On Monday, I am going to tie in some of the discussion about what Christians should do about Africa to some other thoughts I have been working on regarding the church, the kingdom and mission. I mean it to be an extension of my current ruminations on the church as "Heaven Here Now".
In the meantime, let me offer a letter, some links and a series of articles on short term missions as "Weekend Reading".
First the letter. I wrote to a friend who has been involved pretty deeply in the discussions about the ONE Campaign, G8 and the larger discussion about Africa. He asked me to read this. I asked him to read this. At the same time, I read this and this. My friend asked me to clarify some of my view on a Christian response to Africa, ONE and the G8 gatherings. The truth be told I am not as clear on all of ins and outs as many others. But this is what I wrote...
Dear _____
I am not an economist, obviously, but the perspective that I am trying to encourage on my blog is that of Christian involvement in the African crisis. For me that means encouraging things like ONE and makepovertyhistory.org when I see that our partners like World Vision are also involved and encouraging Christians to speak to governments about both their responsibilities and limitations.
I also want the Church to recognize that the crises of the world are the responsibility and opportunity for the church to become more directly involved, more personally aware and more sacrificially invested in developing the kinds of relationships and partnerships that will be empowering to the Africans.
In essence, I want to work for as wholistic and realistic a set of solutions as possible. And while that may mean that the government leaders need to do something about debt relief, trade reform and increasing aid for things like vaccinations, most of the genuine transformation of the nation is more likely going to come as groups of Christians empower Africans to solve their own problems.
I also think that it will probably take the "sword" of nations (ala Rom 13) combined with the good news offered by the body of Christ to touch the hearts and change the ways of the "rich Africans" (and rich Americans and other westerners, frankly) to bring change.
When I see a Malawian child, I am honored to have experienced partners like World Vision and local Malawians lead the way in teaching us how to respond.
As a pastor, I want to encourage more and more Christian economists, aid workers, government leaders (and rock stars, too) to live out thier vocations by bringing genuine solutions to these areas of need. I will also keep trying to encourage the church to look beyond our own personal needs and keep ask what we should do in response.
To that end, I will pray and encourage Christians to work with and hold accountable government leaders and teach our children through our VBS of God's concern for the poor.
Tod
Now the Links. This is a very interesting and worthwhile approach to both understanding and doing something about poverty. See ipaid.org. Here is some reading about what it's like to live on one dollar a day. (HT: Kenny Tomlin)
Finally, the articles. CT has a fascinating and challenging set of articles on some studies that have questioned the long-term benefits of short-term missions. For those like me who would like the solution to the world's needs to be "government-free" these articles remind me to be more strategic, intentional and sober about the church's involvement in places of need.
I am also updating my reading lists on the blog. If anyone wants to read along with me and make comments, feel free.
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