Week 15-Liberation

While working in a developing nation, there is a danger that all foreign missionaries, activists, and humanitarians face: white (or whatever persuasion) savior syndrome. Some of you have just pulled a muscle rolling your eyes because you are tired of hearing about white privilege, how helping hurts, blah blah blah… But hear me out. Many people—myself included—come into mission work with an “I am going to help these poor people” mindset. This thinking is dangerous; it assumes that the ones who are helping are intrinsically more valuable than those who are being helped. This mindset creates a division between the “blessed” who can help and the destitute who need help. This mindset demonstrates itself as deciding that it is permissible to be sloppy or unhygienic when making sandwiches for the poor because “They’re hungry. They won’t care.” It is expressed in statements like “Just give them a bag of random clothes—they don’t have much anyway.”

Throughout my years of doing foreign mission work (13 years now), the “I am going to help you” thinking has felt less and less…comfortable, correct, God honoring, etc. The problem was that I could not find a replacement for this thinking—why am I doing what I’m doing if it isn’t to help those in need?

Last week while doing my devotional, I read a quote by the Australian aboriginal activist Lilla Watson: “If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. If you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” My mouth fell full agape as I read those words over and over. The thinking, the rationale, that I had been searching for was right in front of me. There are no longer two groups; there is just one—the imprisoned working towards universal liberation.

One of my biggest qualms with the “I’m here to help you” mindset was that assistance is fleeting. That sandwich is going to be eaten. The clothes will be torn. The house will fall over. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and housing the homeless are important and kingdom work. But, helping alone does nothing to address the systemic malfunctions that plague our world, perpetuating hunger, nakedness, and homelessness. True liberation, though, is lasting.

If my liberation is bound to others, then I can never be liberated from the grasp of hunger knowing that there are mothers digging through trash to find something edible for their children. There is no liberation for me if children on the streets sniff glue to fight away hunger.

If my liberation is bound to others, then I can never be liberated from the shackles of homelessness if there are people who, each night, must find shelter under a bench, in a box, or crouched under a building’s overhang. There is no liberation if a child is passed from relative to relative because no one wants him.

If my liberation is bound to others, then I can never be liberated from the chains of ignorance if there are 19-year-olds who never had the chance to go to school because notebooks and pencils were too expensive. There is no liberation if a family of five has to decide which children they can afford to send to school.

If my liberation is bound to others, then I can never be liberated from the constrains of desperation if there are young men and women who give up on dreams of a better future because sustainability is always out of reach. There is no liberation if aspirations are always subjugated to persistent and immediate needs.

The idea of liberation through Christ is found throughout scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”-Isaiah 61:1. God anointed Isaiah to be a liberator to His people; we, too, are being called to liberate God’s people. If my liberation is bound to others, my job is not complete if people still do not have the freedom that comes through Christ. “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death”-Romans 8:2. This freedom should be the one that I place the most importance on, but, I must confess, this is the toughest for me. I love the idea of just “being the gospel” through my actions because that is easy for me—I am an actor who can put on a good show. That isn’t enough, though. For whatever reason, I have a fear of introducing people to a peace and liberty that I experience through Christ. This is something that I am determined to better because being light in the world is not enough if I do not point to its source.

And now the question is “So what do I do now?” That question is eternal. The answer will manifest itself differently for each person. Let it move you to action. Let not passivity campout within you—be bold fighters for freedom.   

Week 14-Worship

“Can I go with you to church tomorrow?” Daisy asked timidly.

“It’s in English—are you sure you want to go?”

“Yes, if that is okay with you.” she replied.

During this conversation, I was confused as to why Daisy would want to go to church with us. Since our boys are nearly fluent in English, we attend an English-language service so that all of us can be fed. However, Daisy speaks no English—none. It seemed odd that she would subject herself to an hour and half of people speaking apparent nonsense. I was concerned that Daisy would be as bored as I am when I go to a Spanish speaking service—I would not wish that level of boredom on anyone!

 I have known Daisy for almost ten years; she worked at Casa de Esperanza, where I interned for two summers during my college years. When the ministry first started, Saul and Carlos, Daisy’s sons, started living with Jen and David because Daisy knew that she could not provide the life that she wanted for her boys. Daisy has a profound love for her boys—a love that compelled her to let them move out and live away from her even though it caused her great pain. This act of selflessness has benefitted her boys recurrently.

