Defined by the World Bank as life on less than $1.25 per day. As of 2005, World Bank estimates there were 1.4 billion people in that condition.

1.4 billion people in the world live on less than $1.25 per day.

1) It’s relational: connecting you with your friends and as directly as possible with the people you support abroad. 2) It’s committed to excellence: Time-tested, world-class organizations lead each category of development work and are building the principles of excellence in partnership with Accord. 3) It celebrates impact: in a world of pessimists 58: celebrates progress and pursues those strategies with proven effectiveness allowing you to see results. 4) It’s centered on Christ and His Church: Other, often secular, efforts tend to place hopes in government. 58: is unflinching in its commitment to the centrality of Christ and the role of the Church.

It is a compelling, feature-length documentary film planned for release on television, iTunes and DVD this October 2011.

During the filming, the crew on-site took appropriate action to help Sanjiv and his family with financial support. Since then Sanjeev and Shivama left that quarry, got into deeper debt and faced even worse obstacles. Sanjeev has since died under unclear circumstances. Shivamma and the children have been embraced by a local church who have relocated them to a new area and are actively supporting the family. As you may know, there are thousands of families like his that need your help and multiple practical strategies to help them.

For example, the girl from the quarry who was receiving an education and opportunities in life rather than facing a life in the quarry is sponsored through Compassion International. Sponsorship provides protection and opportunity for children in all types of enslaving circumstances.

Another solution is micro-enterprise which provides small loans and job training to help people become self sufficient. International Justice Mission(IJM) works with local authorities to help rescue victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.

So although you cannot support Sanjiv’s family directly, you have the opportunity to donate to projects that ultimately assist similar families or that help to prevent such families from falling into these horrendous situations. We’d encourage you to check out the Get Started portion of the 58: website to find simple and concrete ways to begin living out the message of Isaiah 58.

No, actually he never said that. He never said “us” but that is how it is often remembered. In fact Jesus was rebuking Judas moments before the betrayal. In the same breath he also said, “you will not always have me” but we don’t argue much about whether that is an all-time statement made to all of us. Check out Fast Living or watch The Poor Will Not Always Be With Us for a fuller perspective on what happened that night.

No doubt about it. We unquestionably can bring an end to extreme poverty. Not only does the evidence support that claim it is also what God has called and equipped us to do. We are well on our way already – child mortality has been cut in half in the past 30 years, 600 million have gained access to safe drinking water since 1990, and the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has dropped from 52% to 26% (cut in half) between 1981 and 2005. To achieve the end of extreme poverty just requires us to keep pace with the progress of the past generation.

The fast is an ancient practice of devotion – a “spiritual discipline”. It is literally a choice to go hungry. But it is a false performance when wrongly motivated, showing false piety or trying to impress God. It is true when our actions are in alignment with God’s will and in Isaiah 58 God makes it clear what His will is – to care for the hurting, the vulnerable and the poor. To seek justice on their behalf. That’s what God wants and when we want it as He does we will be willing to go hungry for it.

Live58.org is a global connection point for Christians to join forces in bringing an end to poverty. It’s a place for you to gather with your friends – your church, campus group, any team you want to build – and take action together. It is primarily a tool for the Church to do what the Church is called to do.

Who else will? If we as individuals with a shared commitment and vision come together then incredible things can happen. The power of 58: is in the numbers. If each of us invites others to join then pretty soon you’re looking at significant new levels of action, resources and a rising social resolve.

If “joining” means conforming your life to the truths of Isaiah 58, “living 58″, then the promises are offered in scripture itself. “You will find your joy”, “your healing will quickly appear”, “you will be called repairer of broken walls, restorer of streets with dwellings”. But, more practically, you get to be part of an unprecedented, world-changing advance for the good of the world which God so loves. You do this by signing up, getting your own Live 58: Web page to track the actions you’ll be doing such as telling others, funding projects of your choice, joining others, getting access to cutting-edge resources and earning Impact Points to chart the impact you’re having. You’ll also get to see the cumulative difference you and others are making in ending extreme poverty.

Start the journey by reading Isaiah 58. Then sign up to be part of this global initiative to end extreme poverty. Express your intention to live it out by signing the “I will live 58″ pledge.

Pastors and church leaders can host a 58: The Film screening event at their church. Thanks to the generous donation of 58: supporter, your church can receive a 58: The Film screening kit at no cost, for a limited time. To order the kit, go online to live58.org/thefilm

Ending extreme poverty is no more a fad than ending the slave trade was a fad for Wilberforce. We are resolved to work for the end of extreme poverty and are preparing for a 25-year fight. If it takes longer we will not tire. If 58: comes and goes we will carry on under some other banner until that goal is reached (but the call to “live 58″ will endure).

