Dec 6, Let's Compare
One of the most difficult things for me upon returning home is handling the incredible amount of blessings we have in America and the way the majority of Americans take them for granted. In all fairness to Americans its all we know. We expect life to be this good. But what we don't realize is that 95% of the planet doesn't live near as comfortable as us. Let me show you what I mean:
Tabora shopping mall. Seriously, this is how everyone shops.
Normal Tabora home place. You can see the houses families live in and the fields they
grow their food.
We were feeding the crew working at our new building and these three precious kids
were standing in the sun watching their Mom work in the garden. Asked Mom if we could give
them a piece of bread and their faces lit up. Can you imagine asking our kids if they want
a plain piece of bread? Look how happy they are!
Worship. I can't understand a word they're singing. I sure can't dance like them. But you can
always tell they are singing straight from the heart. And then there is prayer time. I literally
wept watching and listening to them pour their hearts out to God. And all of this is taking place
in a tin roof building with a dirt floor.
After four trips to Tabora and spending a lot of time with the people of Tbaora, I'm convinced they are truly seeking God while the church of America is truly seeking God's blessings. All we ever want is more. More nice things, more money, more stuff, more, more, more! When you have nothing you can appreciate all God gives you. When you have everything its hard to appreciate all that you have,
And then I come home to the American church and it breaks my heart. Every Sunday comparisons of the average American church to church in Africa:
* We complain if can't park close. They walk miles to come and worship.
Our attendance was down 150 people Sunday. Could it have anything to do with having to walk further because our parking lot is gone? Just asking!
* We complain if the temperature isn't exactly as we want it. God controls the temperature in Africa.
* We complain if preacher goes too long. They complain if preacher doesn't go long enough.
* We complain if someone is in "OUR SEAT" while they are willing to give up their seat.
* We seldom come forward to pray versus everyone praying.
Please hear my heart. I love America. I love 5 Point America. But I believe we can learn from our African brothers and sisters. They are truly seeking God rather than God's blessings.
Thank you Tabora, Africa for teaching me so much about myself and my country.
Philippians 2:14 comes to my mind every time I return home.
Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Wonder if were not shining quit as brightly because we complain so much?
Tabora shopping mall. Seriously, this is how everyone shops.
Normal Tabora home place. You can see the houses families live in and the fields they
grow their food.
We were feeding the crew working at our new building and these three precious kids
were standing in the sun watching their Mom work in the garden. Asked Mom if we could give
them a piece of bread and their faces lit up. Can you imagine asking our kids if they want
a plain piece of bread? Look how happy they are!
Worship. I can't understand a word they're singing. I sure can't dance like them. But you can
always tell they are singing straight from the heart. And then there is prayer time. I literally
wept watching and listening to them pour their hearts out to God. And all of this is taking place
in a tin roof building with a dirt floor.
After four trips to Tabora and spending a lot of time with the people of Tbaora, I'm convinced they are truly seeking God while the church of America is truly seeking God's blessings. All we ever want is more. More nice things, more money, more stuff, more, more, more! When you have nothing you can appreciate all God gives you. When you have everything its hard to appreciate all that you have,
And then I come home to the American church and it breaks my heart. Every Sunday comparisons of the average American church to church in Africa:
* We complain if can't park close. They walk miles to come and worship.
Our attendance was down 150 people Sunday. Could it have anything to do with having to walk further because our parking lot is gone? Just asking!
* We complain if the temperature isn't exactly as we want it. God controls the temperature in Africa.
* We complain if preacher goes too long. They complain if preacher doesn't go long enough.
* We complain if someone is in "OUR SEAT" while they are willing to give up their seat.
* We seldom come forward to pray versus everyone praying.
Please hear my heart. I love America. I love 5 Point America. But I believe we can learn from our African brothers and sisters. They are truly seeking God rather than God's blessings.
Thank you Tabora, Africa for teaching me so much about myself and my country.
Philippians 2:14 comes to my mind every time I return home.
Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Wonder if were not shining quit as brightly because we complain so much?
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