Contact: Hollie Baker-Lutz, 630-890-5928, hollie@unpoverty.org

CHICAGO, Sept. 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- Many faith leaders, NGOs, and government agencies encourage action on behalf of the one billion people who survive on about a dollar per day, but Mark Lutz shows us how. In a new book entitled UnPoverty: Rich Lessons from the Working Poor, Lutz states that the key to ending extreme poverty is not to give handouts but to leverage the talents and dedication that the poor possess. Furthermore, when properly supported, the poor themselves will lead the way to eliminate chronic poverty within just a single generation.

Mark Lutz details his plan as he shares lessons learned from travels to dozens of developing nations. Each chapter is a series of poignant personal stories that highlight one quality of those in extreme poverty such as gratitude or community. Where many in the West are quick to ignore or misjudge those who are poor, Lutz views them as abundantly rich. "My richest lessons come from the poorest people," he says. "They deepen my understanding of what really matters in life. I listen to their stories and they compel me to speak out -- for their sake and ours."

In addition to personal stories, spiritual lessons, and basic economic theory, UnPoverty details eight dimensions of poverty and suggests a "best buy" charity that successfully addresses the need. While the focus of Mark's poverty solution is microfinance, he encourages readers to get involved in what they care about most -- strategically and generously.

This audacious goal is catching the attention of poverty experts and faith leaders worldwide. Endorsed by Christian thought leaders like Rich Stearns, John Ortberg, and Tony Campolo and more than 30 others, UnPoverty pre-sold 13,000 copies to organizations that aim to see the end of extreme poverty. Lutz's recent post for CNN's Belief Blog entitled "5 Myths about Poverty that Christians Should Renounce" drew attention from Christian and secular audiences alike.

UnPoverty was released on September 1, 2010 and is Mark Lutz's first publication. Prior to his 25 years experience in international development, Lutz grew up in South Africa under apartheid with missionary parents. Lutz currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Philanthropy for Opportunity International, one of the leading microfinance organizations that loaned out $3 billion in the past five years.

UnPoverty is available for purchase on Amazon or by visiting the author's website at www.unpoverty.org. Please direct all media inquiries to hollie@unpoverty.org.