I guess this one is slightly more of a rant at modern society.
Because I've now sensed an impression in a number of people I've spoken to that the path I'm taking next year (and potentially with my life), that of mission, isn't a "real job", is "naive", and is "living off of other people's money". I used to think that going to do aid work was looked upon favourably – choosing to leave behind home, friends, family and the potential to earn lots of money for myself to serve those in greater need around the world as something to be encouraged. But it seems that whilst it is a great choice in theory, now that I'm putting it into practice there are some who seem to think it is foolish. "The poor you will always have", I've been quoted, "you can't make a real difference", I've been told, "you need to start making a pension for yourself", another says.
This winds me up no end. For a start, Jesus (in fact the Bible), talks LOADS about the poor and helping them ("Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27) so that verse spoken by Jesus about the poor always being there is WAY out of context to suggest we should accept and ignore them. Secondly, westerners carrying on in increasing their wealth whilst claiming no one can make a difference is probably most of the reason the world is as it is. This kind of hopelessness may be symptomatic of a world where difference is hard, but it is not the correct response to vast poverty – go and experience suffering children first hand and walk away without wanting to do something and I'll let you go, but in my experience something should, no MUST, be done.
That last one throws me a little though. Am I being foolish in not preparing for the future? Wouldn't that be wise, being a good steward of what I've been given etc? I don't know though, thinking about my "retirement" now seems selfish to me. For a start (and yes older people reading this, I realise this thought may change nearer the time, but I hope not) I don't want to stop working and making a difference in the world once I reach some arbitrary age. I want my whole life to be about changing the lives of the poor and needy, even when I'm old and potentially both of those things myself. I don't want to store up wealth for my future self on earth when there are many with nothing around the world right now. So foolish it may be but I don't want to care about pensions and national insurance contributions, instead I will follow what I believe God is calling me to and will trust Him to provide all my needs, as He says He will.
It seems that becoming a missionary is a great thing for someone to do, unless it's you, then people start making objections. Lastly, I want to respond to that accusation of "living off of other people's earned money". I've had to react to this one before too. It is a fair point to an extent, missionaries can only do what they do because other people give them money. But it's not like sitting back and having someone else pay their way whilst they do nothing. They choose poor living conditions, potentially repeated illnesses, no wage, few if any luxuries and the daunting task of trying to make an impact in the lives of the worlds poorest. How can this be spoken about as if someone is "sponging" off of others whilst doing this? Working for a voluntary organisation, yes can only happen because of other people's generosity, but it is still just that – working. The money that missionaries require from donations is likely the minimum they need to get by, as actually none of us like asking for money. Any extra would go toward the front line work that they do. To accuse them of "taking other people's money" is harsh. I am very fortunate this year in that I haven't needed to ask for money very much, but I feel for those who are doing this this year and feel like they are looked down on.
Anyway, rant over. I am so greatful for those who are supporting me this year, as I have many who are behind me and I am very, very blessed. But I feel at the moment for those who are struggling to get support for what they will be doing. If you are considering sponsoring someone to do mission work, please remember that they are going to worse living conditions, increased risk off illness and death, no wage, and a world of poverty and pain to try and change for the better somehow. They are asking for your help to live a tougher life. Will you help them?
