I love finances! It is a fascinating topic, and something everyone has to manage to some degree. There is so many books written on how to budget, getting out of debt, loan principles, differences in insurance plans, and how to invest for the future. Plethora of resources are available and my favorite one is the Bible, followed by Christian authors.
Obviously the Bible can be applied in a variety of ways when it comes to finances; as there are books out there with opposing views but both backed by scripture. I mean most books recommend saving for the future; yet Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19. That is just one of many examples. It is just one of those topics that an individual should probably sit down with their Bible, read the scripture for themselves, pray about it, and follow personal convictions. Then refer to other books to get different approaches in practical applications once you have a foundation of truth.
But a book I long to read, and please if you have a recommendation PLEASE let me know (I have read some of K. P. Yohannan), a Christian book on finances that is written by a non-Western! I feel like the American culture has a way of tinting the color of scripture when it comes to talking about money.
This final trek let me into a glimpse of what a book written by a non-Western might look like. As you may remember, our group was set to share the Gospel in the Annapurna National park but a financial obstacle arose. After traveling for about two hours or so in a taxi to get to the entrance of the Annapurna National park; we discovered it would cost 60 USD per non-Nepalese person for a trekking permit. At the time there was 4 of us – 3 Americans and 1 Nepalese. So in total we would need to pay 180 USD.
Once I heard the price, I immediately started crunching the numbers. 60 USD for 5 days would be 12 USD per day in the gorgeous Annapurna mountains = sold, count me in! I am used to paying to get into places and once you travel outside of America you get used to paying the non-local price for things. In my heart, I thought it was a price worth paying, lets press on.
There was another alternative to drive back to Pokhara, buy the trekking permits for 30 USD, spend another 4 hours or more in a taxi and rack up 30 USD in taxi fare. I wasn’t a huge fan of this option due to driving back to where I just came from to only to save maybe 15 USD but waste the entire day.
Keshab had another view, a biblical view! He saw that a 180 USD investment in the local church would go much further in advancing the Kingdom in Nepal than giving into a government fee. “What would have more of an impact; investing in the church or paying a tourist government fee?” He saw 180 USD could cover 3-5 months of rent for a local church; could be used to buy Bibles; pay for a need in a local village; or help support a pastor.
Perspective it is powerful!
You might ask, “But Eric, what cost is worth paying to reach the remote villages in Annapurna National park?”
I would say as a whole it is probably best left up to the local Nepalese church. They speak the language, get in FREE, and can better relate to the people. I do believe there is a role for missionaries to reach those villages too, and would recommend buying the trekking permit in Pokhara for half the price. It is obviously a huge tourist attraction so an English speaking missionary could be very fruitful reaching the other trekkers on the trail while in route to the villages.
After the decision was made to change our plans to go to different villages; I felt at peace. God spoke to me and said, “Eric I have brought you this far, I will bring you back, your work isn’t finished here in Nepal.”
Take time to think about how you are spending your money. What are you investing your money into? How do you leverage your resources to fulfill the Great Commission?
