Poverty vs Recession

The effects of the current ‘global recession’ are far reaching and inescapable. Without doubt ever increasing fuel prices are changing the cost of living; especially in regards to food. Again though, let’s not forget there is a major difference between a recession in the western world and 3rd world poverty.

World Vision in their Spring 2008 newsletter contrasts the impact of a ‘global recession’ on food prices for New Zealanders verse those living in developing nations.

In New Zealand…

- Food prices have risen by 8.2% in the last 12 months.
- Dairy foods, including cheese, milk and butter, are the main contributors to the price rise.
- Many families are cutting back on luxury items
- The average family income in 2007 was $67,993. Most households are spending 16% of their income on food ($10,878.88).

In developing nations…

- Food prices have risen by 100-200% in the last 12 months.
- Staple foods, including rice, grains and cereals, are the main contributors to the price rise. For many people meat, fruit and vegetables are either not available to buy or unaffordable.
- The average family survives on less than $730 a year and spends $511 of their income on staple foods. Some families are now spending their entire income on food and still don’t have enough to meet their basic nutritional needs.

Please don’t forget; a recession is not a famine and it is not poverty. we are blessed to be a blessing. Nobody can do anything but we can all do something. There are plenty of outlets through which you can give and make a difference in the life of someone who has nothing. Make sure you do what you can.

Recession !?!

Recession seems to be the major adjective used when describing our current economic climate. Global Recession is even bandied around from time to time; a phrase that seems overwhelmingly life changing and impacting, and surely only in a negative way? Without pretending for minute to be a financial or economic analyst of any sort, and without I admit truly having an understanding of what Global Recession means for the world, I’d still like to make some comments on ‘the recession.’

1. It is a privilege for us to be able to use words like recession.

And economy, downturn, exchange rate, share prices, capital gains and so on. In many parts of the word, where millions and millions of people live, these terms are not used in everyday language. Their vocab sounds more like extreme poverty, famine, drought, despair, hunger, sickness and death.

Please, let’s not confuse a recession with a famine.

2. Recession primarily impacts our wants not our needs.

I find it unlikely that due to the economic downturn that New Zealand is supposedly facing some of our citizens will now die from lack of food, lack of water or of exposure to the elements. Recession is something that impacts our wants not our needs. Maybe we won’t get to the movies as much as we’d like, head out for dinner at our favourite restaurant, or stay a couple of nights in a Hotel to ‘get away from it all.’ We’ll survive though, for sure.

3. Recession is a great opportunity for you to simplify.

Our lives get complicated so easily. A recession is a great time for you to simplify your life, what are the things that are most important to you, what do you get the most enjoyment and satisfaction out of? There are so many things you can enjoy for free in life, you don’t have to spend money to have a good time with friends, or in nature.

4. Recession is an opportunity for you to walk in faith.

When things get tight on your wallet we all have to cut back the non-essentials in life. Too many people see giving and generosity as non essential. Generosity, especially in the midst of what seems to be a lack, is one of the greatest keys to freedom there is. Don’t hold on tightly keep being generous. Cut back what you spend on yourself but don’t cut back on what you give to others.

Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.

Hillsong Highlights

It was awesome to go to Hillsong Conference again this year. It is always awe inspiring, encouraging and challenging. It was awesome hearing Pastor Judah Smith for the first time and hearing Pastor Mike Pilavachi for the first time. Judah (29 years old) was amazing. I loved the way he combined God’s word and humour together in his messages and I loved his maturity and heart for people. Mike Pilavachi was outstanding as well. His message on worship, evangelism and justice was incredibly challenging. He was absolutely hilarious as well. Joel Houston ‘winged’ a main session as well, in front of 17,000 people or so, he hit a home run for sure. It was awesome hearing his heart for justice around the world which I felt really captured the heart of God and of a young generation of Christians that is rising up. He did an outstanding job. Brian Houston as always was incredible, Joyce Meyer is fantastic and the worship amazing. As always God spoke to me; encouragingly, challengingly, and directionally. If you have never been to Hillsong before or at least not in a while you need to go in 2009; it’ll be outstanding.

Australia so far...

Been having a good time in Australia so far. Really looking forward to Hillsong kicking off tonight. The opening is always reasonably spectacular.

Went to Hillsong Church yesterday and heard Judah Smith preach. He was fantastic. First time I had every heard him live.

Also went to Parramatta verse Penrith yesterday at Parramatta Stadium. Great game and heaps of fun. Petro Civoniceva is huge!

Rest of the time has been spent in food courts and shopping malls. I'm sick of shopping though.

Really missing Lisa and Annamari but having a good time. It's cool talking to Annamari on the phone though. She just listens and says 'dad, dad, dad,' back the whole time...

Hillsong 2008

It is exciting to again be heading of to Hillsong Conference. It really is a highlight each year. I always come away inspired, refreshed, challenged and impacted by God in a massive way. I'm really looking forward to God speaking to me over the next week or so.

I'm also looking forward to going to two NRL games while away. Penrith v Paramatta on Sunday afternoon and then Roosters v Titans next Friday night. They're going to be awesome! Go Para and Go the Roosters!

Only bummer is leaving Lisa and Annamari behind. Lisa was going to come but we hadn't planned on her being 8 months pregnant at time of take off. I'll miss her and Annamari a lot. After Hillsong though only 30 more days till baby number 2 is due. That will be exciting. We look forward to having either little Chaz Michael Michaels McAuley if it is a boy or wee Marge Maggie Lisa McAuley if it is a girl. Can't wait!

While I'm away I'll fire in some twitter updates that'll load themselves onto my blog, (singing 'I love technology...'). So you can keep a track of what we are up to if you like.