I've been so concerned with shuttling my kids back and forth between Cheerleading Camp and Tennis Camp and working on Music Camp, that I haven't had much of a chance to process.
On a fun note: Jack has been begging his Uncle Aaron to take him to a Braves game. Aaron scored 2 extra seats in the Pepsi suite for a catered party at the game. Adam and Jack are on their way. Jack thinks that they are meeting Aaron & Hilary at Burger King in Atlanta to drop off some papers and eat dinner.
Missionairies in the field: I guess the biggest thing that I took away from them was that building relationships is key. (at least in Mexico - which is also characteristic of their culture) They don't worry about marketing programs, using amusements and gimicks to get the attention of people. They keep things really simple. They work hard. Live more simply, less materialistically, don't need a nice big home. They are normal people. They are humble people. We work and feel as though we earn our money. They may do similar jobs, but must ask their friends, family and churches to provide for their physical needs, trusting in the Lord that he will give these people the desire to give.
Their perspective just seems to be different. They do not seem to be as distracted by the world, but more burdened for the lost in the world. But regular, nice, fun people.
I think that we could learn a lot from them. American churches may be missing the mark, by trying to "get the attention of young people". People do not need to be entertained, amused, wowed by facilities or programs, but reached out to in love. Also, we must not only concern ourselves with the people who seem to be just like us economically or socially. That is not the example that Jesus gave!
I needed the reality check!
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2 comments:
Very well said. It reminds me of something Gary Waldecker (MTW missionary in S. America) said when he spoke in Sunday School a few months ago. He was talking about the difference between board meetings there and board meetings here. Here, there is an agenda and the agenda is king. There, they expect to sit and visit for a long time before beginning the business part of the meeting. If they don't visit first, they don't feel like they can conduct business with you.
That makes me want to move to Mexico!
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