September 21, 2010

• Challenging

  Another, what we thought to be, great and very challenging preach at church this last Sunday. I may have mentioned before that our pastor speaks with great courage and straight into strongholds within both the Malagasy culture and, i think, world culture as a whole. This last Sunday he spoke out on the topic of giving and receiving and cited some very disturbing news: On the World Giving Index where Australia and New Zealand topped the list for most generous in giving time, money, service, etc. Madagascar was ranked 153rd out of 153! People laughed! when they heard that! I am appalled… but not entirely surprised. Often i am told by my workers that life in Madagascar is difficult. To be sure, i am definitely not disagreeing with them. Especially since the Crisis the standard of living for the greater populace, those who make less than a dollar a day, is painfully low. But what i found interesting in the survey, and highlighted in Pastor Kim’s preach, was that even countries who shared difficult poverty conditions and also suffered war were, on the whole better givers than Madagascar who shares no borders with other countries and thus has no direct threats… (unless of course you count those countries robbing Madagascar of her natural resources, but that’s for another blog entry). The culture of Madagascar has proven itself to be one that looks out primarily for self-interest. For this reason most people, Christians included, think it’s ok to lie if it benefits you in some way. It’s a rough state of affairs here, to be sure… But i’m not sure what to think about the fact that Madagascar is in last place, especially after reading about the well-being index. Like Kim pointed out, the people in this country appear so happy! They laugh and smile a lot.

  I would encourage you to take a look at that World Giving Index, there’s only 2 (sparsely printed) pages of explanation about the questions and method, and then many graphs and lists which i found fascinating. I would also recommend listening to the preach, (It’s called “Fighting Poverty”) because Kim can boldly put into words ideas that i a) cant say eloquently and b)am afraid to step on people’s toes. If you dont, that’s ok too (i guess ). Josh and i were both very challenged by the message and i came home wondering whether the people i’ve helped in this country have passed forward blessings to others or simply turned around to find someone else to ask for aid… I asked my lady this morning about it and she humbled me in a way i’ve not be humbled before. yeesh. That woman works harder than most people i know. I pay her the standing rate i’ve found among most missionaries, in fact, on the sliding scale of missionary employers i’ve found that we pay on the higher end… but it’s still difficult for her and her family. Regardless of her pay, however, she gives tithes to church and to those in her neighborhood who are in need. She gives of her time (the whole weekend when she’s finally able to spend time with her family!) to her church going to the bush to bring aid and the Good News to the very poor. And here i am trying to guard as much family time as possible because i feel my husband is spending increasing amounts of time at the hangar and at work.

  One of the major ideas we took from the preach was also about being a receiver or being a giver. Do we position ourselves to receive or to give? Do we receive from God and let it stop there? Do we receive blessing from people and not pass them on to others? Like Mme F said, “You bless me and i bless others with what you have given me.” This is in marked contrast to some churches Josh has worked with in the bush who receive relatively large financial and material aid from International supporters… and then turn around and ask for more for another project. There are many, many stories and lessons, proverbs and instruction in the Bible that refer to money… and the danger that it can have in a person’s life if they choose to hold on to it rather than let it go freely. I tell you, volumes could continue to be written about this subject and i reckon the overabundance of thought in my own head on the topic – especially as i continue to observe many cultures interact here on this Great Island – is why i’ve got writers block. Hence the many words but not much said kind of blog this is turning out to be. Sorry.

  I suppose it must suffice to say: the issue of giving, poverty, receiving/giving is one that is a challenging one to consider, and, if i may say so, more challenging as i live in this part of the world where the differences are staring me in the face on a daily basis.

  • 2:46 am
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