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 1st
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.
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