RICHES AND POVERTY IN AFRICA
PART SEVEN
The first error of the Prosperity Gospel is that it distorts the true reason for giving. Several more errors follow.
2. THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL DISTORTS THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF TRUE PROSPERITY
Unfortunately, the preachers of the Prosperity Gospel have bought into the marterialistic philosophy of this age, the belief that material prosperity is gain. It is a gospel shaped by the materialism of our contemporary culture. Biblical teaching is clear. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap…For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (I Tim 6:6-10). In contrast to material prosperity, true prosperity in God’s sight is the riches of faith. “…God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom…” (James 2:5).
3. THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL VICTIMIZES THE POOR
Since preachers reduce God’s blessings to material gain, anyone who falls into financially hard times must be guilty of sin or unbelief. If God’s will is for everyone to be healthy and wealthy, then anyone who falls sick or remains poor is suffering from his own unbelief or disobedience. This places a terrible burden on the poor for it is unfair and unbiblical.
4. THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL DISTORTS GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL PLAN FOR HIS CHILDREN
Re
Let us be honest. If we had our own choice, most of us would desire perfect health, long life, material prosperity and influential positions in the church and nation. Such desires are natural because our sinful human nature seeks our own personal gain, prominence and sucdess. But God’s plan is for his children to grow in grace. The proud, self centered human nature must be crucified and in God’s providential plan this often entails trials of many kinds. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (Jam 1:2-4).
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Riches and Poverty in Africa
RICHES AND POVERTY IN AFRICA
PART SIX
It seems strange to me that in a continent with such poverty, the people fall victim to the Prosperity Gospel hurled their way by charlatans.
On one occasion I attended a growing church of 6,000 members which attracted Members of Parliament, bank managers and accountants, headmasters of secondary schools and thousands of youth.
That morning the pastor preached the Prosperity Gospel based on I Kings 17. The poor widow of Zarephath, about to eat her last remaining food before imminent starvation, was asked by the prophet Elijah to feed him first. When that poor widow in faith obeyed the prophet, God richly blessed her and saved her life with a jug of oil that never ran dry until the rains began to fall. Indeed, there was much truth in what this pastor preached – the need for faith and sacrificial giving by the poor who will then experience God’s blessing and favor.
But heresy is never total error, rather a mixture of truth and error, an unbalanced emphasis and distortion of the truth. Though the advocates of the Prosperity Gospel may quote Scripture, they never balance these isolated Scripture references with the full teaching of Scripture on poverty and wealth. Upon reflection we suggest that there are four serious errors in the Prosperity Gospel.
1. THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL DISTORTS THE TRUE PURPOSE OF GIVING.
Offerings should be given to God as an act of worship (Isa 43:22-24; Ps 116:12-17) and not for selfish gain. It is biblical truth that God promises to reward those who give to him generously (2 Cor 9:6-11). But the divine blessings reflect the gracious gift of God and not God’s obligation of favor. The desire for prosperity must never be the motive of giving. Before one gives material gifts, he should first give himself to the Lord (2 Cor 8:5; Rom 12:1). God is more concerned with the giver than the gift. Though generous giving is a virtue in Scripture (2 Cor 8:1,2), one should give unto the Lord as an offering of thanksgiving (Ps 116:17). Never should one give with selfish ambition of material prosperity.
Continued in Part Seven
PART SIX
It seems strange to me that in a continent with such poverty, the people fall victim to the Prosperity Gospel hurled their way by charlatans.
On one occasion I attended a growing church of 6,000 members which attracted Members of Parliament, bank managers and accountants, headmasters of secondary schools and thousands of youth.
That morning the pastor preached the Prosperity Gospel based on I Kings 17. The poor widow of Zarephath, about to eat her last remaining food before imminent starvation, was asked by the prophet Elijah to feed him first. When that poor widow in faith obeyed the prophet, God richly blessed her and saved her life with a jug of oil that never ran dry until the rains began to fall. Indeed, there was much truth in what this pastor preached – the need for faith and sacrificial giving by the poor who will then experience God’s blessing and favor.
