More on Missions and “Coming as Learners”
by Kaitlyn Leonard
9/16/2012
Traveling to Africa with a group of thirty people conjures up different opinions, different first impressions, and different audiences back home who will be craving information from the lives of their loved ones abroad. While there is nothing inherently wrong with sharing your experiences and opinions on the internet or in a conversation, as that is the essence of human communication in 2012, there is harm when the situations and settings that are discussed hurt and portray wrong concepts about a group of people, or in our instance, the continent of Africa.
Coming here, it is very important to realize that we are coming as learners. We do not have the concept of “missions” perfected, nor do we know every cultural characteristic of this country. We have come from a completely different place, where there are cultural, social, emotional, and spiritual differences, and if we claim to understand this country enough to judge and make finalized opinions, why are we even here to learn in the first place? To ensure we do come here in that manner, we have been introduced to the customs and cultures on various occasions, from people who live and breathe this culture.
It is also very important for us to come here knowing we are here in God’s name. We should put on the mindset and image of God as described in Exodus 34:6-7. By taking this measure, we are being sure to come here full of compassion and love for these people. We will not be judging them, but looking onto their current situations and lifestyles and wanting to help and care for them. But it is important to know our limits. We can’t assume we know the best way to help. It is not our place to give out candies and toys to every child we see because “they are poor.” It is not our place to look at a circumstance, such as in the hospital, and claim they are suffering, saying, “Those poor people, let’s help them.” And it is absolutely not our place to give false information to our audience back home. However, because we are here as learners, we are to ask questions and work our way through them. By asking the hard questions such as “Why are these babies born without a chance of living, while others are born into a family where all their needs are met?” and “How is it fair that we call a long hot shower a ‘blessing,’ while 800 million people do not have access to safe drinking water?” we open our hearts to the pain and heartache that God suffers every day. By allowing ourselves to ask questions, we allow ourselves to feel for these people as Christ feels for them.
While we take these measures to make sure we do not inaccurately portray Zambia, we need to take measures to ensure we do not criticize and look down upon (without realizing or intending to) our family and friends who are not in Africa. Yes, we are in Africa studying abroad, but there is important mission work to be done in the United States. God is on a mission in Russia and India and all over the world, and the fact that we are in Africa does not make our part in His mission any more important. We are all serving Christ and seeking to glorify Him in all we do. As long as we are living our life according to His commands, what matters is that we carry them out, not where we carry them out.
9/16/2012
Traveling to Africa with a group of thirty people conjures up different opinions, different first impressions, and different audiences back home who will be craving information from the lives of their loved ones abroad. While there is nothing inherently wrong with sharing your experiences and opinions on the internet or in a conversation, as that is the essence of human communication in 2012, there is harm when the situations and settings that are discussed hurt and portray wrong concepts about a group of people, or in our instance, the continent of Africa.
Coming here, it is very important to realize that we are coming as learners. We do not have the concept of “missions” perfected, nor do we know every cultural characteristic of this country. We have come from a completely different place, where there are cultural, social, emotional, and spiritual differences, and if we claim to understand this country enough to judge and make finalized opinions, why are we even here to learn in the first place? To ensure we do come here in that manner, we have been introduced to the customs and cultures on various occasions, from people who live and breathe this culture.
It is also very important for us to come here knowing we are here in God’s name. We should put on the mindset and image of God as described in Exodus 34:6-7. By taking this measure, we are being sure to come here full of compassion and love for these people. We will not be judging them, but looking onto their current situations and lifestyles and wanting to help and care for them. But it is important to know our limits. We can’t assume we know the best way to help. It is not our place to give out candies and toys to every child we see because “they are poor.” It is not our place to look at a circumstance, such as in the hospital, and claim they are suffering, saying, “Those poor people, let’s help them.” And it is absolutely not our place to give false information to our audience back home. However, because we are here as learners, we are to ask questions and work our way through them. By asking the hard questions such as “Why are these babies born without a chance of living, while others are born into a family where all their needs are met?” and “How is it fair that we call a long hot shower a ‘blessing,’ while 800 million people do not have access to safe drinking water?” we open our hearts to the pain and heartache that God suffers every day. By allowing ourselves to ask questions, we allow ourselves to feel for these people as Christ feels for them.
While we take these measures to make sure we do not inaccurately portray Zambia, we need to take measures to ensure we do not criticize and look down upon (without realizing or intending to) our family and friends who are not in Africa. Yes, we are in Africa studying abroad, but there is important mission work to be done in the United States. God is on a mission in Russia and India and all over the world, and the fact that we are in Africa does not make our part in His mission any more important. We are all serving Christ and seeking to glorify Him in all we do. As long as we are living our life according to His commands, what matters is that we carry them out, not where we carry them out.
