Toxic Charity

I just finished reading this thought provoking book by Robert Lupton. I must admit that sometimes I had to read it in small chunks – just one chapter at a time – because it felt like so much to think about. I have studied international development and missions, worked with several different organizations in different contexts, and experienced situations where I struggled with questions of dependency and long-term impact. Yet, I felt like in this book Lupton articulated in a fresh and poignant way the harmful long-term effects that we too often have with our charitable efforts. For example, the unintentional battering of parents’ dignity when their children receive presents from strangers rather than from them. Or a church that makes an annual mission trip which over time weakens their partner rather than empowering them. It felt a little jarring and hard-hitting at times, but definitely a message that could be the wake-up call that we need.

Lupton writes from forty years of experience in urban community development, and involvement with churches in that process. He tells poignant stories that include insightful perspectives from people who have received help in building houses, tutoring children, or cleaning up neighborhoods in poor communities. I want you to read the book, so I don’t want to give away too much. But these are common situations…we know that the world is in crisis in so many places, and people are suffering. We want to help, and doing a food drive sounds like a great way to meet one need. Or sending a team to Mexico to build houses. Most of us have participated in some effort like that, or in some way supported those who did. It is these common actions and strategies that Lupton challenges us to reconsider. “Wherever there was sustained one-way giving, unwholesome dynamics and pathologies festered under the cover of kind-heartedness.” (pg 35) The action itself is not wrong, of course, but it is good to be challenged to evaluate our strategies and priorities in the process of trying to help.

While his focus in this book is rightly on charitable efforts within America, Lupton does discuss charitable efforts outside the U.S. as well, and cites the book Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo for statistics and examples. I have read Dead Aid, and recommend it as a book that also sheds light on efforts in international development. But in Dead Aid, Moyo bases her statistics and findings exclusively on government to government aid (e.g. the U.S. government giving a loan or grant to Congo). So – my one reservation in Toxic Charity is that sometimes he is using statistics from Dead Aid that might not be the proper fit for the context.

Lupton lays out some good principles to guide our efforts to help, including his Oath for Compassionate Service. One message stands out clearly in his book that we heartily endorse – relationship, or partnership is key. We (as westerners, or anyone trying to help someone else), need to make sure that we are not disempowering those we are trying to help, or imposing our own goals or strategies for how the problem should be resolved. This is hard. I am a person that loves to help, and likes to be efficient. Sometimes, I go overboard, in doing something “helpful” for Bob, and he has to remind me that he would have preferred to do it himself. Even more so in a cross-cultural or partnership situation do we need to exercise restraint and respect the decisions and priorities of our partner.

We encourage you to read this significant book – and you can join us to hear Robert Lupton speak and discuss more about healthy engagement in missions at the Big Tent World Missions conference in Louisville, August 1-3.

The Man at the Mall…

This blog post chronicles my coming to faith in Christ, 18 years ago this month (June) in a shopping mall in Boulder, Colorado

Somehow, the man at the mall caught my attention. After not finding what I was looking for at Sears, I exited the store and passed into the large corridor of the indoor mall. At this moment, I again noticed this same man. He was walking directly towards me. In a split second, I realized that I needed to make a decision. Would I stop to listen to what this man had to say, or would I continue on like the others to my next order of business? I decided that I would stop and hear what he had to say. He greeted me kindly and I returned the greeting. He then asked if I had a few minutes, and if I could respond to a couple of questions. I told him that I had some time, and that I would be willing to respond. And so he asked me, candidly and directly, “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?”

“Well,” I replied, “I have heard a lot about Jesus in my life, going to church and all. But I am not sure that I believe.”

“Fair enough,” he responded. “It is a difficult question. Well then, let me ask you another question. What happens when we die?”

“I don’t know,” I retorted. “Being here in Boulder, I have heard people talk about reincarnation, but I am not sure I believe in it.” 

