Compassion International has suggested using the metaphor of a wheel to desribe the complexity: in the same ways that the spokes in a wheel all work together to prevent the rim from collapsing in to the centre, the 'spokes' of poverty all work together to prevent individuals in the developing world from experiencing enough. The various spokes (economic, educational, social, health, spiritual, and environmental issues) all work in concert to keep people in the developing world from escaping poverty. Our hope is to help bring children in the developing world from the rim of the wheel to the centre: from poverty to enough; from the margins of society into loving community.

How You Can Get Involved

If you, as individuals, as a family, or as a group, would like to learn more about any of the particular areas, or spokes, of poverty, consider taking one of the following action steps to grow in your understanding.

Child Sponsorship

As a first step in living out your faith globally, child sponsorship will allow you to develop a relationship with a child who is living in extreme poverty. You can start by sponsoring a child today by clicking here. We also have sponsorship 'advocates' located at every Southridge location who can meet with you to answer any questions you may have, and assist you in finding the perfect sponsorship situation.

Passport

This three-hour, interactive event brings the realities of global poverty to life in a powerful way. You will grow in your understanding of the complexities of poverty, while gaining practical takeaways that can be immediately applied to make a difference in other parts of the world. The next Passport will take place at the Glenridge Location on Saturday, October 27 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Childcare will be available. For more info, click here.

exposure trip

Each year, we offer an opportunity to travel internationally to explore first-hand the ways in which our Global Anchor Cause of Child Survival is changing lives in the developing world. Our next trip is scheduled for Nov 6-11. For more info, click here.

global ambassadors

We are supporting several individuals and families from Southridge who have committed themselves as full-time missionaries in the developing world. You can join us in providing ongoing support by learning what they're doing, committing to praying for them, and periodically sending them an email to encourage them. To learn more about some of the people from Southridge living as full-time, international missionaries, click on their name below to be directed to their website. (NOTE: links open in a new window)

Lowell & Gail Deering - Papua New Guinea/Australia
Geoff & Rita Doppenberg - Guatemala
Marvin & Edith Friesen - Senegal
Kristi Lockyer (photojournal) - Zambia
Jason & Corina Reimer - Thailand
Dave & Louise Sinclair-Peters - Thailand
Robert & Anne Thiessen - Mexico
Kris & Laurie Warkentin - Zambia
Matthew & Mandy Wilson - Guatemala
Paul and Hayla Lozynsky - Ukraine

Learning Resources

Scroll through the list below to find a list of books, films, websites and other resources to help you to understand each of the six spokes of global poverty.