Time in Culture
by Meryl Wetton
9/16/2012
Americans obsess over time management. As toddlers we see adults constantly going from appointment to appointment. As children we enter an educational establishment and have limited time to spend on each subject we are to learn that day. As pre-teens we enter middle school where a bell system is in place and as soon as the bell rings you gather your belongings and move to the next class. As teenagers we advance to high school where we are given agenda books to keep track of our time and we are even offered time management tips. As we graduate high school and move on to college it is mandated that we arrive to class on time and turn our assignments in before the deadlines; failure to do so will result in various consequences. The market in the US for time-keeping devices such as watches, cell phones, etc., is enormous. We as Americans have been taught to push ourselves to do as much as we possibly can in a 24-hour period before we wake up the next day to repeat the process. This lifestyle is directly related to the concept that time is money. Yes, it is true that working more hours will result in a larger paycheck, but is more money in our pocketbook going to solve every problem? A point that I have been pondering lately is that if “time is money” and “the love of money is the root of evil,” then what does that say about the lifestyle we are living?
Here in Zambia, time management is a flexible concept. For example, when we went to the village church last Sunday we pulled up to the church and because they had two weddings going on that day they told us we would be the majority of the congregation. As guests at this church we were expected to lead the service and were asked to begin the service promptly upon our arrival. As the service progressed a steady flow of people entered the church. Even after the sermon was over people were still arriving for the service. By the end of the service the amount of people in the congregation had doubled in size. Most of those who arrived late had missed the majority of the service. It seemed that they didn’t expect worship to actually begin when it was said to begin.
Even in our 30-minute Tonga class our teacher will tend to write on the board for half of the class and teach the other half. Another example was when our teacher, Ba Simafuta, was late to class because on his walk here he saw a good friend and instead of passing him by he stopped to talk to him and show him respect by greeting him properly. There are so many other examples that I could give but the one thing I have noticed about the life here in Africa is that when things happen doesn’t matter as much as what happens. Such behaviors point to underlying values. We act in certain ways because we value certain things. In this situation the behavior of taking your time and not rushing expresses the value that people and relationships are more important than punctuality.
Luke 10:38-41:
.Here in Zambia, time management is a flexible concept. For example, when we went to the village church last Sunday we pulled up to the church and because they had two weddings going on that day they told us we would be the majority of the congregation. As guests at this church we were expected to lead the service and were asked to begin the service promptly upon our arrival. As the service progressed a steady flow of people entered the church. Even after the sermon was over people were still arriving for the service. By the end of the service the amount of people in the congregation had doubled in size. Most of those who arrived late had missed the majority of the service. It seemed that they didn’t expect worship to actually begin when it was said to begin.
Even in our 30-minute Tonga class our teacher will tend to write on the board for half of the class and teach the other half. Another example was when our teacher, Ba Simafuta, was late to class because on his walk here he saw a good friend and instead of passing him by he stopped to talk to him and show him respect by greeting him properly. There are so many other examples that I could give but the one thing I have noticed about the life here in Africa is that when things happen doesn’t matter as much as what happens. Such behaviors point to underlying values. We act in certain ways because we value certain things. In this situation the behavior of taking your time and not rushing expresses the value that people and relationships are more important than punctuality.
Luke 10:38-41:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the LORD’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”The Bible presents this people-centered lifestyle millennia ago. Jesus explains to Martha that she was worried about things that do not matter while Mary chose to spend her time focusing on Jesus and developing a relationship with Him. Likewise, we in America spent most of our lives worried about compartmentalizing each moment into our schedules instead making relationships with the others around us. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in this culture so far it’s that time doesn’t have to be just about money. Time is all about the people with whom you spend it.
Incomprehensible
by Christy Beck
9/15/2012
We pray. We cry out. We attempt to understand. The loss of Adam was difficult for our group. We struggle with the confusion that the news of death leaves us. He had been such a healthy, life-filled, almost two year-old boy. He ran around and smiled. He would giggle when you would tickle him. He shouted for joy when you would spin him around. Adam was a child you would remember forever after a single encounter. God blessed him with a life filled with love by the aunties and by who ever had the opportunity to meet him. Although he was loved by so many, he was loved by God first.
HIZ students in the past have always loved their time at the orphanages. Since there are so many of us and so many children, Meagan, a worker at the Havens, asked if we would like to be paired with specific children. I automatically said yes. She matched me with two perfect boys. One of them was Adam, who I quickly fell in love with.
