The Negative Impact of Long Term Unemployment

The Pew Research Center just completed a survey of the long term unemployed. They found that long-term unemployment takes a much greater toll on a person's emotional state, finances and career prospects as compared to short-term unemployment.
For the study, 2,967 adults were interviewed and of that group, 810 were either currently unemployed, or were jobless for at least some period of time since December of 2007. Those who had been unemployed for at least six months had experienced higher levels of "major change" in their lives as a result of the recession than those who had been unemployed for less than six months.
The study showed several areas of life that are impacted by a long period of joblessness.
Let's start with the obvious. Those who had been unemployed longer (six months or more) saw more of a decline in their family income, with 56 percent seeing a decline compared to 42 percent who had been unemployed for less than three months. Even those who had not had any break in their employment reported a 26 percent drop in their household income in the past 18 months.
But the study found other impacts as well. Strained family relations and loss of contact with close friends were reported at a higher rate by those who had been jobless for six months or more. And in terms of career goals, over 43% of the long-term unemployed said the recession has had a "big impact" on their ability to achieve their long-term career goals. Finally, the study found a significant emotional impact to long term unemployment. Those who had been unemployed for longer periods of time were more likely to report that they were struggling with such issues as loss of self respect, doubt about being in the right career, lowered expectations and feeling pessimistic about the future.
Do you know someone who is unemployed for the long haul? This is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to that person with the love of Christ. Are you someone who has been unemployed for the long haul? Don't isolate yourself from family and friends, reach out to your local church for help, and know that you are not alone. God cares for you!
Blessings,
Dr. Paul

Haiti Conference as the Pastor's Saw It

The other week I received an email from Frantz Morisset, a Haitian pastor from the US who helped us with translation and coordinating small groups for the pastor's conference earlier this summer. I was greatly encouraged by the comments expressed by these pastor's who are serving in such a needy place, and who have suffered so much. Here are some of their thoughts:

"This conference comforted me... It challenged me to help my community and my country... I am now more committed to comfort not only members of my own church but to go beyond... Thank you Lord, you have sent me what I truly needed."

"I was satisfied with my work and concern for church members before the conference... Now I see the need to love, to love more for a truly biblical ministry... I will assist the members of my church in a better way and be available to answer their questions."

Thanks! Thanks CHC [Churches Helping Churches]! I was so discouraged seeing my future... that of my family... ihave a better understanding of God and natural disaster... Good to see there are people who love me... I need help for my family... they are suffereing and I cannot help much... I was alone but now I see there are people who think of me... Thanks."

"This conference challenges me to have more love, more tolerance, and more compassion for others. As I reflect on theh love of the teachers for us, Haitians, it challenges me to do the same... Thanks."

“New vision for love, hope… More commitment to implant new churches and get involved with my team in tent ministries and assistance to victims.”

“This conference should continue through the country… It offers great opportunity to spread the gospel and help pastors who find it difficult to answer to the needs of the times.”

“I am definitely better equipped to face actual problems… Thanks for the American brothers who came in these difficult times… Thanks.”

“It was a good time of reflection… I have learned new ways to handle problems efficiently… how to listen to those suffering… My faith has been strengthened"

“I have been suffering much… headaches, unjustified fatigue, stress… At least this week I am really strong… The Spirit of the LORD is with me… Please do more of this kind of retreat.”

“Can’t wait to share with my friends… I became a de facto counselor on trauma for my church… Now I am better equipped… need to have more for young people…”

“Very relevant… Timely… Thank you CHC, STEP and others. I did not understand what had happened in Port-au-Prince, being from the South... I learned much about ministry in critical times… in time of natural disasters. Thanks to the American team.”

I have many more pages of comments like these, but you get the picture. May these comments encourage you to pray for the pastors and the people of Haiti. For those of you who supported this outreach with your prayers and gifts, may you be encouraged to see how God used this strategic conference.

Blessings,
Dr. Paul