Global Initiative Aims to End Poverty by 2035

An
alliance of global Christians, churches and faith-based
poverty-fighting organizations are uniting to eradicate global
poverty. The Christ-centered global initiative known as 58: was
founded on Isaiah 58 where God calls on the church to to end global
poverty.

Ten
organizations have collectively worked through the 58: initiative to
simplify the steps necessary to achieve what some may see as an
impossible feat. But for Dr. Scott Todd, senior advisor at Compassion
International and one of the architects of 58:, doesn’t question the
possibility itself. Instead he says, “The question is, ‘How fast?’”
At 58: partners are convinced it can happen within the next two
decades. In fact, they have set 2035 as the end date.

Statistics
prove the percentage of people living in extreme poverty continues to
decline. In 24 years alone, the percentage of those living in extreme
poverty has dropped from 52 percent to 26 percent. Child mortality
rates and the rates of disease infection has declined as well. And
now those behind 58: ask, “What will it take to finish the job?”

It
will take the efforts of those willing to respond to the call of
Isaiah 58—it will take the church. 58: The Film is the
centerpiece that this initiative is using to inspire Christians to
continue and to even begin to walk in the Word.

The
75-minute documentary takes viewers into the lives of the poor,
provides facts and statistics and features examples as to how the
body of Christ can take action to tackle the last 26 percent of
global poverty.

“Both
astounding and stirring, this film ignites a passion for
unprecedented action and paints an inspiring portrait of a Church on
the move.,” said David Evans, U.S. president of Food for the
Hungry, one of the ten organizations affiliated with the 58:
initiative.

58:
The Film is scheduled for release in October. Plans are in motion
for the film to be distributed online via WingClips Cinema and
iTunes, as well as through various screening events. Churches,
organizations and colleges can request
a complimentary “58:
The Film Screening Kit”
online.

“The film is a
catalyst for action,” said director Tony Neeves. “It will move
people to respond together, therefore the distribution plan is
designed to allow as many groups of people to experience the
astonishing stories of the global Church rising up to do the
unimaginable in our lifetime.”

Those
filled with a desire to end poverty are encouraged to join
the effort.

The
initiative’s website is clear when it comes to their sincerity of the
goal: “58:
is
NOT for people who just want to talk about changing the world but who
never take any steps to do anything. We’re serious in our belief
that we can end extreme poverty in our lifetime.”