“Fair enough,” he again responded. “That also is a difficult question.” He then began telling me the story of a sower of seeds. He shared how this sower dropped seeds on four different surfaces: a hard path, a ground with rocks, a ground with thorns and thistles, and then good ground. Not understanding the intent, he then explained the meaning of the story. He shared how the hard path represents the heart of a person who hears the Word of God, but this person quickly forgets what he has heard. He explained that the ground with rocks represents someone who also hears the Word of God. This person responds with great joy, but when troubles and hardships come along, this person falls away. He then shared how the ground with thistles and thorns represents a person who also hears the Word of God, but that wealth and the longings of this world pull this person away from his/her faith. Lastly, he shared how the good ground represents someone who responds with joy to the Word of God, and yet this person remains faithful and committed, serving God and doing good things to help other people. He then asked me, “Does one of these ‘grounds’ represent your life?”

“Yes,” I instinctively replied. “The ground with the thorns and thistles best represents my life.” I knew in my heart that my longings and dreams were ‘worldly’ dreams. I wanted to work on Wall Street and makes lots of money. And, as far as I knew, I was doing nothing for God.

“Thank you for your honesty,” he replied.

“You’re welcome. Listen…I need to go down to Radio Shack to find an adaptor for my phone.”

“Okay,” he said. “How about if we meet back here in fifteen minutes and we can talk some more?”

“Yes, I will be back here in fifteen minutes.” As I walked away and headed towards Radio Shack, I was gripped with the sudden desire to go find my adaptor, and then go home so that I could relax, make dinner and watch some TV. Yet, a voice inside me said, “Go back! What have you got to lose? You have been searching for the meaning of life and this guy has something to say! What will it hurt you to simply go back and listen?”

I found him just inside of Sears, playing with a display computer. We shook hands. He told me his name, Stan Wagner. I remember looking into Stan’s eyes. One word describes what I found there – I found love. Even though I had just met this man, I instinctively could tell that he genuinely cared. Stan suggested that we walk through the mall and find a place to sit down. As we strolled through the mall, Stan began to tell me his life story riddled with an abusive past.  Stan eventually ran into trouble, and was issued a twenty-year prison sentence.  In prison, Stan came to a point of crisis. He found himself at the lowest ebb – spiritually, emotionally and physically. At this defining moment, Jesus spoke to Stan and said, “Stan, this is what the world has given you. Will you continue to choose the ways of the world, or will you finally choose Me?” In that moment, Stan gave his life over to Jesus Christ and was transformed. Stan was eventually released from prison. Now he goes anywhere and everywhere, sharing with anyone and everyone the powerful, liberating Good News of Jesus Christ!

On this particular day in Boulder, Colorado, I happened to be the ‘anyone and everyone’ Stan found to share this Good News with. We sat down at a table. Stan took out a piece of paper and began drawing a diagram. The diagram illustrated two cliffs with a chasm in the middle. On one side was God; on the other side was man. By means of this diagram, Stan showed me how good works, morality, religion and philosophy do not bridge the gap between man and God. In other words, man cannot use these means to achieve a relationship with God. Rather, we can only access God and have eternal life when we believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him into our hearts and lives.

Stan demonstrated how sin separates man from a holy God. Because of our sin, we reject God. Yet, God in God’s mercy and grace, provides a way to salvation through God’s Son. Stan opened his Bible to certain scriptural references and asked me to read. I read how all people are sinners (Romans 3: 23), and that sin causes spiritual death (Romans 6: 23). Moreover, there will be an eternal judgment (Hebrews 9: 27). There will be eternal fires prepared for the devil and his angels, and for those whom Jesus sentences due to their disobedience and lack of love for others (Matthew 25: 41). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20: 15). Yet, those who hear God’s word and believe are given three promises: eternal life, they do not come under judgment, and they pass from death to life (John 5: 24). Jesus must become Savior (Revelation 3: 20) and LORD (Luke 9: 23). Moreover, Stan illustrated to me how everyone’s mindset is on the flesh. This mindset leads to death. The worldly mindset of the flesh revolves around: money, our job, how we spend our free time, family, education, government, religion, and marriage. When our mindset is on the flesh, our life revolves around these things. Good or bad, they control us. Yet, the man or woman of peace is controlled by God in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ influences a person positively in these various spheres of life. Christ is in control, not these worldly concerns. What freedom!

