We Have More Than We Realize

My daughter, Carmen, sponsors a child named Clyton from Zimbabwe through World Vision. As I was reading a letter from his mom, something stood out that made me feel so grateful and so ashamed at the same time. She wrote, "we were surprised to hear that there is a ministry that gives free food and clothes for free within our community." Here in American, I would never be 'surprised' to hear about such a ministry. There are several in every major city and usually at least one in most smaller cities and towns. Unfortunately, Clyton's family does not qualify for this program because it is only for orphans and people with disabilities.

Clyton's mother also wrote that her children were not in school because she doesn't have the money for them to attend. Many schools in Africa either cost tuition or require uniforms that many families cannot afford to purchase. It made me think about how much we have here in America. Even those of us who have less than everyone else. It is all a matter of perspective. Even the poor in America have advantages. The schools might not be the best, but they are free. Ministries are available to provide school supplies, clothing, food, and other basic needs. Government programs provide free money, free food, and free medical care to the poor. The disabled have the opportunity to receive money through disability. The unemployed often get free money from the government as well.

Don't get me wrong. I know that there are still people in need here in America. I know of seniors who can't afford medicine, veterans who can't afford medical care, and many people who simply live in hunger and in need. But the difference is a matter of opportunity. Opportunity exists here in America that simply does not exist in many countries of the world.

Here is something to think about: when you say that you are starving, it simply means that you are a few hours late for your next meal. When a child in another country is starving, it means they are dying from lack of nutritious food. When you say that you have no money, it usually means that you can't afford that new gadget or pair of shoes that you desire. When a family in other countries say they have no money it means they have nothing.

My sister had the opportunity to travel to Malawi, Africa a few years ago. It is located next to Zimbabwe. As they toured the village, they learned what it truly meant to have nothing. The people had only one set of clothing which was often in rags. The children slept on dirt floors. They didn't even own a blanket to keep them warm. Their diet mostly consisted of nsima, a food made of ground maize (corn). In fact, the mission trip that she went with ordered plenty of chicken and other meat. The local pastors ended up getting a little belly pooch during the two week mission trip because they weren't used to eating so much food especially meat. When I think of how much food that I waste, I want to cry. I am so grateful for the abundance that I have available to my family, even in our time of financial hardship. And I am so ashamed that I often feel like it is not enough.

I am thankful for ministries who serve the people in need in countries where the people have so little. It makes me sad, too, to see so many people here in America oppose helping in the people in other countries. Yes, there are poor here in America. But I choose to help those who have no other opportunity for help. I just wish I could do more.