When I found out Adam had passed away I was shocked. What could I do but cry? He had been so playful the other day when I had seen him. I didn’t understand. My mind quickly went to the lyrics, “You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, ‘Lord, blessed be Your name.’” (originally from Job 1:21). What a true, encouraging, yet puzzling, statement. And this is the challenge we are presented with, how do you explain how a loving, good God would take a child? How could God allow so much hurt and sorrow?
Our group has held tight to each other and to scripture through this experience. For we know that this world is far from perfect. But we do have a loving God. Repetitively throughout scripture we are told of God’s love. “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”- Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV, emphasis mine). What an awesome love; a love that we can’t even fathom on this earth! This earth is filled with questions and things we will never be able to understand. This earth is also filled with Christ’s love. Both the confusion and Christ’s love are incomprehensible. As Christians we are called to love, to be like Christ. So though we don’t understand this loss we will continue to love. There are still so many children at the Havens and people in Zambia that our group has an opportunity to show Christ’s unending love and mercy. We move on with heavy hearts, but trust in the Lord and His great plan.
That night, our group met to verbally express our emotions in an attempt to understand. Afterward, a close friend, Kaitie, told me she had been praying for peace. Peace for the aunties, for Meagan, for me. She showed me Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (NIV).” God’s peace is also incomprehensible. So we are in a world of questions without answers, but we have a God with immeasurable love and peace. God is the only one who can guide us through this paradox. God is the only one who can give us peace. Peace in the confusion. Peace in the ability to continue to live a Christ-like life even after our worlds are shaken, shattered, and broken.
I’m thankful for this prayer. I’m thankful for Kaitie, her friendship, her comfort in difficult times. I’m thankful for our group. Most of all I’m thankful for a God who will forever provide peace, guidance, and love.
I will forever remember and miss Adam. He will be missed by many. We were blessed to have had been touched by Adam’s joy and life. We rejoice in knowing he is now home. God is still good.
Romans 8:15-17
9/15/2012
We pray. We cry out. We attempt to understand. The loss of Adam was difficult for our group. We struggle with the confusion that the news of death leaves us. He had been such a healthy, life-filled, almost two year-old boy. He ran around and smiled. He would giggle when you would tickle him. He shouted for joy when you would spin him around. Adam was a child you would remember forever after a single encounter. God blessed him with a life filled with love by the aunties and by who ever had the opportunity to meet him. Although he was loved by so many, he was loved by God first.
HIZ students in the past have always loved their time at the orphanages. Since there are so many of us and so many children, Meagan, a worker at the Havens, asked if we would like to be paired with specific children. I automatically said yes. She matched me with two perfect boys. One of them was Adam, who I quickly fell in love with.
When I found out Adam had passed away I was shocked. What could I do but cry? He had been so playful the other day when I had seen him. I didn’t understand. My mind quickly went to the lyrics, “You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, ‘Lord, blessed be Your name.’” (originally from Job 1:21). What a true, encouraging, yet puzzling, statement. And this is the challenge we are presented with, how do you explain how a loving, good God would take a child? How could God allow so much hurt and sorrow?
Our group has held tight to each other and to scripture through this experience. For we know that this world is far from perfect. But we do have a loving God. Repetitively throughout scripture we are told of God’s love. “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”- Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV, emphasis mine). What an awesome love; a love that we can’t even fathom on this earth! This earth is filled with questions and things we will never be able to understand. This earth is also filled with Christ’s love. Both the confusion and Christ’s love are incomprehensible. As Christians we are called to love, to be like Christ. So though we don’t understand this loss we will continue to love. There are still so many children at the Havens and people in Zambia that our group has an opportunity to show Christ’s unending love and mercy. We move on with heavy hearts, but trust in the Lord and His great plan.
That night, our group met to verbally express our emotions in an attempt to understand. Afterward, a close friend, Kaitie, told me she had been praying for peace. Peace for the aunties, for Meagan, for me. She showed me Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (NIV).” God’s peace is also incomprehensible. So we are in a world of questions without answers, but we have a God with immeasurable love and peace. God is the only one who can guide us through this paradox. God is the only one who can give us peace. Peace in the confusion. Peace in the ability to continue to live a Christ-like life even after our worlds are shaken, shattered, and broken.
I’m thankful for this prayer. I’m thankful for Kaitie, her friendship, her comfort in difficult times. I’m thankful for our group. Most of all I’m thankful for a God who will forever provide peace, guidance, and love.
I will forever remember and miss Adam. He will be missed by many. We were blessed to have had been touched by Adam’s joy and life. We rejoice in knowing he is now home. God is still good.
Romans 8:15-17
You received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
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