For King & Country, TobyMac and Michael W Smith to support world's poor in virtual concert

For King & Country and other artists will be performing at the concert (Facebook/for KING & COUNTRY)

Over 20 major Christian artists are uniting for an evening of music in support of poor communities around the world that have been impacted by Covid-19.

Artists taking part in the 'Unite to Fight Poverty' livestream event include TobyMac, Michael W Smith, Hillsong Worship, For King & Country, Kirk Franklin, Natalie Grant and Phil Wickham. 

The virtual concert is being hosted by Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson Huff and worship leader Carlos Whittaker. 

It is the joint effort of Christian humanitarian organisations World Vision, Compassion International and Food for the Hungry. 

They warn that much of the progress made in recent years towards eliminating global poverty has been jeopardized by Covid-19. 

According to the Lancet Journal, 10,000 more children a month are dying from hunger each month due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

It is feared that half a billion people worldwide are at risk of being pushed into extreme poverty because of the pandemic. 

Funds raised by the concert will go towards the work of World Vision, Compassion International and Food for the Hungry as they support families in extreme poverty in the aftermath of Covid-19. 

Veteran Christian singer Natalie Grant said: "We are in the middle of a horrific global pandemic, and it's easy to forget the epidemic of poverty. There are children who need access to medicines, clean water and education. These needs have existed long before now, and the moment we are in has only increased the need.

"We can be a part of the solution and bringing hope at a time when hope is desperately needed. And I think this event will be full of hope."

Grammy Award-winning artist Kirk Franklin said: "COVID-19 has left a lot of families in need and poverty. It is our duty as Christians to band together and fight against this global pandemic of extreme poverty.

"It's an honour to partner with Compassion, Food for the Hungry and World Vision in the battle against poverty. Everyone's efforts will be needed to make a change."

In the UK, Unite to Fight Poverty streams live at www.unitetofightpoverty.org at 1.30am on Saturday 29<sup> August and will then available on demand at the same website afterwards.  In the US, the concert will be available to view at 8:30pm on Friday 28 August. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Lib Dems admit unlawful discrimination against Christian parliamentary candidate
Lib Dems admit unlawful discrimination against Christian parliamentary candidate

Just days before local elections, the Liberal Democrats have admitted to unlawful religious discrimination against a parliamentary candidate over his Christian views.

London bishop 'deeply saddened' by attack on Jews in Golders Green
London bishop 'deeply saddened' by attack on Jews in Golders Green

Bishop Anderson Jeremiah said he was "appalled by this ongoing cycle of violence fuelled by antisemitism".

When the gospel is criminalised, who really suffers the consequences?
When the gospel is criminalised, who really suffers the consequences?

When the gospel is criminalised and silenced in public, those who pay the price are the ones who need this hope the most.

King Charles tells US Congress Christianity is his ‘firm anchor and daily inspiration’ during historic Washington address
King Charles tells US Congress Christianity is his ‘firm anchor and daily inspiration’ during historic Washington address

King Charles III declared that Christianity remains a “firm anchor and daily inspiration” in his life as he delivered a landmark address to a joint session of the United States Congress during his first official state visit to the US as monarch.