The Simplify initiative is part of Life Beyond Debt, the Evangelical Alliance's response to the current economic crisis.
We firmly believe that the Bible is outspoken on issues of poverty and injustice and we want to encourage churches to be equally vocal. With their national networks and local presence, the church is uniquely positioned to help people who are in debt, have lost their jobs or are otherwise struggling with their finances. By combining the conviction that motivates our action with the resources and organisations already established, the church can develop its engagement to bring vital aid to those who are in the greatest need.
Launched at a special conference in London, Life Beyond Debt has brought together many of the leading Christian organisations that work in this field in the belief that together we can be more effective. For more information, theology, advice and resources on money and debt issues, go to the Life Beyond Debt mini site www.lifebeyonddebt.org
What is Simplify?
Here’s the Simplify challenge: For one month, we will live on the amount of money we would receive if we were on benefits.
We’ll learn how to Simplify – to make the most of our time, relationships and money – from people who already live on less, and we’ll give the money we save away to support those who have no other option.
We’ve looked into benefits payments and provided a guide and budget sheets for you to use to decide how much you have to live on for the month, and how much you have left to give away. We advise you to tot up the amount you plan to spend and give beforehand, and show it to a friend for accountability. It would also be great if you can let your church know how much you are hoping to give away, as we will try to get a picture of the Simplify takeup during October.
We’d love you to join us for the month of October 2009. But if that’s too soon for you, or if a whole month is not realistic, you can do Simplify for yourself some other time, or you can live on less for a week or two. Simply tot up your budgets and divide them by four to find out your living and giving for one week. www.simplify.org.uk
