Ministry Focus

According to our Philosophy, the specific ministry focus of Servants of the Kingdom is directed to three ministry environments, with an emphasis on children at risk.

Domestic Ministry

Despite the comparative wealth in the United States, poverty is growing in both urban and rural areas. Dysfunctional parenting is increasing providing a growing need for their children, either living in terrible environments or being awarded to the State. Living in a precarious environment without receiving the nurturing and the supportive love that every child needs, will result in acute fear, insecurity and emotional scarring for life unless there is healing. We believe we will eventually be called into this segment of hurting humanity to redress the growing needs.

Developing Nations’ Urban Poor

Today, over fifty percent of the world’s population lives in urban environments. In developing nations, most of the larger cities endure an endless migration of people moving in from rural areas due to a lack of employment in their home regions. In many rural provinces, unemployment figures reach a cruel fifty percent, plus. While unemployment is less in cities than in the rural areas, it is still significant. Without training, work opportunities are scarce; often resulting in people’s selling miscellaneous wares on the street to earn enough money to eat. Without any source of income, we are all highly vulnerable to being exploited by merciless individuals who will victimize others for personal gain at every opportunity.

Those who are urbanizing to find work come with only the barest essentials, sometimes only the clothes they wear. The result is unprecedented overcrowding and poverty, creating a variety of slum areas scattered throughout the cities. Travel through almost any city in a developing nation, and you will find slum neighborhoods under bridges, on railroad easements, in garbage dumps, in cemeteries and in those officially designated “squatter” areas. The poor are most vulnerable to disease and various health issues due to poor diet, inadequate sanitation and a lack of health services.

While seeing individuals in such appalling circumstances is depressing, the situation turns to heart-breaking when you see entire families caught in such poverty. It is not uncommon to see homeless children prostituting themselves to live. Because no government assistance exists to bring financial relief or to teach skills for facilitating change, the people are powerless to alter their situation, for they cannot change their circumstances without help. In essence, they are destined for a life of severe poverty, malnutrition and premature death unless intervention and assistance comes from the private sector. As Servants of the Kingdom we see great opportunities to reach out to those living in slum areas.

Developing Nations’ Rural Poor

A different dynamic is found in the rural areas of developing nations; acute poverty is hidden in a slower pace of life, giving the appearance that the hardships are less than in urban areas. However, the poverty is actually worse per capita in the countryside. Because of “off-the-chart” unemployment levels in most rural areas of developing countries, a significant percentage of the population is slowly starving to death from malnutrition. With unemployment at fifty percent or more in some areas, premature death is an accepted norm. Those with jobs have little discretionary income to help others, with the possible exception of their own families. Again, the most painful view is that of children who are hungry and hurting, unable to go to school because of a lack of funds. You find them walking in the parks or other public places in search of food. This is an accepted way of life.

Children are of supreme delight and preeminence in God’s Kingdom. Jesus used them as an example for adults to follow. Just as a child trusts deserving parents, we are called to trust a deserving God and His changeless Kingdom laws and principles (Matthew 18:3-6). In God’s economy, children are also a priority for the Great Commission and a natural expression of God’s love in the Great Commandment. As Servants of the Kingdom we see tremendous opportunities to make a real difference in rural areas, especially with children who are open and teachable. Orphanages (small and large), home placement (many good parents would take in a child or two if they could be reimbursed for the cost), free schooling, and the development of cottage industries, are just a few of the things we can do to make a real and eternal difference in these humble peoples’ lives.