Since the beginning, Daisy has made an effort to frequently visit her boys, continuing to be a part of their lives. Because of this, Daisy spends each weekend at MTM spending time with her boys, cooing over her grandson, and helping us by cooking meals and cleaning some around the house. It is the type of relationship that is not possible in most children’s homes. While Daisy is quite the character (anyone who has met her knows exactly what I mean), she is also one of the most sincere and innocent people I know.

At church, I sat on the opposite end from Daisy; to be honest, by the third chorus of the second song, I had forgotten that she had come with us—I was too preoccupied with keeping teenagers off their phones (Kids these days!). Towards the end of the sermon, I looked down the aisle and saw Daisy. I did not see a woman in the midst of immense boredom, or a woman with glazed over eyes and drool coming from her mouth. I saw a mom who was thrilled to be at church sitting by her son.

I can’t tell you what the sermon was about (holiness, maybe?), but I know what I learned at church that day: worship is not always manifested in singing, praying, and scripture reading. Worship is a mother unconditionally loving her son. Church is as much about the fellowship of family (biological and spiritual) through Christ as it is about the rituals we practice. Worship doesn’t have to be (and probably shouldn’t be) flamboyant and bombastic; worship can simply be a mother, unaware to what is being said, who is content to sit beside her son and know that God, too, is with them.

Week 13- Fundraising

First of all, as of this publication, everyone at the house is still alive. This is an accomplishment.

Last week, I mentioned that David was in the States fundraising, but I did not go into great detail about why he is fundraising. This week, I still won't be going into great detail, but I will definitely provide more detail.

Mountain Top Ministries is always searching for dedicated monthly supporters; we are thankful for the supporters who have been with us from the beginning, but having a larger donor base would, of course, benefit the ministry. MTM has come a long way from several years ago when it was unclear if all the bills would be paid each month. However, we still have a ways to go. Many people donate in support of a selected boy at the the home, while others send money to the ministry knowing that it will help with the day-to-day operations. If you are looking for a ministry to partner with, consider Mountain Top Ministries.

Two specific things that David is fundraising for are a new truck and a well. As I have mentioned, we have a water problem. The problem is we never have water. Unlike the States, many homes in Honduras only receive water once or twice a week from the city. We are constantly running out of water at our house. I would like you to imagine how a house full of boys smells when there is no water. Because of this, we constantly have to bring water trucks in. This can cost anywhere between $100-$250 per week. This takes a huge toll on our already tight budget.  After discussing possible solutions with the landlord, we have decided that digging a well would be the best solution. To dig a well, it would cost around $15,000.  Having a consistent source of water means that our boys can bathe daily, will always have clean clothes, and, most importantly, be able to flush the toilets.

The last large item is a new (to us!) truck. If you have ever spent any time in Honduras, you know that to do what we do, a truck is vital. The red truck and David have been inseparable for years. David could drive into many communities throughout Tegucigalpa, and people would known immediately who was in the truck. Unfortunately, the  trusty red Ford has recently bitten the dust, and we hope to purchase another truck when David returns.  The price of a truck that will meet our unique needs is between $15,000-$20,000.

As I said last week, fundraising is kind of miserable for many missionaries; it requires a lot of humility and faith in God and God's people to be successful. Continue praying for David as he travels from place to place, searching for ways to help continue God's mission in Honduras. 

If you are interested in financially joining Mountain Top Ministries, please visit http://www.mtmhonduras.org. 

Week 12- Prayer Requests

One of the unfortunate truths that many ministries face is that money is not something that is readily available. Many missionaries spend a large chunk of time raising funds to continue what they are doing. Mountain Top Ministries is no different--we are always looking for funds.

Yesterday, David left for a month to visit with several churches in five states across the US to speak with them about partnering with us. David would much rather stay here and continue doing what he loves and is called to do, but this is a necessary evil--especially with our truck recently dying and our lack of water situation. Pray that David is successful in his endeavors, that his nerves will disappear as he is presenting, and that he can find some time to relax. This guy needs a break; fundraising is the opposite of a relaxing, but maybe he can fine sometime for himself.

Also, pray for us at MTM. Carlos, Alana, and I will continue on with the day-to-day activities here. Of course, I am little anxious about this month. I am experiencing flashbacks to student teaching when the teacher would leave the room for a little bit.

Thank you for your continual prays!