Our country's economic downturn affects more than your budget.

Two to 3 million additional children will begin to live below the poverty line as a result of the current recession. Their lives will become more difficult. Attitudes might slip. So will attendance. And not just at school, but also at church and in the neighborhood. Yes, your church, your school, or your neighborhood.

Consider this reality for a moment. As kids begin to act different in your ministry, consider if their families might some of the ones affected. These additional 2 million or more children will likely lack attention that they once received. That happens when parents must exert energies elsewhere; to climb back to where they were financially not long ago. Every day, the economy brazenly commits petty theft of attention away from those who need it and deserve it—children.

My prayer to combat this crime: Give us more people like Michelle.

Who is Michelle? Michelle teaches fourth grade teacher in Aurora, Illinois. ...