A Different ‘Gift of Giving’

by Brette Dollins

Remember when you were a child, and all you ever wanted was for Christmas to roll back around? Snow days, decorating the tree, baking gingerbread with Mom—all were wonderful memories we’ve had of our childhood. But what, as a child, was most important? Going to see Santa, of course! Without braving those wretched holiday lines, paying a ridiculous fee and being slung by elves down a big red slide, Santa Claus would never know what to bring you!

I recently had a thought to myself. On one of those crazy trips to see St. Nick, did I ever ask the kind old man how his day was? Or do I know if he has children? How about if he had any advice for me in school, or with my friends? I realized that the friendship with Santa Claus wasn’t what I had desired. What I desired were the items he routinely would give me.

Before embarking on this journey, our twenty-seven students were allowed to bring gifts to the children, and we piled them all together upon arrival so that Meagan, a missionary with the havens, could find an appropriate time and place to hand them out. She spoke to us about how people will come visit Namwianga, giving candies, toys, and other trinkets then leave after their short mission trip. When a white mission team from America comes in time after time with gifts, the children and people become like kids at Christmas—eagerly awaiting their candies and treasures and quickly moving on afterwards, which reminded me of how we love Santa for what he brings us. This, over time, seems to have created the idea in the mind of some that the sole purpose of visitors is to give things. It has been said by a former HIZ student, “Being a giver of a very different gift is what Namwianga needs.” We were a little surprised at first that we weren’t freely giving items all the time, but we now understand and can apply much better the purpose behind the action of giving.

For instance, think about Jesus’ ministry and service. He had more than enough power to give money, food and other physical necessities to all the poor He met. While we do see stories of physical giving, in every story He reached for something deeper through intentional interaction. He spent His time with the lepers, the sinners and the poor and had compassion on them, sometimes offering healing or food, but always offering the gift of His never-ending hope. This world and the things in it will pass away, but the promise of His word, faithfulness and love are everlasting.

While here, our endeavor is to break down the barrier between the two cultures. Too often members from a developing country find themselves in a relationship of dependency for items instead of creating an international Christian bond. Materials may last a day or two, but friendships in Christ can make an impact for an entire lifespan. I know personally that consolation and advice from respected adults has made more of an impression on my life than any present. Sometimes here we’re being asked by small children for bubble gum or stickers, but our response is instead, “Let’s go play!” Now these children love solely to play with us and do so often, and we strive to apply this with all kids we meet.

The efforts of those in the past, in reference to giving, aren’t necessarily negated, for I know I have reached out to other kids like that before. As we continue to fall in love with this beautiful country and its people, though, we now strive to show Jesus from our hearts, and desire to give and receive the invaluable gift of loving relationships.