For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, "You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land." - Deuteronomy 15:11
In West Africa, everywhere you look there is poverty. Back in 2009-2010, it cost me 200f every time I went to the post office, because there were two old men there who were always sure to greet the "Americain" with an outstretched hand. At each stoplight our truck was usually approached by two or three boys with red cans begging for money for the mosque. We didn't give to them, because they didn't get to keep it anyway (all the money went to their Islamic school), but we gave them candy instead. Moses told the people of Israel that there would always be poor people in the land and, no doubt, this is true everywhere on our planet.
There will always be poor people in every land, yet God has not called us to put an end to poverty (it cannot be done). He has called us to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ, coupled with a spirit of generosity. In other words, we should give liberally to those in need, do what we can to alleviate the suffering of others, but (above all else) never fail to give them Jesus.
There may always be poor people in the land, but they do not always have to be lost.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. - Paul, the Apostle (2 Corinthians 8:9)
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