| Today 1.2 billion people are living
on less that a dollar a day. Another 1.3 billion are living on
less that two dollars a day. This means that two fifths of the
world is living in abject poverty. Of the 40 million people in
the world living with HIV/AIDS, 95 percent live in poor countries.
The 1970, the United Nations called upon countries in the Organization
for Economic Development (OECD) or the industrialized nations
to give 0.7% of their Gross National Product (GNP). While nations
committed themselves to that goal, few have met it. In fact,
giving has declined since the eighties. The United States gives
only one-tenth of one percent of its GNP to overseas development.
This is the smallest percentage of any country in the OECD.
The Office of International Health and the Presbyterian UN
Office are working together on a campaign to increase US giving.
As Christians can bring the Good News of Jesus Christ by addressing
the needs of the poor, proclaiming release to the captives,
and letting the oppressed go free (Luke 4:18-19). Join in the
0.7 Initiative:
- Write your congress person and request that the US government
direct 0.7% of GNP for overseas development assistance.
- Consider setting aside 0.7 percent of your personal income
for international missions or setting aside at least 0.7 percent
your portion of the peacemaking offering, women's group, or
mission committee fundraising efforts for overseas efforts
to address poverty. For information on PCUSA giving opportunities,
visit: www.
Order campaign materials and buttons from the PCUSA International
Health Ministries Office. Call 888-728-7228 extension 5279.
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