Micah Challenge is a network of the Christian aid and development organisations. Globally Micah Challenge was set up to provide a united Christian voice in support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These goals were agreed by the countries of the United Nations as a pathway for the reduction of global poverty in the first 15 years of the new millennium. As Christians we believe that there could be no better way to celebrate the millennium of the birth of Christ than to have a goal of halving global poverty!

Our goal is increased understanding and response to poverty issues in the Christian community, and through that, an increase in support for government and non-government projects targeted at achieving the MDGs.

The list of Micah Challenge partners is growing and includes the New Zealand Christian Network – visionnetwork, World Vision, TEAR Fund, The Leprosy Mission, CBM, tranzsend, NZCMS, The Salvation Army (Overseas Development Section), Laidlaw College and Carey Baptist College.

This year (2010) marks the two thirds point for the MDGs. Some progress has been made with many of the goals. This progress has been threatened by the economic downturn. As the economy begins to recover it is essential that extra care is given to the needs of the bottom 20% of the world. The remaining five years to the 2015 target are crucial.

Micah Challenge is making this year a particular campaign to emphasise this two thirds point. We are aiming to have a number of projects and resources available for churches to use. These resources will aim to use 10 October 2010 (10.10.10) as a day to celebrate progress, and to advocate for more action. In common with Micah Challenge Australia we will have a focus on the goals that relate to children. These are particularly the goals around maternal and child health.

We ask for Christians throughout New Zealand to support this campaign through all denominations and churches.

www.micahchallenge.org.nz