The Problems

So many of the challenges plaguing our world today are rooted in sin and evil. That means we’re fighting a battle on two fronts. God’s people are actively involved in spiritual and physical combat to win back territory from the enemy.

Discover the problems. Find your allies. Learn how you can build, invest, and give to push back spiritual and physical darkness.

7 Categories.
30 Problems.
Countless Solutions.

SICKNESS • POVERTY • VIOLENCE • VULNERABILITY • ECONOMIC EXPLOITATION • ISOLATION • IDOLATRY

The seven main categories we’ve created focus on 30 specific problems. This list is distilled from the extensive research published by our partners. We’re especially indebted to the United Nations, Praxis, and the National Christian Foundation.

We invite you to find a problem you’re passionate about solving from the list below. Dive deep into the research provided. Give to and invest in best-in-class organizations solving these problems. Or consider building a venture of your own.

The flourishing of our bodies and minds is under threat. The physical and mental health challenges bearing down on us affect not just those struggling with illness and disease, but also the families and communities caring for the afflicted. These ailments harm those who suffer from them and constrain their families and communities from experiencing true flourishing. 

SICKNESS

“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” Luke 10:8-9

In Isaiah 58, God’s call is simple: “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them…” Hunger, home insecurity and home unaffordability, and disasters continue to afflict our society’s poorest people and communities. 

POVERTY

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18

Violence is often wielded by those with power to oppress those who don’t. It's a part of all of our sin, and yet when violence is used by those in positions of authority, it can be especially widespread and dangerous. This can lead to wounds—physical and emotional—that can take generations to heal. These abuses cause immediate and long-term harm to those caught up in their wake.   

VIOLENCE

“‘But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.” Luke 6:27-29

From the womb to the grave, the ability for our society to flourish depends on how we treat those with the least amount of power. From unborn babies to disadvantaged youth to families navigating disability, we witness how critical it is for society to defend and support those experiencing these unique challenges. 

VULNERABILITY

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4

Global wealth has tripled since 2000. While extreme poverty levels have decreased, economic adversity plagues many sectors and communities. We see economic exploitation most acutely in the insufficient number of jobs and lack of dignifying livelihoods, in the ways supply chains can propel illicit and unethical treatment of people, and in how financial services can hold the most marginalized captive.

ECONOMIC EXPLOITATION

“Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16

We have never been more connected, yet we have never felt so alone. The weakening and fraying of our homes, churches, neighborhoods, and communities coincides with the surge of technology pulling us further into ourselves and away from each other. These dovetailed challenges inhibit trust and drive us to ideological silos. 

ISOLATION

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” Proverbs 18:1

History is littered with humanity's insatiable clamor to supplant God with idols. As Pastor Tim Keller wrote, idols are “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.” In our own hearts and in the culture around us, we see how idolatry shows up when we sideline Jesus, hoard our resources, and pursue financial returns alone in our portfolios.

IDOLATRY

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

Don’t see your problem?

This list of problems is not definitive. We’re looking to add more. If there’s a problem we’ve missed, we want to know about it. Don’t hesitate to reach out!