'Debt is so devastating because people find it virtually impossible to resolve the problem themselves.'

An introduction to Christians Against Poverty, an organisation which gives people hope and a just solution to the problem of debt.

In 2007, CAP Sunday is November 18th.

In the UK:

1) We have twice as many credit cards as people.
2) We have two-thirds of Europe’s credit card debt.
3) Our personal debt is increasing by £1 million every four minutes.
4) Money problems are the number one cause of marriage breakdown.
5) More than three million people are struggling just to pay energy bills.
 
After reading those shocking statistics it is not surprising to understand that debt is a massive problem in the UK. With the wide availability of credit and the “must have now” mentality of consumers, the problem of debt shows no sign of easing.

This is made worse by the fact that it only takes a change in circumstances, such as illness or redundancy, for manageable credit to become un-payable debt.
 
Debt is so devastating because people find it virtually impossible to resolve the problem themselves. Subsequently, hopelessness, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression even to the point of suicide, can result.

Exacerbates

The thought of confrontational conversations with creditors only exacerbates the situation, leaving people helpless and fearful. Samantha knew all too well the devastation debt could have on her family:

“We were unemployed and in so much debt, I was anxious, worried and scared and my depression kept getting worse. Bringing up children is a struggle on its own without having debt on your shoulders. I tried to take my own life several times due to the amount of debt clouding over us and felt that there was no future for us.”
 
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) was founded in 1996 to offer hope and a solution to people just like Samantha struggling in financial crisis. Over the past ten years, CAP has modified and improved systems and processes to provide one of the leading debt counselling services available in the UK, all provided through a network of 43 centres working in partnership with local churches.
 
CAP’s work is transforming lives as people are given hope and a just solution to the problem of debt. Lives are literally being saved as clients realise their situation is not completely hopeless.

Barriers preventing clients working themselves out of debt are being broken down as we work to find affordable repayments that are fair to both debtor and creditor. Families are staying together, homes are being saved and suicide prevented through CAP’s unique, holistic and personal approach. Samantha continues,

“With CAP’s help we can now manage our money a lot better as well as saving for the future. Everything’s changed for the better now that we have a lot to look forward to with our new baby girl and enjoy what we have with our two boys as well. We will be out of debt soon.”

Holistic
 
CAP, however, does not simply deal with a client’s financial situation but offers a holistic service with the ultimate desire being that clients eventually become Christians becoming nurtured members of their local church. That is one of the reasons why CAP will only open centres in partnership with a local church.

Support workers from the partner churches then play key roles in evangelism and nurturing new Christians. Through befriending clients, listening to them and offering practical support such as shopping or gardening, support volunteers introduce clients to Christ’s love in a very practical way.

Clients are responding to this as they learn about Christ’s love and sacrifice for them, and since June 2005, CAP has seen 145 people have become Christians.
 
CAP’s desire is for many more people across the UK to be released from the despair and hopelessness that a situation of debt can bring.

CAP’s 2021 vision is to have a CAP centre working in partnership with local churches in every major town and city across the UK so that thousands more people like Samantha can be rescued and thousands can come to know the love of Christ for themselves.

Could your church open a CAP centre and transform lives in your community?

See www.capuk.org for more details, or call 01274 760 720 with any questions.

If you are interested in spreading the word about CAP to your church, holding a fundraiser or taking up a collection, then order a free pack using the details below.

The pack includes: a leader’s guide which includes a client story, an article about debt and poverty in the UK, a suggested song and quiz. There is also an iInteractive DVD, CAP Sunday poster, collection envelopes and CAP newsletters available.

If you would like to order a pack, then please call 01274 760 724 or email: elanbuck@capuk.org if you have any questions.