right now im really tired. actually, feeling like ima be sick. its better to be sick after missions than during i guess....
my thoughts after spending 2 weeks with some of the most inspiring people i have ever met, i was lucky to be a part of a movement that is real, as real as the bible itself.
the students are abused, they have no money, they were the same clothes all the time, there are so few jobs, and yet, they have the purest example of faith and fellowship i have ever seen in my life.
the missionaries would stress to us how we shouldnt give them elaborate gifts, pay for them, give them money, or spoil them in any way. its so easy for people from america to shower the less fortunate with gifts. but little do we know how detrimental such actions are. the bible, christianty can never be related or coupled with wealth, the two are oil and water.
id say the biggest culture shock was just not being able to spend freely like i do. some students save the 10 cents they have to ride the bus rather than eat a meal. then it hit me. wealth and materialism is the enemy. i remember sharing with some brothers, dont give, cuz if you do, you do them a disservice by tainting the pure faith they have.
i realized they are truly free in Christ more so than me because they have to live like a discple. hate the mother and father that tell you not to go to church, some forsaking money in order to do translations for chrisitan books, and not knowing what material wealth is.
more blessed are they. ive seen the 1st century church in this century.
Posted by johnboi42 at July 12, 2004 03:53 AM