," may I suggest several other ways to answer this question a little more in depth?

May I compliment you on the compassion you show in asking such a question. Most of us prefer to live in our own little world doing our own thing. Indeed why open the can-of-worms called poverty? Thanks for asking.

This page then, will be an attempt to honestly answer the question.

Frame: The poor in this world number in the millions. From India and Africa overseas to Haiti and Bolivia on our own hemisphere. Ugly poverty exists in the form of human pot-holes in so many major cities like Calcutta, Manila, San Paulo, Mexico city yes and even Tijuana right next door. Poverty is ugly and smelly and most of us would rather look the other way. This fact would properly frame the question.

One thing we can do as Christians and concerned citizens is to recognize that there are legitimate organizations and individuals in each of these areas that are trying to do their best to honestly help their poor. While none of us can do everything, each of us can do something. These organizations and individuals need your support. They deserve your support.

We can pray: The first thing that comes to my mind as a missionary to the poor is prayer. Prayer is one thing everyone can contribute and it's more important to us than many people realize. Prayer for our health, energy and strength. Prayer for wisdom. Prayer against discouragement. Prayer for our safety. Most of us work in countries that will throw us in jail or prison for little or no reason and we have no recourse! A car accident, an accusation may be all it takes. Prayer would be first in my estimation and we can all do that.

We can change: To be honest I think one thing that would help all who live in the United States would be to make a determined effort to cut back on our affluence. Affluence slowly dulls compassion and love. Affluence builds walls of indifference. A decision to cut back would be healthy in so many ways. If you have a family this would be an excellent example to your children. A family goal to honor the poor all over the world by cutting back on their own affluent lifestyle and taking the savings and passing it on to the poor.

We can become an activist for the poor: There couldn't be a better cause. If your church has a missions focus, and I hope it does, serve on the missions committee. If your church has no missions focus become the person that sparks interest in getting your church into a world vision.

Use your influence: We have tons of passionate people into thousands of different causes but so few will take up the cause of poverty. Why? To most of us the poor have no value and cause problems. To God the poor have a value. Over and over the Bible tells of God's concern for the poor and orphaned. Use your influence and passion to persuade others to join your concern for the poor. Men's groups, woman's groups, Bible study groups, church groups whatever and where ever the opportunity presents itself. People together can do so much more than an individual alone. Group projects are almost always successful!.

Informed: Dedicate yourself to becoming informed on world poverty. World hunger. The internet holds a ton of information.

Trip out! Short term missions can take you to the field. There are always reasons why a trip like this would be impossible for you, yet many individuals and families determine to jump the hurdles, sacrifice, and make the trip that will change and charge their lives forever. Of course a trip overseas into poverty or the mission field isn't for the faint of heart! It takes both planning and preparation.

Adopt a child: As an individual or family adopt a child overseas. Many reputable agencies like WORLD VISION or FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY have adoption programs. You can choose your child and his/her country. You will be sent a picture and birthdate and encouraged to correspond. His monthly expense is so very little. As a family project this becomes a beautiful thing.

Challenge your children to become world Christians with a world perspective: Stretch their vision to include the world. Assure them of your support and encourage them to be compassionate by your example. Read them or let them read missionary books and see missionary films. You might encourage them to pull up this website and look at what kids can do get a world vision. I have listed a lot of short stories, true stories of our work here in Tijuana. Read the stories over and choose some appropriate stories to read to your children. Focus on being thankful! (Link to von's stories.)

Your kids might like to plug into a good missionary story each month. Fresh from the Amazon in Brazil comes a great story from Duane Howe about his people. He has a great way of telling stories that appeal to kids about kids in jungle. He actually writes from Brazil. Just mention that you are a friend of von. His e-mail address is duane_howe@ntm.org.

LOOKING FROM A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE?: I have shared more ideas on our "WHAT CAN WE DO AS A FAMILY?" page.

Money: I've intentionally left money until last. All of us know that money is essential to any ministry but each of us take a different view on supporting our missionary or mission agencies. I'm not into guilt money. I feel we should never feel guilty because God has blessed us however blessings are given us to share with others. I'm sure that most missionaries would agree that it's better to have an involved team member than an indifferent supporter. By team member I mean a person who is really interested in being a part of a particular ministry. Involved with his missionary.

Several of our supporters have hobbies and part time jobs and send their profits as support for our work. That's commitment and sacrifice. Indeed they are an involved part of our team.

Unique: Every ministry is unique and Spectrum is no exception. Our ministry is close and still it is foreign. Our ministry can become a good introduction to missions. Spectrum encourages families to visit and work with us. If you choose to invest in us it isn't hard to come down and see what your support is doing.

Clothing: If you would like to help us out we need children's clothing. Not adult clothing but children's clothing. As an individual or family you might want to buy some children's clothing, package them and send the package our way. Remember we distribute almost two thousand articles of used boys and girls clothing a month! There are a lot of other things we need too, You might check out HOW YOU CAN HELP SPECTRUM

Come down and join us again and don't forget to pull up our PHOTO MEMORIES page to renew by pictures your time with us. It was placed there for you.

Call Beth, our secretary, if you have more questions. (619) 276-1385

Our address is:

Spectrum Ministries
2610 Galveston St.
San Diego, CA. 92110.