Revolution in World Missions

So if you haven't read it already, I do recommend the book by K. P. Yohannan Revolution in World Missions. The basics of the book dive into the reality that we as "Christian" Americans spend millions on short term mission trips that are more for ourselves then for the people we go to "help". Instead we should be raising money and supporting native missionaries. (There is an interesting article at http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=6022&srcid=1520 which describes this topic in a bit more detail).

Instead of bashing on non-native missionaries and focusing only on sending money to training of native missionaries, Dr. K. P. should have talked about finding the most effecient way of ministering the Gospel. For example: in some countries (many African countries), Americans are revered and natives hang on every word that is spoken from them. The American's can have a profound impact in a short time period that could take native missionaries years to have the same impact. However, in Middle eastern countries and many Asian cultures, American's don't have as much respect as Native people and are generally much less effective.

Now, I am sure that there are many sides to this equation but one thing I think is underplayed by Dr. K. P. is the value of seeing a 3rd world nation first hand. I myself am much more apt to fight for a cause if I have experienced the gravity of the situation.

In self reflecting, the impact that is most needed is that which is locally. If someone truly has a heart for the world then find a way to be there longer than 2 weeks. But if you can only go for 2 weeks, then make sure you use your experiences for the rest of your life because you just spent enough money in that 2 weeks to probably feed the village you visited for a whole year.

I can't help but ask the question. Have I fed the poor, cared for the sick, visited those in prison and spent time with the least of my community?

Please leave a comment to further this discussion and encourage more posting on this topic!

To Vote or Not to Vote

Seems pretty obvious I know...

In talking with a friend who works at a policy organization, I am shocked to hear the number of christian churches that don't think getting involved in encouraging voting is their job. Are you kidding me? The leaders in this country make the decisions that dictate our freedoms and ability to prosper as a nation. We must take a stand to keep evil people out of office. It is not about voting for a party or a celebrity but its about voting your values that God has placed in your heart. This goes back to the whole Condorcet's Method that would encourage this, but I digress.

To follow up to this, make sure that you are impacting locally what you are passionate about. For example: I hear all the time about pro life issues. I wonder how many people out there have ever visited and comforted a young pregnant woman who has nothing but shame in her life? Better yet have they worked to provide that woman with the resources to support and care for the child so she knows without a doubt that her child will have a good life? As long as abortion is legal you will have more impact in saving lives by providing hope to young women in dire situations than any vote. Ironic I know.

Voting Strategies - Condorcet's Method

One thing I have never understood growing up is how people always talk about voting for the lesser of 2 evils. Because of this, voting has always been a struggle. I simply can't vote my values and know they will make a difference because no one else will vote their values. Instead, they vote the lesser of the evils with the largest marketing dollars. The fact is it is better to vote and not have that vote count than to not vote at all. So until something happens, I have to please my conscious.

Check out http://www.karlsims.com/second-choice-voting.html for more information on this concept. Lets hope something similar to this is introduced soon.

Wilderness Adventures with Peak7

Today was the last of a 5 day backpacking trip in the cascades with peak 7 adventures. I can't believe how inspiring the mountains are no matter how many times I visit them. We went to both Robin and Tuck with nothing but a backpack and bug spray. This area has been reveled in as the most beautiful, accessible alpine lake region in the pacific northwest.

There were 5 youth and 3 guides. Seems like a high number of guides to you? We could have used more :) One youth in particular had the most pain I have ever seen at such a young age. He masked his fear and pain with a proud and dominate persona that proclaims "I am not afraid of you". It was amazing to watch the love of God work in this young man's life. From apologizing to the whole group for inappropriate actions, to helping other kids up and down the mountain, God is truly finishing a work that he started.

This was also the first trip in the history of peak7 which we had an official accident that needed the med kit. What accident you ask? Head gash by water bottle. From 10 feet away the thrower threw and the receiver falls towards the throw. The bottle bounces off the receivers hands and straight in the forehead of the receiver. Blood began to pour immediately but thanks to a quick head bandage, the day could again resume.

We ended the trip with a night by the river where bridge jumping was encouraged and each youth was extended salvation through Christ and a foot washing by the guides. Jesus Christ came to serve mankind. Matt 23:11-12 "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted"
Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Despite a goat dying in front of our eyes (autopsy revealed too much urine in the stomach: they love human pee), more mosquitoes than one can count and many miles of hard climbing, this one of the best experiences of my life.