Poverty is an interesting word. For most of us when we consider the word poverty we come to the conclusion of lack of Money. To give the issue deeper thought would mean having to admit it is not only a simple lack of financial necessity but a lack of opportunity. An opportunity to do better than the previous generation, an opportunity to take control of your future and change your surroundings. Most people I have come across in Peru, through no fault of their own, will no doubt remain in this type of poverty for the rest of their lives. They are stuck in a vicious cycle with no chance to escape. As negative as this sounds there is a glimmer of hope…
The Christian Peruvians that I have come across seem to live a joyous life, although by no means easy. Their total reliance on God makes them a strong breed, a trait that has certainly challenged me to review my own life. Not only are these people grateful for what they have, as well as being full of, what can only be described as, the Joy of the Lord, I have also witnessed them to be extremely servant hearted. They are prepared to bend over backwards for you with not even a mutter of a complaint. They would NOT share their last piece of bread with you; they would GIVE you the whole thing and not take no for an answer. I find myself wondering would I honestly do the same…I am saddened by my own response (another area I need to review) Yet here are these people, like so many others all over the world living out our perhaps overused phrase WWJD.
What makes them this way? Do they do it to impress us - These rich folks from afar? Are they seeking out a reward from us for all their hard work?? Or perhaps they are trying to achieve status amongst their neighbours by having honored guests in their homes??? I truly do not believe any of these to be the case. They do it for the Glory of God and His alone, and this, quite inexplicably, shines out of each of their smiling faces.
Compassion will never resolve the world’s poverty; it may not make doctors and lawyers out of every single child within the programme. It can however reach each family with the unconditional Love that only God can offer, Hope for a better future, and of course the greatest gift of all - Salvation.
A very pensive..
Caz
P.S Al, the rock is 430Ft
The Christian Peruvians that I have come across seem to live a joyous life, although by no means easy. Their total reliance on God makes them a strong breed, a trait that has certainly challenged me to review my own life. Not only are these people grateful for what they have, as well as being full of, what can only be described as, the Joy of the Lord, I have also witnessed them to be extremely servant hearted. They are prepared to bend over backwards for you with not even a mutter of a complaint. They would NOT share their last piece of bread with you; they would GIVE you the whole thing and not take no for an answer. I find myself wondering would I honestly do the same…I am saddened by my own response (another area I need to review) Yet here are these people, like so many others all over the world living out our perhaps overused phrase WWJD.
What makes them this way? Do they do it to impress us - These rich folks from afar? Are they seeking out a reward from us for all their hard work?? Or perhaps they are trying to achieve status amongst their neighbours by having honored guests in their homes??? I truly do not believe any of these to be the case. They do it for the Glory of God and His alone, and this, quite inexplicably, shines out of each of their smiling faces.
Compassion will never resolve the world’s poverty; it may not make doctors and lawyers out of every single child within the programme. It can however reach each family with the unconditional Love that only God can offer, Hope for a better future, and of course the greatest gift of all - Salvation.
A very pensive..
Caz
P.S Al, the rock is 430Ft
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