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.”