Stan discerned that I was open to God. He asked me directly, “Bob, would you like to make Jesus Christ your LORD and Savior?”  I balked, telling him no, that I needed more time to read more materials and think about it.  However, I immediately realized that I was only fooling myself.  This was not a question of knowledge and having more facts and evidence; for me it was a question of courage.  I knew enough to make a decision, and I was confronted with a question.  Was I willing to turn my life over to another, to turn my life over to Christ - God of gods, King of kings, Lord of lords.  I quietly mulled it all over, considering my life and realizing that I was on the precipice of a life altering decision.  If I said “yes,” there would be no turning back.  I thought about my mother and her Christian influence and her prayers.  I thought about all of my searching for life’s answers over the last few years, and how I had found myself empty, bereft of meaningful answers to life’s biggest questions.   

After about five minutes of silence which felt like an eternity, I barely whispered the word “yes.”  Stan sat stoically across from me.  He smiled.  He suggested that we pray.  He prayed and then gave me a simple prayer which I read - “I, Bob Rice, commit today, June 2nd, 1995, to follow you, Jesus.  I promise to be your disciple all of my days.  Thank you Lord for coming into my heart.”  After our prayers, I felt a rush of energy flood through my entire being.  I felt a tingling sensation ripple down the back of my spine.  After months and even years of restlessness and feelings of uncertainty, I felt total peace.  This was indeed the right path.  

Stan continued meeting with me through the summer.  We met at Starbucks every Sunday and would go to the park.  We would talk about the Bible and pray.  I had lots of questions and he had lots of helpful answers.  Towards the fall our paths went in different directions, but Stan had helped me find the path of life.  I am forever grateful to Stan, the man at the mall.  My life is marked by him, and ultimately by the One who sent him.  To God be the glory!    

The Flatiron Mountains, Boulder, Colorado 

photo compliments of Jose Kroezen at flickr

Tool, toy, or tyrant?

When we returned to the U.S. in April, we decided to use a smart-phone. We knew that with all of our traveling this year, it would be helpful for directions and finding information on the road. We have used it to listen to the Hobbit during our recent travels, check the traffic, watch and listen to baseball games, check e-mail, and all sorts of other useful things. Unfortunately, answering the phone was not so intuitive, but we finally got past that.

Last night, we took the Bart train in San Francisco to go downtown. I watched people get out of the train, and noticed that about 50% of them had earphones in – some talking on the phone, some presumably listening to music or radio. Then, while sitting in the train, I looked around and saw more than half of the passengers actively engaged with their smart-phones – texting, e-mailing, games, reading the news. With these amazing devices, the possibilities are endless!

As Americans, we place high importance on productivity and efficiency. We also value our privacy, and our personal space or personal time. Smartphones seem to respond to all of those cravings, and riding on a train for your daily commute is exactly the space where a smart phone can help you to feel productive by accomplishing multiple things at once – getting to your destination while also checking e-mail, for example. Having a device like a smart-phone also enables us to create the illusion of being in our own private “bubble”…we can interact with whoever we choose to, many miles apart, via the phone, without feeling awkward about ignoring the strangers sitting a few feet away. My friend Catherine wrote a wonderful reflection on this daily commute and how we often act like we are alone in the train full of people.

My mind shifts to numerous rides on the bus in Kananga. Often, we are so jammed and squeezed into the minivan-sized bus that one of us is sitting on the lap of a stranger, or the people are so wedged together that I could not move my leg if I wanted to. Children are passed around to any adult who has a free lap in order to make room for the most number of people. Often, passengers are holding live chickens, or a goat is under the seat. People are shoved and squeezed to rather uncomfortable positions…then the bus goes bumping down the dusty road, and we wince each time it swerves to miss a pothole. Since the bus is far too bumpy and crowded for doing anything “productive”, some lively conversation transpires. When we get on a bus, we often get to be the object of the conversation – and I fight with my inner self and culture that prefers to reach the destination just quietly enjoying my “private world”. But I also thoroughly enjoy this other way of travel …recognizing that we are thrown together as companions on a journey, and don’t need to be afraid of each other.

