Hello my lovely people-
There’s a point when you are overseas, living in a developing country, visiting “horrendous” places where people live in unsanitary and unsafe environments when you ask yourself……..what is the point of doing this if I cannot change their living situation?
Here in Honduras we have visited trash dumps and cities where gang members line the streets. We have talked to children who have never known their families, who have been abused since childhood and forced to live on the streets. People who are addicted to drugs, living out of garbage dumps and unable to find work. What do I have to offer these people?
The trash dump, where we brought food and sang worship songs. Hugging them and shaking their hand was a "big deal" because socity viewed them as dirty and the ultimate rejects. Throughout these situations I remember feeling extremely lucky to grow up in a middle class home. I never had to worry about where I would sleep, eat or if I was loved by my family. I wanted that for them. A roof over their head, a comfortable bed to sleep in, guaranteed three meals a day and a closet full of clean clothes. Then it hit me, if this was my desire for these people than all I wanted for them was stuff. What if these people never get out of poverty? What then? Is there hope for a better life?
It only takes turning on the TV, or reading a recent magazine to learn that happiness is not found in wealth. The glamorous lives of celebrities and athletes rarely have a happy ending. From drug addictions to rehab, bankruptcy to overindulgence, divorce to adultery, suicide to overdose, exposing us to the harsh reality of a “rich” lifestyle. With the American culture truly ingrained in my mind, I realized I had to take on a different perspective, a kingdom perspective.
I have only one thing to give them that is a true guarantee, the gospel. A Jesus who loves them regardless of past, present or future. A Jesus who can help them overcome any addiction or situation. A Jesus whose disposal of joy was not based on income, appearance, or works. A Jesus who can bring light into the most violent or dirty environment. A Jesus who brings hope amongst a life of struggle.
This is what I have to offer. It will not make you wealthy but it will bring you Joy.
I praise Jesus for the situations these people are in because they have a better chance of finding joy in Jesus than money. A joy that will never leave them. A joy that cannot be touched. Praise Jesus to truly live you only need Him.
There is joy in the darkest places."Those who were not my people, I will call my people, and her who was not beloved, I will call beloved. And in the very place where it was said to them 'You are not my people, there they will be called 'sons of the living God." -Romans 9:25,26
Love, Ellie
