Fronse Pellebon Smith

SMS discussion is necessary so people can wrestle with purpose vs intent of interacting globally with other Christian people in lands far from home. There is a  more 'at home' opportunity the previous posts have brought to my mind.

In the mid-1990's my wife and I traveled to Lusaka, Zambia and established relationships with several Reformed Churches in Zambia which we continue in a different way now. The pastors, church leaders and students we met there we are still in touch with now, via Facebook, emails, and personal contacts. During one of my visits in 1999 I stayed at the Kamwala Congregation compound with the pastor's family. I want to share this story now.

I love Fanta orange soda and in lieu of drinking only bottled water each day my 'cool drink' would be Fanta. I bought enough for the family to share and yet for ten days they smiled and said no thanks. This seemed odd to me because they lived a very humble (sustainable) life-style. Their car was twelve years old and we spent two weeks driving to funerals in the searing heat (no air conditioning). Finally their smiling polite 'No thank you's' sank into a lesson for me. I was spending more money buying 'cool drink' each day than they were spending on food for the day. This was a God blessed 'I got it' moment that I carried forward in my approach to STM.

Now we provide guideance, encouragement, and advocacy for students seeking higher education here and in Zambia.

Also my wife and I keep in touch with the families that taught us money is not all they need. Followup with Zambians and other African students and immigrants here (relatives) keeps a trans-ocean link going forward. When and if we travel to Southern Africa we  let folks know that we are praying and thinking of them. They have shared this insight with us: The money spent for us to experience, visit and verify what they are doing weighs heavy on their hearts because without building a sense of family and community our STM leaves a spiritual and connectional void. So we still aid students when we can,

AND that is VERY important.

I'm not sure what 'shouting' means in this context. I shout for joy for the lesson and God's revelation . That is all.

The cultural purpose of sharing my story by a personal example is Old Testament to me.

My life lessons have taught me not to worry about being judged, rather I remain open to all comments, criticisms and especially the guidance of people teaching life lessons of Faith and Love of Christ. It has been my STM (before I knew the term existed) purpose just to try and make a positive difference with believers here and wherever God places me. I continue to learn what it means to be Re-formed in Christ.

Karl and Aguilla1, This discussion for me hits at the heart of a great 'sense' our brothers and sisters have about witnessing the Gospel to one another. Too often 'giving the poor a voice for justice' is squashed with negative reactions called today push backs.

An example is the role suggesting changing church music has in instigating almost immediate defensiveness among people who have worshipped using the same music for decades. This applies to most if not all denominations' individual churches. I am NOT saying this issue is that important, rather I'm using it ONLY as an example I believe we all can relate to in our life experiences.

It is very critical HOW we have dialog about 'voices from the poor.' There is another 'poverty' too often in churches and that is poverty of spirit that slows positive growth of Christians. Example: When we say 'voice of the poor do we then acknowledge the 'voice of the rich?' Which one is ultimately 'heard?'

Hi Ken, If you mean push back from the 'poor' It has been my life experience that no person wants to be told or treated as poor. Poor people have egos, pride and sense of self. Depending on others has damaging effects on all three. And some people lacking understanding too often treat the poor as poorer than they (helpers) are.

Bro Karl, I thought more about my last comment and want to say that I do understand the need for members to 'push back' however I am beginning to 'hear', not push, back but honesty of expression. Over the last few decades my experience has been moving me to listening for straight forward expression rather than political correctness.

With honest of expression comes some hurt and misunderstanding. Yet suppression of honest expression or negative reaction to the same only boosts anxiety and frustration from haves and have nots. I pray for understanding before I react and often a little time and prayer reveals members' confusion and/or frustration with difficult discussions and change.

I hope I'm making some sense.

Yes, it takes money to improve lives globally. Food, shelter, clothing are universal needs for all people. Providing the means for people to meet these needs requires them to be able to generate money for provisions.

Brother Stanley, This is a great step forward for your congregation. The 'olde' song "What a Felloship, What a Joy Divine...Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," always comes to mind when we have after church gatherings and Wednesday night family dinners.

Yes our congregation is moving to more e-communication, upgrading our website, networking on FB, et al. I feel better connected the other six days of the week and can get and receive encouragement and send out same.
I use this logic: God created everything and just like evangelists used the telegraph to bring people to tent revivals, and like churches used the telephone to improve communications, now we can use the internet to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the whole earth.

This article is very encouraging and gets at the core of all our 'fears of change in lifestyles' especially the labeled disabled. Somehow to be physically challenged gets muddled into dis-abled.