Paul tells the Ephesians to “Be careful, then, how you live…making the most of every opportunity”. (Eph 5:15-16). Somehow, I don’t think that he was referring to checking e-mail on the train. What do you think? I know that these technological devices can be helpful…but have we gone overboard? How do we ensure that they don’t block us from experiencing “life” and community the way that God desires?

A mini-bus (in Kenya) loads up with people and goods

Getting cozy in the CPC Land Cruiser – ready to travel!

By the Numbers

In April and May we traveled throughout the south and southeastern part of the United States.  It was a major blessing, visiting supporting churches and seeing some friends and family along the way.  Our last blog chronicles several “firsts.”  This blog tallies some of the things we did and experienced.  Here ya go!

1             Major League Baseball game attended; we saw the Braves lose to the Nationals
2             Times we ate “grits” (once it was Shrimp and Grits, and oh it was good!)

                                            

Shrimp and Grits, Beaufort, South Carolina

3             Miles hiked on the AT, the Appalachian Trail (in Shenandoah Region of Virginia)
4             Minutes being interviewed on television (on the morning show in Albany, GA)
5             New states visited for at least one of us (TN, AL, GA, SC, NC) 

6                Smoothies consumed at McDonald’s, a great snack on the road!
7                Times we preached and gave the Children’s Sermon at different churches
12              States driven through (KY, TN, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, WV, PN, OH, IN)
16              Chapters of the Hobbit listened to while driving
17              Times we gave our presentation and shared with different church groups

Sharing at Rock Creek Presbyterian Church, Erwin, TN 

18                Different beds slept in (most were quite comfortable)
19                Churches we visited and connected with in some way

First Presbyterian Church, Albany, GA (a revitalized congregation!)

30               Days on the road
1732           People who heard about Congo through our presentations and preaching
3821           Miles on the road

                               On our way to Erwin, TN (our first church visit)

First time for everything

We are nearly finished with our “tour” of the Southeast in the U.S. It has been a wonderful experience! We have been inspired by the wonderful people we have met, and encouraged by our visits to churches. This is our first visit through the South, and many people have lived up to the reputation of “Southern hospitality” and have introduced us to some new things. Here are a few of the memorable ones:

1. Our first time to walk on the Appalachian Trail (we haven’t walked far yet, but it was a fun taste!)

2. Our first time to eat at Chick-Fil-A. And they even “blessed our meal” (gave it to us free!!) Yum!

3. Our first time to eat the Southern classics: grits, “shrimp and grits”, fried green tomatoes, cheese straws (home-made by Leland!), biscuits and gravy, and lots of sweet tea.

4. Kristi’s first time (I think) to do the children’s sermon at church (and everyone appreciated one boy who commented that I “looked like a disciple” in my Congolese dress)

5. Bob’s first time preaching in English in more than 3 years!

6. First time traveling with a GPS. We had a few frustrating moments in the learning curve, but overall “Mrs. Garmin” is incredibly helpful and handy!

7. Our first time to be on TV! We had a short interview on the morning show of the local Fox station in Albany, GA. (Thanks, Leslie for that opportunity!)

8. A fun first time to Turner Field to see an Atlanta Braves game (and to see the Tomahawk chop!)

9. A visit to historic Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC (where we also learned about the ubiquitous and fascinating natural trio: live oaks, Spanish moss, and resurrection fern. Thanks to the Scaleras for that introduction!)

10. First visit to the Civil Rights Institute of Birmingham. We learned a lot and highly recommend it!Thanks, Cody for hosting that visit!

11. First time to see a wild alligator, wild turkeys, and a rat snake.

alligator at the Mepkin Abbey near the Cooper River in SC

Wild turkeys wandered onto the highway in Georgia

12. Last, but perhaps the most significant…this is our first “interpretation assignment”. While speaking about mission work is not new to us, traveling to visit churches is, and sometimes we begin to feel like a “traveling road show” with all the luggage and stuff that we bring and our tight schedule. We are grateful for the wonderful people who have hosted us for the night or a meal, and have made this a wonderful experience.