Transforming the Lives of the Poor with Kelly Miller

Feb 5, 2025

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“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” - Proverbs 22:9

Do you have a generous heart—one that seeks out opportunities to bless others, especially those in need? Today, Kelly Miller joins us to share a powerful way you can not only support the poor around the world but also help bring lasting transformation to their lives.

Kelly Miller is the CEO and President of Cross International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.

The Global Crisis: Hunger, Clean Water, and Poverty

Poverty remains a critical issue around the world, affecting millions of families who struggle to access basic necessities like food, clean water, and education.

The numbers are staggering:

Over 800 million people go hungry every day.
More than 50% of child deaths are linked to hunger-related issues.
Nearly 700 million people lack access to safe and clean water.

Cross International is a faith-based humanitarian organization dedicated to transforming the lives of impoverished individuals and families worldwide. It is on the front lines, working in over a dozen low-income countries to meet these urgent needs while also addressing the deeper spiritual transformation that brings lasting hope.

The Mission of Cross International

Founded in 2001, Cross International partners with local Christian ministries to provide essential resources to struggling communities. Their mission is to provide food, water, and shelter and transform lives through the love of Christ.

The organization primarily serves Latin America and regions of Eastern and Southern Africa, where the need is particularly dire. Through local partnerships, they empower communities by offering:

Nutritious meals for children
Clean drinking water
Educational opportunities
Discipleship and spiritual development

Beyond Humanitarian Aid: Transforming Lives Through Christ

Cross International goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—they focus on long-term transformation. One example of this is their Thriving Kids Initiative, which ensures children not only receive food and education but also grow in faith and purpose.

Take Kenny, a young man from rural Malawi. He grew up in extreme poverty, with little access to food or education. Through Cross International’s partnership with local ministries, Kenny was able to attend school and receive his only meal of the day—a nutritious meal provided through the program.

Over the years, Kenny has thrived academically, and today, he is a university student in Malawi. He dreams of returning to his village, starting a business, and helping lift others out of poverty. His story is just one of many transformed lives through the work of Cross International.

How You Can Help: Become a Thriving Kids Ambassador

The impact of your generosity can be life-changing. For just $62, you can provide:

Life-saving food and water
Educational opportunities
Spiritual nourishment through the Gospel

Your gift can make an eternal difference in a child's life. Consider becoming a Thriving Kids Ambassador by giving today.

Every gift of $62 helps a child not only survive but thrive through the love of Christ. To join this mission, visit crossinternational.org/faith.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

My problem isn't necessarily with the credit cards. This year, I have financed three reasonably large items, including a used RV that I financed for $17,000 at 10.99% interest over 15 years. If I wait to pay it off for the entire 15 years of the loan, the total cost will triple or even more. How can I pay off this RV more quickly with the resources I have left?
I'm in a tough financial spot with debt and no money, and I'm not sure if I should file for bankruptcy or keep trying to pay it off. I want to honor God with my finances, but I'm really struggling.
I'm interested in the advantages and disadvantages of creating a trust with money we have after the passing of a loved one, as opposed to investing the money in mutual funds. Since I'm unsure of our intentions for the money, I'm trying to determine whether a trust is the better option or whether I should invest it in mutual funds.
I have a $400,000 rental property with $60,000 left on my home mortgage. The rental brings in $1,800 per month. Should I sell the property, use the proceeds to pay off my debts, and invest the remaining $340,000, or should I continue renting the property until I'm 65?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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