But heresy is never total error, rather a mixture of truth and error, an unbalanced emphasis and distortion of the truth. Though the advocates of the Prosperity Gospel may quote Scripture, they never balance these isolated Scripture references with the full teaching of Scripture on poverty and wealth. Upon reflection we suggest that there are four serious errors in the Prosperity Gospel.
1. THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL DISTORTS THE TRUE PURPOSE OF GIVING.
Offerings should be given to God as an act of worship (Isa 43:22-24; Ps 116:12-17) and not for selfish gain. It is biblical truth that God promises to reward those who give to him generously (2 Cor 9:6-11). But the divine blessings reflect the gracious gift of God and not God’s obligation of favor. The desire for prosperity must never be the motive of giving. Before one gives material gifts, he should first give himself to the Lord (2 Cor 8:5; Rom 12:1). God is more concerned with the giver than the gift. Though generous giving is a virtue in Scripture (2 Cor 8:1,2), one should give unto the Lord as an offering of thanksgiving (Ps 116:17). Never should one give with selfish ambition of material prosperity.
Continued in Part Seven
Monday, December 13, 2010
Riches and Poverty in Africa
RICHES AND POVERTY IN AFRICA
PART FIVE
The Bible has a lot to say about riches, nothing very good. Nave’s Topical Bible has three pages of Scriptures on “riches.” Jesus speaks repeatedly against the dangers of material riches. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven whether neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus warns, “You cannot serve God and money” (Mt. 6:19-21, 24). It is the “cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches” that choke the Word and lead to self destruction (Mk 4:19).
Do you know how much money it takes to make one happy? Just one more dollar (or shilling)! “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk 12:15). I’ve seen many happy people who are materially poor. America is full of rich people who suffer from an inner void and seek to fill it with drugs, sex, and worldly thrills.
We need a biblically balanced view of riches and poverty. Proverbs 30:8, 9 reads, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of God.”
We need moderation in our aspirations and contentment with what God provides. Paul admonishes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim 6:6-10).
Could poverty in Africa in reality be a blessing for it humbles people and turns hearts toward God? Could the riches of the Western World prove to be a curse in disguise for it hardens westerners to the Gospel because they feel no need of God?
But wretched poverty! That is something else! I have witnessed abject poverty on numerous occasions that has torn my heart out. I remember a friend in Eldoret who took me to his home in Kisii where I stayed overnight. One of his age mates came and they began to commiserate. Their future was bleak. Each of their fathers had only one acre of land to feed a family of ten. For one month of the year they went hungry, and worse; they could not finish school for lack of fees. What was their future? An acre of land divided among three or four brothers? I will never forget the anguish I felt for him.
Charlatan preachers line their pockets with money by taking advantage of the poor and the rich with the preaching of the Prosperity Gospel. More on the Prosperity Gospel in Part Six.
Continued in Part Six
PART FIVE
The Bible has a lot to say about riches, nothing very good. Nave’s Topical Bible has three pages of Scriptures on “riches.” Jesus speaks repeatedly against the dangers of material riches. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven whether neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus warns, “You cannot serve God and money” (Mt. 6:19-21, 24). It is the “cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches” that choke the Word and lead to self destruction (Mk 4:19).
Do you know how much money it takes to make one happy? Just one more dollar (or shilling)! “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk 12:15). I’ve seen many happy people who are materially poor. America is full of rich people who suffer from an inner void and seek to fill it with drugs, sex, and worldly thrills.
We need a biblically balanced view of riches and poverty. Proverbs 30:8, 9 reads, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of God.”
We need moderation in our aspirations and contentment with what God provides. Paul admonishes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim 6:6-10).
Could poverty in Africa in reality be a blessing for it humbles people and turns hearts toward God? Could the riches of the Western World prove to be a curse in disguise for it hardens westerners to the Gospel because they feel no need of God?
But wretched poverty! That is something else! I have witnessed abject poverty on numerous occasions that has torn my heart out. I remember a friend in Eldoret who took me to his home in Kisii where I stayed overnight. One of his age mates came and they began to commiserate. Their future was bleak. Each of their fathers had only one acre of land to feed a family of ten. For one month of the year they went hungry, and worse; they could not finish school for lack of fees. What was their future? An acre of land divided among three or four brothers? I will never forget the anguish I felt for him.
