While there are many things we could champion, these 7 are not only at the core of every person’s life, but so interconnected that you have to bring all 7 to a resolution to bring a person to balanced life.

In Cincinnati, 30% of people are in poverty, and 50% of those are kids. This means that one in three people don’t know if they will eat tonight. Half of the kids in greater Cincinnati don’t know if they will eat outside of school. Hunger means difficulty focusing at a job, at school and at church.

Because clothing matters for jobs. And that could be the difference between them having enough food to eat and having to live out of their car with no food. Clothing also might be the difference in the health of a child and how many days of their education missed, putting them further and further behind.

Even if people have all the other pieces of the puzzle, if they don’t have a community that cares about them, relapse or failure in other areas soon may follow. Orphans, the elderly, refugees, prisoners all want to know that someone cares about them. Who better than the church?

We value a next generation that can build a better future than what we've left, but we also want to support those in our current working class to make a better life for themselves. The difference in lifestyle between someone with a high school education and someone without can mean the difference between poverty and sustainability. Providing life skills and opportunities to build job experience equips individuals to be not only financially stable, but also offers hope in stabilizing all areas of their lives.

Not only do we want to heal the body, but also the mind. Almost 18% of Americans suffer from some kind of mental illness that can lead to other issues in life. Many who struggle mentally also struggle with physical health, which can then lead to difficulties with job and home security. On top of that, many struggle silently for fear of the stigma that will be placed on them by their social circle, and some have been abandoned by their support system, making recovery even more difficult.

Slavery is not just an issue of the past, but very much a current problem that needs to be solved. There are an estimated 21 million slaves worldwide—from sweatshops to sex trafficking—men, women and children are forced to work against their will and discarded when they are no longer of use. With the average age of a slave being 13 years old, this is an issue that needs to end today.

A house is the stability that many people need to right other areas in their lives. What is needed is not just a home, but affordable housing, as many people stuck in the cycle of poverty spend most—if not all—of their money on rent. One sickness or emergency can cause them to lose what stability they have.

While many places just ask for money to help solve problems, we know that people and passion matter more than dollars and cents. If an organization has all the money in the world, but not people willing to do the work needed, nothing will happen. While most certainly we will “put our money where our mouth is,” we also know “actions speak louder than words” and strive to provide opportunities for our Whitewater family to do the same. We highly value relationships.

Solve 7 is all about addressing 7 physical issues that can cause a barrier between a person and hearing the gospel. Some people who are dealing with these issues already may have faith in God, but these issues make it difficult for them to be fully functioning in their faith and a local church. We want to help with the physical needs to bring more people into the church family as a whole; not just here at Whitewater, but throughout the world.

We have identified three areas where Solve 7 needs to be addressed: Our Community, Our City and The Countries.

Locally, we have the Life Center as a hub for combating these issues through ministries and partnerships that have a place on our campus.

We are working with partner organizations, both through financial and volunteer support. Some of these organizations provide one-time opportunities that give our members a firsthand experience to show the importance of solving these issues. Some of our partners need people who are passionate about changing the lives of others and commit to a consistent opportunity. As we grow Solve 7, we will be looking for ambassadors to own consistent opportunities to develop relationships with our partners and the people they serve.

Globally, we will continue to support missionaries who are working to build churches and share Christ by addressing these 7 issues. We also will be working with partner organizations that provide opportunities for members to travel and see firsthand the severity of these issues and how they can help.

The goal of Solve 7 is to solve physical problems so that we can help people develop a relationship with Jesus and the local church. As we have identified partners, we looked to ensure that their end goals have discipleship in mind. We also looked at their track records and if they provide opportunities for people to get involved, not just give money. In some areas we are still looking for the right partners and, as we are able, we will engage additional partners in the program.

We know there are a lot of organizations and ideas out there, and we love that you want to help us solve these problems. If you want to suggest an partner that is doing amazing things in our Solve 7 categories, or if you have an idea you would like to lead for our church family to engage in solving one of these problems, we would love to talk. Please email info@whitewatercrossing.org.

John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Luke 3:11

⁸ “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. ⁹ Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Luke 8-9

He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. Ezekiel 18:16

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Isaiah 58:7

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. Isaiah 58:10

He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. Psalm 146:7

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Luke 18:16

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 1 Timothy 6:18

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Titus 2:7

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:26

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13