STEPHEN E. BURRIS

With multiple disasters from hurricanes to fires planet earth has suffered greatly, as have the people most affected by these tragedies. However, these recent events only underscore much deeper problems. Generally speaking the poor are hit the hardest. They have no reserve or a “rainy day fund” to get them through whatever crisis comes along. Sadly, it is not just the major disasters that call our attention to this problem, but most cities have laws and policies that actually deny assistance to those who need it most. These systemic problems must be addressed and changed if lasting improvement is to be realized. In short, laws must be changed or the cycle of poverty will continue. Those committed to community economic development know all to well that the grinding poverty will continue until action is taken in every city where laws continue this systemic evil. Real change is needed now. Here are some examples that only scratch the surface and give one perspective on the size of the problem

According to the 2016 habitats report, the global slum population grew six million people a year. This means an average of 16,500 people a day. In developing countries 881 million urban residents live in slum conditions compared to 689 people in 1990. This represents an increase of 28 per cent over the past 5 years.

Over the next two decades, the urban population of the world’s two poorest regions—South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa—is expected to double, suggesting that the absolute numbers of slum and informal settlement dwellers in these regions will dramatically grow. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 59 percent of the urban population lives in slums and by 2050, Africa’s urban dwellers are projected to have increased by 1.2 billion. Asia and the Pacific is home to half of the urban population of the world with 28 percent of the urban population residing in slums. In Latin America and the Caribbean at least 21 percent of the region’s urban population live in slums.But the issue is larger than the grinding poverty that these figures show us. Unless the systems that hold people in subsistence poverty, oppressed, exploited, and marginalized are addressed, the problem will continue to grow. Buying a homeless person a meal, which is admirable in the intent, cannot change the direction that so many in our world face daily. If we are truly interested in changing and improving this situation then a wholistic approach must be initiated that cares for the immediate needs of hunger, disease, and the lack of hope, we must address the evil systemic problems that keep millions, and soon billions, in the same position as they are in now. This is true community economic development at the street level. We need community organizers who see the wholistic problem and seek to do something to improve the situation. It is at this point that we can begin to talk about a model for missions in the developing world.

I want to take this opportunity to enthusiastically introduce two new people who see the challenge and the pressing needs that we face today and the future. Dr. Lisa Hoff is professor of intercultural studies at Gateway Seminary (formerly Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary). Lisa will be assuming the position of editor of the International Journal of Urban Transformation. Dr. Sean Benesh is joining our team as the associate editor. Sean teaches at several seminaries in the Portland, Oregon area. Sean was also the founder of Urban Loft Publishers. We welcome Sean back in this new role as we together attempt to change the model of mission to a more wholistic approach where all the needs of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, and the voiceless are addressed and not just the spiritual needs. Lisa and Sean will add strength and depth to the journal as we move forward.