In debt: who cares? | Alicia Felce

The number of repossessions of homes through failure to pay the mortgage is set to reach a 12-year high in the next 12 months.

Personal debt is a national crisis that is threatening an increasing number of families.

The beginning of January saw the week in which Christians Against Poverty (CAP) launched its latest programme in an effort to help people in these situations.

Practical help

One could hardly fail to catch the excitement at the launch of CAP Money at Holy Trinity Brompton in London on January 22. Matt Barlow, CAP’s UK Chief Executive, spoke with passion and clarity about the vision of this ministry — to help the poor and marginalised, to reach the lost with the good news of Jesus, and to work through and build up the church, giving it tools to reach the community around it. CAP aims to show God’s love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. Thus far they have been very successful working through centres (some with paid staff, some run by volunteers) based in churches throughout the UK.

Through the debt counselling and support these centres provide they have given hope to people in very difficult circumstances, helping families avoid stress, divorce and even suicide, and they are seeing a small but steady stream of people make commitments to Christ each year.

Money management

The launch in January was for CAP Money, a money management course that teaches people budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system, helping them get more control over their finances. Run through local churches, it can be used to help those within the church, or as a professional and relevant outreach tool. The course lasts three weeks and features weekly DVD presentations by John Kirkby, CAP’s founder and current international director. CAP will train volunteers sent by their churches to be coaches, who will then be on hand to work through individual budgets with those attending the course. This course has been very effective in helping many people gain control of their finances. Those who are struggling with the most severe debts are able to have priority access to CAP Direct, Christians Against Poverty’s new telephone-based debt counselling service.

Out of debt

Pastor Simon Benham spoke enthusiastically about the changes at his own church since he started CAP money management courses there 18 months ago. By using this tool they have been able to combine loving service with effective communication of the gospel. Bracknell Family Church, where he ministers, has been able to help 75 families and individuals out of debt, and 17 people have made decisions for Christ! This has changed the former middle class demographic of the church — bringing exciting renewal and interesting challenges!

Bearers of hope

Rob Parsons, author of The Money Secret and many other Christian books on aspects of family life, gave the final address. He spoke movingly about the hardship and despair that crushing debt can cause in people’s lives (as well as the very topical issue of banks and national economies in turmoil over foolish levels of borrowing and lending). Having visited CAP’s headquarters in Bradford, he was overwhelming in his endorsement of the work they do there, and impressed by their professionalism. He spoke of it as a real service to the church and an inspiration to himself. He praised those who work for CAP as ‘bearers of hope’. Personally, I was challenged and touched by the commitment of the CAP team, and their enthusiasm to share their faith and to help those who are in desperate and painful situations. This is a section of society that we might easily be tempted to avoid in our ‘normal’ lives. Here is a real and serious problem in our society and the larger world, where Christians can provide help and earn a listening ear from the world that needs the gospel, the only everlasting hope.

Alicia Felce

CAP was founded in 1996 by John Kirkby in Bradford, where the charity is based. Having personally experienced a debt crisis, John felt moved by the plight of the many suffering a similar situation in his community. Starting in his home with a donation of £10.00, the charity now has 64 centres across the country.

If you would like to know more about CAP or are interested in getting involved, see www.capuk.org, email info@capuk.org, or telephone 01274 760720. There are many ways to get involved!