Consumed yet disgusted

A few days ago we went on a venture into a new part of town.
We first jumped in a cab and after an hour, got out as we arrived at our destination.
I found myself in a new world; a world I felt out of place in. I was surrounded
by stores, lights and fountains; Restaurant, pubs, coffee shops and live music.
 We walked through the mall and I felt consumed
by all the things and the flashy lights; my eyes enticed by all I could buy.  I started feeling mad at myself because I have
been seeing and dwelling with the poor, so how could I so easily be drawn into
this world of the “must have”.  I was
disgusted by the rich, and mad for being part of it.  I began asking God, what my role in all this
is.  How can I be in a place like this
when I know people are starving, and living in shacks not bigger than my room?

As we walked around going in and out of stores, viewing the
latest articles of clothing and deciding where to eat, I just felt out of
place- like I did not belong there. I did not want to be overtaken by the need “to
have”. Was I trying to fill a void? Do I not serve a God of complete wholeness?
Thoughts of unfairness filled my mind, thoughts of brokenness for the poor and
frustration that the rich get richer and poor get poorer. Do not get me wrong,
that night was an awesome night of sitting and getting to know my teammates, but
I just wondered how God wants use me. Wondering whether or not the people that
call themselves Christians will actually step out to lend a hand to the poor, or
show the rich what really matters- Bringing kingdom to all.

We headed home that night only to find out the next day a
Squatter house was torn down by the government- all because they were not behind
the wall where they needed to be.  Days before
that I took a picture of the home, only to see it in pieces that day. The
family surrounded by what was their home, asking questions of where to go and
what to do for food. And the night before I see families, couples, friends and
even myself sitting down to order food (which was my third meal of the day). I
am challenging myself and anyone who reads this to let God stir, to be awakened
to the reality of the rich and poor, and to press into the question “What is our role in all of this?”

Please Pray;
For Roxanne- that she can get a new leg and that process can speed up
For Nica – that she can be put into a new situation of hope.

For my financial support- that God keep providing and showing me his strength
please consider supporting me (press here) on this trip I am $1000 away from my goal in
April.