Ministry when Money Talks

             Ministry is a word with many meanings and means different things to different people. However, the most generic and, I think, most widely agreed upon definition, is working with others to further the Kingdom of God and/or spread the Gospel. For the purpose of this post, I am going to assume we all agree on that definition.

            Since there are many ways to spread the Gospel and help others I am not saying that there is only one right way to do it. However, in most countries people are either very receptive or stand-offish about ministry. People in need will do whatever it takes (including setting through a church service) if that means their needs are met at the end of it. And that certainly is a method to spread the Gospel, and helping those in need is the whole point right? But what about those that don’t “need” help but want to take advantage of foreign money?

            In non-first world countries, money is everything. Shoot, that’s even true in 1^st world countries! Money = power. This is not just true in a corrupt system, this is true because we are humans. We place value on money so even if we don’t need it, we usually won’t refuse it if an (legal) opportunity to get more arises. What does this have do to ministry though?

            Even on the mission field money is everything. If someone has money, they immediately attract more interest than someone who doesn’t. Particularly if the money is a consistent part of their life, not a one time thing.  People want free handouts and will do what is needed (within legal limits of course) to get it. This includes attending church regularly, bible studies etc. So how does one do effective ministry without money?

            That is a question we often ask ourselves. But, as I stated above, ministry comes in many forms. Building relationships and always being there when the money falls through is one effective way to do ministry.  Everyone has needs and everyone goes through rough patches in life. Some are worse off than others as a general rule and rely a lot on the help of others. This is when the church needs to step up, not only when they see the possibility of benefiting themselves or trying to act the part so money keeps coming in. The only long term effective ministry is when money is deleted from the picture and relationships are built and helping hands extended when needed, not just when money is around. If you know someone who needs a roof repair but they do not have time, materials and/or money to do it, help them out! If you can fix it, fix it! If you can’t but they can, offer to help with whatever so they have the time to fix it etc. It is through those actions that I believe the most long-lasting ministry occurs. No, it’s not fancy or headline worthy, but then again, not everything Christ did was either. He did his ministry without money, as did his disciples and those after them. Yes, money can be very helpful and is not a bad thing. I am just saying not to let it be the basis of your successful ministry on the mission field. Make sure people don’t see you as money bags, but rather, as the missionary you are there to be.

            This is a very hard thing to achieve, especially as a foreigner. People here see me and see an American and automatically think MONEY!!! However, when they find out I don’t have any, I am dropped to the status of a peer and they actually relate to me as such; and not as a person with money that they need to try to play the pity card or impress to get some. This makes us part of the community and we have built relationships with those around us to the point that they feel comfortable coming over and talking with my husband (baked goodies doesn’t hurt either though!). Although the fruits of our ministry are slow in coming forth, we are beginning to see the seeds sprout in our community.

            So, the whole purpose of this post is to encourage other missionaries and those thinking about going on the mission field to not let money talk. Yes, the fruits of your labor will be much slower in sprouting, but in the end, the fruit will be fuller and richer. It’s worth the extra effort, I promise.

Until next time, may Adonai bless you and your homes.  

Don't forget about you

       Over the past year I have learned a lot. I have grown and matured as a believer and have come to realize a few very important things. One of which includes taking care of myself. I don't just mean health and hygiene but also mentally.

       I grew up being taught to put others first and always die to self. I agree with this, and try to live most of my life like that. However, I have come to realize that if I don't also take care of myself, I cannot take care of others, most importantly my family.

     It's easy for me to get busy with the daily "to dos" and "have to get this done" stuff. Before writing this post I had a list of things that I felt like had to come first. They aren't bad, but they could have waited. I am so busy running around that I get tired early in the day and can't give all the attention the baby or my husband needs because I am running on empty or still have a long list of things to complete. The few times I do stop and rest or just slow down, I feel guilty and that I should be doing something. I have had to remind myself not to feel that way.

     It's easy to get so involved in ministry, work, and being a wife and mother that I forget that I too have needs. I can't give all the time without stopping for a fill up every now and then. How each person "fills up" is different and may change from time to time. Right now, solitude and quiet are biggies for me, but also needlework. I have always had a need to do things with my body and hands. That's probably why I like dancing so much. But I also relax when doing needlework. My two favorites are cross-stitch and crochet. There is just something about the creation of things through my hands, and the feel of the textures that is calming for me. I can be creating something useful or decorative, but it's the process that helps me. Writing too, I enjoy writing so why not take a few minutes everyday to do something for me?

      It's hard to realize that taking care of myself is not wrong. And that actually, by taking care of me, I can better care for my family. I car will only run for so long on an empty tank, you have to stop and fill up at some point. Isn't better to do it before you are on empty?

      So, my advice to all new Moms or people on the mission field. Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Yes, ultimately you will be caring for others, but spending a little bit of time on yourself is just helping you care for others. If that's spending an hour reading a book, or maybe watching some TV, whatever, it's okay to slow down and it's okay to say "no" sometimes. We live in such a fast paced world, take a few minutes to slow down and take care of you,

Until next time, may Adonai bless you and your homes.

Family Ties

Hello!

       I just wanted to talk about the refreshing visit I had with my brother and sister-in-law. It was so nice of them to come visit and meet Amos. They were only here for a week but it was fabulous to see them! So, this post will have pictures and details of their visit.

Meeting Uncle Matt and Aunt Colleen at the airport

He loves Uncle Matt's beard!

   On Sunday we went to the aquarium which is only a few blocks from our house. We walked there and then got caught by rain, but it all worked out. This was Amos' first time there and he loved the fish! He even had a conversation with a few of them!

Looking at the starfish

Uncle Matt helping him see

Amos was excited about this tank! Good thing Matt has experience 

and had no problems holding onto Amos!

    

    On Monday, we took Matt and Colleen to the Colonial Zone (the old city as I call it) for them to see. I forgot to take pictures but I did get one on the way and one when we stopped for coffee.

Heading to the Old City

Rain means time for a coffee break! Yes, that is iced coffee in a martini glass!

       Tuesday was valentines day so we went to the zoo! Colleen and Matt have a tradition of visiting zoos whenever they go somewhere because Colleen loves animals. Amos had never been so it seemed like a good thing to do. Off to the zoo we went!

On the zoo train

Amos trying his first ice cream

Colleen showing Amos some lizards

   I had to work Wednesday and Thursday so Matt and Colleen went up to Samana to whale watch and such. They returned Friday and we had dinner and walked to the cliffs by our house.

    Matt and Colleen had to fly back Saturday afternoon so we spent the morning at the caves "Tres Ojos" (the three eyes), again, not far from the house. We spent a couple hours there, came home, had lunch and then they had to leave for the airport. :-( It was a great visit and I miss them, I hope they come back soon!

Jonathan, Grecia (my mother-in-law), Colleen and Matt (holding Amos) 

looking at one of the "eyes"

Inside the caves looking out

The 4th lake but not an eye because it is not covered. 

Matt,Colleen and Amos getting their picture taken by Jonathan

who is getting a picture taken by Grecia

and I am taking a picture of all of them!