God encourages and supports our work and labor, and throughout Proverbs we see references to the dangers of idleness. They are often unemployed or unemployable. Unfortunately, these areas also have little affordable housing and no product-producing businesses, which are critical to build economic stability in any area. Such conditions rob people of the opportunity for contributing to their communities with dignity and a sense of worth. The Good News is needed in this situation, for the Gospel is for the whole person.
Evangelism is central to social change.
The Covenant has from its beginning made economic development a part of its mission. Close to a century ago, Covenant missionaries to Alaska brought Laplanders to teach the Alaskan native people to herd reindeer and thus better their economic situation. More recently, the same sort of ministry has been accomplished in Zaire through forestry projects and in Thailand through agriculture. Throughout the Bible we are instructed to encourage, support, help, and love unconditionally. God requires us to use our talents to the benefit of his kingdom, his people, and the world.