Arise Connect
Portfolio Director: Carmen Pretorius
It is clear throughout scripture that God is profoundly interested in the welfare of the poor and oppressed. Yet in the last century there was a debate that raged about the rival merits of evangelism and social responsibility. John Stott insightfully writes that this debate was never necessary as it "expressed an unbiblical dualism between body and soul, this world and the next. In any case we are called both to witness and to serve; both are part of our Christian ministry and mission.” Some view social action as a means to evangelism, others see it as a manifestation of evangelism. Yet, once again, Stott rightly affirms that evangelism and social action are to work side by side. “As partners the two belong to each other and yet are independent of each other. Each stand on its own feet in its own right alongside the other. Neither is a means to the other, or even a manifestation of the other. For each is an end in itself. Both are expressions of unfeigned love.”
Bono, an influential activist tackling poverty in Africa writes; “...we could be the first generation to outlaw the kind of extreme, stupid poverty that sees a child die of hunger in a world of plenty, or of a disease preventable by a twenty-cent inoculation. We are the first generation that can afford it ...History will be our judge, but what is written is up to us.”
Hence, ARISE Connect strives to meet as much of the practical needs of the disadvantaged as we are able; to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and heal the sick.
Current work
The following projects are currently underway to meet some of the need: