Thus with the aid of organisations such as Trócaire (in Ireland) and CAFOD (in England) Christians can support the poor in many ways. Christians can make donations to Trócaire; they can do this either through donating their own money or through fundraising activities. Another direct way in which Christians can help to support Trócaire is through participating in campaign work, increasing public awareness throughout Ireland of those in poverty. Supporting this Campaign work may include signing postcards, putting names to petitions, attending rallies and vigils, participating in Trócaire conferences or writing letters to politicians at home and abroad.
As Christians living in this country we are blessed with a life of relative luxury, it is uncommon for people in this country to struggle for the basic human needs of food, clean water, security and shelter. This luxury could be described as a talent, given to us by God. As shown in the Parable of the Tenants (Mt 25:14-30) God requires us to not be lazy and use our talents to the best of our ability, otherwise we will spend an eternity without God.
As Christians we must be willing to sell all that we have and give to the poor, as shown through the story of the ‘Rich Young Man’ (Mk 10:17-27). This is a great demand and although some actually do sell their homes many Christians chose to support the poor differently. Many Christians also travel to poor countries and provide physical support over a number of weeks. In my school there is a trip available for those students interested in going to Romania to help orphans.
Another organisation who support the poor is the De La Salle Brothers, who provide financial and direct aid to those in need. One of the projects of the De La Salle Brothers is to build a school for Girls in India; this is as in India girls are often discriminated against when it comes to education. Boys tend to go to school, whereas girls often have to stay at home and work. This is the project in which my school is fundraising for in this Lenten Appeal.
Global Poverty exists throughout the world; it is the millions of people throughout the world that organisations such as Trócaire and the De La Salle Brothers help. Whereas some Christians may see this as people’s own choice, we should realise that it is in fact our duty to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Trócaire support those living in Albania, through the promotion of human rights. This has resulted in the ‘integration of human rights education into the Albanian primary school teacher-training curriculum.’ Work is continuing to take this into syllabus as part of the education reform, which is taking place in Albania. This will mean that children at a young age will hopefully become aware of human rights, as children are the future this bodes well for the future of Albania if the campaigning is a success.
Since its creation Trócaire is known widely for its support to the people of Africa. Trócaire supports international and African organisations directly involved in Africa, as well as supporting programmes which span over various countries. Obviously one cannot generalise the work carried out by Trócaire in Africa, as the work varies in each individual country in accordance to the specific needs of the country. Work in Africa includes improving the lives of rural and urban community who suffer due to insufficient food quantities, it is this lack of food quantity which causes food shortage in the daily lives of many Africans.
There is much conflict in Africa and Trócaire works with partners to support mutual co-existence, peace and justice. Long-term conflict resolution is a very important part of Trócaire’s work in Africa. Trócaire also believes that an essential aspect of eradicating poverty in the world is through people having genuine participation in decision in their own lives. This includes having influence on policies and laws affecting their own lives. Trócaire helps support this through supporting communities and partners in the participation in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Process. Trócaire also helps those in Africa who have been badly affected by HIV/AIDS. Trócaire helps through raising awareness, care and support of those affected.
As Christians we are called to put our faith and teachings of Jesus into action. Charity is one of the most important ways in which we can show our concern and support for the poor in the world. We must realise that no matter what little we do it can benefit those in poverty, ‘Every little helps’. This is shown in the story of the ‘Widow at the Treasury’ (Mk 12:41-44) when Jesus praised the woman greatly for her contribution. In this modern era we have become more aware of the poverty throughout the world, and with this awareness comes a greater responsibility towards the poor.
In conclusion, through organisations such as Trócaire, CAFOD and the De La Salle Brothers helping people is no longer just a dream, but a possibility. We must realise this and contribute all we can toward the poor, following the commandment given by Jesus of ‘Love your neighbour’. No matter what job Christians carry out, we all have a responsibility to the poor. Jesus came down from heaven to live a life of servitude, and as Christians we too share in this responsibility.