One of the defacto roles that we have experienced here in Brazil has been that of philanthropist (ok, maybe that's a stretch, but it sounds good). Shortly after our arrival here I blogged about how we are able to pass on some of the funds that are donated to us to people that are in need. Since those early observations, we've grown and learned a lot about how we can best help the people in need around us. The numerous Biblical commands and admonitions to help the poor sometime seem to stand in stark contrast to the reality that giving to people in need often robs their dignity and breeds dependency. What was meant to help them often ends up hurting them in the long run.
Like so many things in this life, there is a balance to living out the Biblical mandate to help those in need. We are to give freely, but not indiscriminately. When our hearts break at the condition of some poor soul, we should not just write a blank check, but neither should we walk callously by, saying to ourselves "they'll just buy booze with my money anyway...". So the question becomes not should I help, but how. And this is a question for which there is no easy answer.
The reality of our situation is that we are here to help the local church. The other day I was asked by a friend of mine if I would help with the cost of transportation to a village where a group was going to have an outreach. He was in charge of planing this mission trip for a leadership class at our church. As is the case so many times, many of the students didn't have the money to go. A couple years ago I probably would have just said "sure, how much will it cost?". Instead, I asked for more details and told him to try and make it work first. A few days later he had worked it out, I did end up giving a little bit to help with food, but those that couldn't afford the fee also contributed some food to help offset the price.
I remember a scene from the movie "Dances with Wolves" in which Kevin Costner's character sees how the indian tribe, which he has befriended, is in a position of weakness. A neighboring tribe is about to attack and they are concerned that they will suffer many loses. Costner's character suddenly remembers that he has something that will help them, guns and ammo back at his fort. He excitedly tells them about his stash, before thinking through all of the ramifications. I've often found myself in this position, whether it is planning a youth group event, a mission trip to a remote village, or helping someone afford a much needed medical procedure, I often have resources that will help. But sometimes the best thing to do is let them find a solution to the problem on their own.
So instead of just reacting by extending a fist-full of dollars, we are trying to be more creative with the ways we help. This process of helping, truly helping, becomes one in which the leading of the Holy Spirit is integral.
Thanks to all of you that support us financially and make it possible to bless others. Please pray that we would have wisdom as we seek to not only alleviate some of the suffering we see, but ultimately lead them to the One that can provide true hope and relief.
Like so many things in this life, there is a balance to living out the Biblical mandate to help those in need. We are to give freely, but not indiscriminately. When our hearts break at the condition of some poor soul, we should not just write a blank check, but neither should we walk callously by, saying to ourselves "they'll just buy booze with my money anyway...". So the question becomes not should I help, but how. And this is a question for which there is no easy answer.
The reality of our situation is that we are here to help the local church. The other day I was asked by a friend of mine if I would help with the cost of transportation to a village where a group was going to have an outreach. He was in charge of planing this mission trip for a leadership class at our church. As is the case so many times, many of the students didn't have the money to go. A couple years ago I probably would have just said "sure, how much will it cost?". Instead, I asked for more details and told him to try and make it work first. A few days later he had worked it out, I did end up giving a little bit to help with food, but those that couldn't afford the fee also contributed some food to help offset the price.
I remember a scene from the movie "Dances with Wolves" in which Kevin Costner's character sees how the indian tribe, which he has befriended, is in a position of weakness. A neighboring tribe is about to attack and they are concerned that they will suffer many loses. Costner's character suddenly remembers that he has something that will help them, guns and ammo back at his fort. He excitedly tells them about his stash, before thinking through all of the ramifications. I've often found myself in this position, whether it is planning a youth group event, a mission trip to a remote village, or helping someone afford a much needed medical procedure, I often have resources that will help. But sometimes the best thing to do is let them find a solution to the problem on their own.
So instead of just reacting by extending a fist-full of dollars, we are trying to be more creative with the ways we help. This process of helping, truly helping, becomes one in which the leading of the Holy Spirit is integral.
Thanks to all of you that support us financially and make it possible to bless others. Please pray that we would have wisdom as we seek to not only alleviate some of the suffering we see, but ultimately lead them to the One that can provide true hope and relief.
-posted by Josh
4 comments:
amen! good post :)
Really well thought out. Doesn't matter if you are in Brasil or in Peoria. Watched a film called "The Second Chance" that did a really good job of presenting this issue. Take care!
You have captured well my thoughts and the dilemma we have often talked about. Loved your choice of pictures as well. Dad
Very good post :) My husband and I have thought a lot about what to support and how, and we are always asking what God wants us to do. There are so many good and biblical causes, but we cannot give for all of them due to lack of money, even though we would like to :) So we need God to make the choices for us.
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