A Lesson in Giving
Thursday, March 6th, 2008Last summer I was privileged to be part of an Immanuel summer missions team that journeyed to the east African nation Rwanda. Our two week ministry provided us with a stark reminder of disparity between those who have and those who have not. Just watching the significant volume of pedestrian traffic walk miles of hills and valleys carrying their daily supply of water in 10 liter containers was woefully sobering for all of us.
For years we had heard of the poverty of the “Third World,” but when you see the living conditions of its citizens, and witness the tragic results of poverty, it is hard to fully comprehend and accept. So our immediate reaction is, “we need to give them something!”
Once in Rwanda we arranged with the Compassion International and Africa New Life to meet Chadrack and Esther, the two children that we sponsored for several years . It truly was a powerful experience to see the value of our contribution in their lives.
While meeting with Esther’s mother and grandparents, we were struck with the meager simplicity of the tin-roofed mud hut in which they lived. No pictures adorned the plaster walls. The living room furniture consisted of benches and a few wooden chairs. Their kitchen was outside in the center of their backyard, not far from the latrine. While we were meeting with them, about 20 children from the village gathered at the door of their home to get a good look at the muzungu (the white people).
As we talked with Esther’s family through a translator, they expressed their appreciation for all that we had done over the years. They were so happy that we were able to come and to meet them so that they could thank us. It was a wonderful time for us to tell them of Jesus’ love and that He wanted us to do something to help the children of Rwanda. We brought along some gifts for them that included a Bible in their own language.
A few minutes later, Esther’s mother hurriedly left the room and went out the back entrance of the home and we did not see her for some time. I had wondered if we had done something to offend her or if our presence had made her uncomfortable. I was also a little worried that I wouldn’t find out about her hasty departure because we had to head on back to the school where we were providing ministry for the day.
Once outside in the front of the house, we took a few snapshots of the family, still without Esther’s mother anywhere in sight. Just as we were about to get in the van, Esther’s mom ran into the front yard with 10 ears of corn bundled on her shoulder, a live hen under her arm, and with a huge smile on her face, she laid them at our feet. Through the translator she said, “You have been so kind to Esther and to us that I wanted to give you something in return.”
As we said our goodbyes and made our way down the dirt road lined with miles of banana trees on either side, it struck me that we had just experienced in some measure what God experiences when we cheerfully give to Him. Let’s face it…compared to that Rwandan family, we have absolutely everything in the world and our needs are nil. And while we have contributed to this family, and it is making a difference, we had no expectation for them to do anything for us – just a simple “thank-you” would be more than sufficient.
Esther’s mom wanted to go beyond words to a more tangible expression. She wanted to express in a meaningful way the joy and the gratitude in her heart. She gave with generosity from her poverty and honored us in the process. Likewise, when we in gratitude give to God, who owns everything, He receives honor, but we receive the joy.
And in case you’re wondering, even the hen, though left behind in Rwanda, has fulfilled her purpose.
Steve Holley
Executive Pastor