On one hand, when we are presented with an idea, whether it is ours or belongs to another , our natural tendency is to think first why would I do this or rather "What's in it for me?" On the other hand, as Christians we are often presented with opportunities to give our time or our money or both to a cause and we are conditioned to think don't be selfish, help your fellow man. I am here to suggest that you may be able to put yourself in a position to have it both ways.
I was fortunate enough to be one of eleven CPC members to travel to Zambia last month. Our goal was to touch, feel, and begin to understand the two Zambian communities where we will partner with two different organizations to form a meaningful bond of friendship and trust in God.
The first area we visited was the George Compound, an underdeveloped suburb of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Here CPC will work with an African group, The Jubilee Center headed by their very dynamic leader, Lawrence Temfwe. We separated into groups of three or four during the day so we could observe more and then in the evening we would get together to share our experiences and better comprehend where God was leading us. Pastor Paul Tshihamba along with Tim Clark and David Schwandt from our group were given the opportunity to preach to the congregations in three different churches explaining the hope, joy, and thankfulness we all felt in being a part of this Zambian partnership with them and the Lord. Barbara Harmon, Sharon Sampson, and I joined Tim when he spoke at the Faith Bible Church in George. We arrived early and I was able to watch as the church filled. The happiness and excitement was everywhere. They had visitors but I felt their real joy was in the singing, dancing, giving and praying together in worshiping God. It was really thrilling to see these people that have very little material wealth had truly been empowered. It made me stop and reconsider the importance of things in my life. The "what's in it for me?" question had a whole new meaning.
Our next visit was to Moyo, a rural community of about 31,000 people several hundred kilometers southwest of Lusaka where we will again partner with World Vision and the people of Moyo. In this community for every ten children that are born, one is dead before the age of one and another dies before the age of five. The vast majority of these deaths could be prevented simply by providing clean drinking water and nets to protect the children from Malaria infested mosquitoes while they sleep.
In both communities we were able to really dig in and begin to understand how you can actually become the hands and feet of Christ. I would suggest that you may want to read or possibly reread some of the earlier posts on this blog in order to begin to get a really true understanding of our experience in each area.
Now back to my original thought. What's in it for me?(see above picture) or better "What's in it for you?" You could sponsor a child for a few dollars a month and that would be great. The money could keep that child and others alive and well. You may also want to take a further step and really make this Zambian experience your experience. Touch it, feel it and make it your own. I would encourage anyone to get involved. The more you take ownership the more you will benefit. In order to better understand the possibilities and opportunities available in our Zambian partnership I would encourage you to contact our missions office or seek out a member of the Zambian Task Force and see what your missing.
