For many Christians the multiple commands from God to care for the poor and needy are lost between the pages of their bible.  Many feel that caring for the poor is the responsibility of government and we participate simply by paying our taxes which support the effort.  
     However, the Lord wants more than our money to help the poor, the different, the difficult and the disgusting.  He wants our hearts. Specifically the Lord wants our hearts to be softened, and molded into the likeness of His heart which will then enable us to willingly open our hands wide to share our resources, our time and our talents for the benefit of others.  
    There are many fine books written on the topic of poverty but their audiences are typically academia or those involved in the social sciences or the delivery of social services. There are also books witten on welfare used mostly by students and educators. God wanted to do something different through Open Your Hand Wide. He wanted me to write a book that takes a deep, long look at both poverty and welfare, but also a book that is strong on His commands to us regarding the poor and our responsibility to care for them
    When we will not allow ourselves the blessings of caring for the poor we diminish ourself and the light that is within us. But when we do open our minds, our hearts and ultimately our hands we expand ourselves and the light within us illuminates in a much greater measure.
     Voices Against Poverty exists to engage,educate and encourage the Christian believer on poverty related issues so they might be prepared to be used in this ministry of compassion.