Preface: If you haven’t read my last blog, check it out here. Also, if you haven’t read “When Helping Hurts,” I highly encourage it. Below is my reaction to it.
While I’m getting ready to write this, I’m finding it very hard to put into words what I feel about this book. I probably should have written this the day after I read the book, but alas, I didn’t, so please bear with me. Maybe I’ll read it again and form more of my thoughts on it.
I think the first thing that really got to me was the idea that the world’s primary problem is broken relationships. Of course I knew a vague idea of that, but for it to be put so simply was refreshing. Trying to help the poor isn’t about ensuring they have enough money in their pockets to go to McDonald’s whenever they want. It’s about righting relationships both in our lives and in the lives of the poor. I believe that if these relationships were made right around the world, poverty would no longer be an issue.
And thankfully, we have Jesus Christ, because without Him, none of this would even be remotely possible. Relationships can’t be redeemed except through Christ. His love needs to be spread out over the World.
The second part that rocked me was the idea that the problem stems from the people AND from the institution. I was always one who tended to think in one direction, like on a pendulum. But the problem is sitting right in the middle. People (myself included) suck, and institutions suck. But God is bigger than both of those things, and He has the power to fix us.
I think the idea that struck me the most, however, is the fact that the poor need to be empowered to make a change, not Americans being empowered to go and change people. What? You mean that it’s not my job to bring in wealth to a poor community?
I think this is the most important part of the book. That by empowering the poor (or anyone for that matter) in their relationships through the power of Christ, change can occur.
After reading this book, I was rocked. How do I respond? What am I doing on the Race? Should I even be here? Am I hurting more than I’m helping? What will my future mission trips look like?
Needless to say, I was in a whirlwind of confusion. Here I am, on the World Race, reading about how short term missions can really hurt local ministries and people. At first, I felt really guilty and legitimately wondered why I was here. Then as I prayed about it, I realized that this month was the perfect time for me to read this book.
We’ve had a pretty chill month in terms of “ministry.” We’re helping Elmer, our awesome contact, however he needs help. So we’ve gone to small groups, church, VBS, etc. But that doesn’t mean we’ve been leading everything. We’re only helping where they want us to jump in.
And that’s when it hit me. This is what ministry is supposed to look like most of the time. We’re called to go in and love the people and not the work by walking close with God. It calls us to show His love in everything we do, so that all the glory can be given to Him. This isn’t to say I’m going to sit around and do nothing this year. Rather, it means I want to do what’s best for each community we get to be part of.
If, at a small group, I only share my testimony and the pastor does the rest of the service, I’m completely content with that. My presence is good enough. Plus, so often it’s way better for the local ministries to be the leader. Who speaks the language better? Not me. Who will still be here in a month? Not me.
This is some tough stuff to sort out while on a mission trip, but I’m so glad I read it when I did. I have a strong feeling this year will be a journey of figuring out what exactly mission trips should look like for me in my relationship with God.
And that, my friends, is what I’m excited for.
What are your thoughts on all of this? What’s your outlook on missions now?
IN OTHER NEWS:
I’m leaving El Carmen, Ecuador today to begin traveling towards Chao, Peru, my next ministry site! I truly can’t believe that I’m done with one month and I only have 10 more months on this epic journey. And if saying goodbye is this tough every month, I’m going to get wrecked. When I get to Peru I’ll update you all with a final recap of Ecuador as well as a look ahead to what’s going down in Peru.