It’s free to join. It’s free to participate. It’s free to invite others. You will have opportunities to donate to poverty-fighting projects around the world. But the real cost? Your status quo and any old vestiges of apathy that may be hanging on. To “live 58″ is a commitment and a journey. Are you ready for that challenge? Sign up now.

Ten leading anti-poverty organizations form the 58: Council based on their extensive experience in various facets of anti-poverty work. Together, these organizations represent $800 million in annual operations, thousands of local partnerships and experience in more than 50 countries. See our Partners page. Christian Reformed World Relief Committee community development crwrc.org/58 Compassion International child and leadership development compassion.com/58 ECHO food security echonet.org/58 Food for the Hungry food security fh.org/58 Hope International microenterprise development hopeinternational.org/58 International Justice Mission justice for victims of violent oppression ijm.org/58 Living Water International safe water water.cc/58 Micah Challenge aid and policy micahchallenge.org Plant with Purpose environmental stewardship plantwithpurpose.org/58 World Relief disaster relief worldrelief.org

58: has selected only 10 organizations to serve in the early phase of the 58: Initiative. These 10 are considered “category leaders” for their demonstrated excellence in their area of poverty-reduction work. Selection criteria included reputation in the communities where they serve and consistency of their Christian identity. Other major factors included their reputation among their peer organizations, years of experience, and good standing with ECFA.

A donation made through 58: and a donation made directly to one of the organizations partnering in 58: both result in the same amount of support going through to the local project. The percentage of overhead varies depending on the project but there is no “extra” cost for donating through 58: because each organization has agreed to work with 58: to reduce and share overhead costs. 58: is an Initiative, not another organization, and the partners in this initiative are world-class, experienced and trustworthy. Funds given to projects are receipted by Global Fast. Global Fast then transfers 100% of your donation minus any credit card processing fees to the organization responsible for implementing the project you have supported.

58: is not an organization. It’s an initiative that brings together some of the top poverty-fighting organizations in the world. With 58:, you’re doing more than just making a donation. You’re making a difference by joining with thousands of others to get the word out, fast, pray and take action in ways that go beyond financial support. 58: isn’t just another charity. It’s a Christ-centered movement to end extreme poverty. That can only happen by working together and leveraging the efforts of millions. That’s a big goal but it’s for a big purpose. We can end extreme poverty in our lifetimes, but only by pulling together.

At 58: we care about all forms of suffering, oppression and poverty and we encourage Christians everywhere to do their part in obeying God’s call to take action. We are especially concerned and focused on those who live on less than $1.25 per day (extreme poverty) because their very survival is under threat. Our choice to focus on the challenges of extreme global poverty is a choice we must make to be effective in our work.

Isaiah 58 begins, “Shout it aloud and do not hold back”. At 58: we seek to honor this call to speak truth with conviction. Shouting doesn’t mean yelling or noise. To shout is to declare truth clearly and with boldness in a way that is not easily ignored. People do not whisper during emergencies.

live58 is testing various engagement technologies and has plans to use the point system as a way of encouraging and affirming people for their partnership in the cause. We want to recognize and thank folks who have given of their time and energy to build the movement and champion the cause of the poor. We hope to have specific (and pretty darn cool) opportunities and gifts in the future. Lot’s of folks are having fun with it and using them to spur one another on.

Compassion International is a 58: advisory council member. compassion.com/58

Your project will be implemented by the 58: partner organization as shown on your project page but your donation will be receipted by an organization called Global Fast. Global Fast sits at the hub of all the 58: partners, connects you to the project of your choice and passes 100% of your donation (minus credit card processing fees) on the the organization responsible for your project. In financial terms, giving through 58: is the same as giving directly to the 58: partner organization. But giving through 58: allows team-based funding, connection to your friends (church, fellowship group, class…) for shared experiences, evidence of impact and participation in a unified Christian response to end poverty.

During 2011 and early 2012, we are building the foundation for the 58: initiative with the first ten alliance partners. We plan to expand the alliance in the future to include other poverty-fighting organizations, but probably not before mid-2012. If your organization is interested in joining the 58: alliance in the future, complete the below form.

Please provide the following information. We will follow up with you as soon as we are ready to expand the 58: Alliance.