Charlatan preachers line their pockets with money by taking advantage of the poor and the rich with the preaching of the Prosperity Gospel. More on the Prosperity Gospel in Part Six.
Continued in Part Six
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Riches and Poverty of Africa
THE RICHES AND POVERTY OF AFRICA
PART FOUR
Following are my thoughts for resolving poverty in Africa, taken from a letter I wrote ten years ago. However, as I read over this now, I fear that it is very inadequate. Can you suggest other aspects of the solution – how to ameliorate the harsh conditions of poverty? Elimination of poverty is impossible. Jesus said, “The poor you will have with you always.” Look at the poor in America? The question is, what steps should be taken to reduce the harsh conditions of poverty?
“If what we have observed above is true, then it takes little wisdom to see how the discipling of the nations comes into play. Christians have met together in Nigeria to deal with this problem of corruption in official circles. If corruption is such a burden in society, then the Christians must share their responsibility because it is the Christians in their great numbers who participate in what is going on, even if it is only by turning a blind eye to what takes place. The deep problems of society cannot be cured by the United Nations, the government or non-governmental agencies.”
“Only Christ has the answer. But it is not a cheap, superficial answer of a veneer of Christianity. The answer is becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ through living faith and faithful obedience and developing strong Christian homes where Christian virtues are instilled within the children.”
“Through much sacrifice Christian missions brought education to Africa. In the early days the common person recognized that those who attended the mission schools advanced economically. Mission schools were a living testimony to others. When one is delivered from the deep seated cultural restraints, and uses his few resources wisely instead of squandering them in sinful habits, and begins to work hard, and exercises his God given responsibility by promoting honesty and integrity in official circles - life will change. Africa will grow and prosper and become a vibrant testimony to others.”
“The vibrancy and enthusiasm of many Christians in Africa is a witness and testimony to western Christians who are more reserved and shy about their faith – and perhaps, more nominal or lukewarm in their faith. The Church in Africa is alive and growing but it not only needs to grow in width through evangelism but also in depth through biblical teaching in church and in the home. What the Church in any country needs is to teach the masses of “Christians” to go deeper in their faith with practical teaching based on the biblical exposition of the Word of God so that Christians can make a real difference in this richly endowed and diversified continent. Biblical theology must be relevantly applied to the practical lives of the people. For all this to take place, the Christian home is crucial. It is central to the future hope.”
“A fine Christian couple lived in the rural area of Ukambani some years back. Because of the man’s testimony and learned skills, the Africa Inland Church requested him to assist them in Nairobi. He consented with one condition; he wanted his whole family to live with him in Nairobi. I did not know him at the time nor did I see how he reared his children, but I do know his children. They are a marvelous testimony of God’s grace that flourishes when a Christian couple is committed to rearing their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Christopher Mwal’wa has served with sterling reputation as leader in Word of Life, Kenya. Matthews Mwal’wa is the pastor of A.I.C. in Nairobi and has a vibrant, effective ministry. Penninah, married to Dr. Titus Kivunzi, has exemplified the life and fruit of a godly woman who supports and helps her husband in ministry. I have met one or two other siblings whose names I have now forgotten, but they too are vibrant examples of Africa’s future in Christ.”
“As stalwart Christian men and women grow, they must become the salt and light in society. As Christians stand up and speak out and demand integrity and honesty and charity in society and among their political leaders – as Christians become part of the solution to a new Africa instead of being part of the problem – Africa will overcome her problems in the generations to come.”
“Africa or America or any other continent can be transformed through new birth in Christ, biblical exposition and teaching of the Word of God from the pulpit and in the home, growth in Christian virtues and shunning of sinful vices, attainment of a sound education, diligent work and humility in seeking to please God in all things – over several generations, this will transform Africa and the world.”
Tragically, the Christian virtues and values that have made the West strong in the past are fast disappearing. Christian Homes are becoming a distinct minority in the sea of the pagan wasteland that is America today. America today is in need of missionaries from Africa and elsewhere because we have forsaken our rich Christian heritage.
I must add Part Five because the Bible has a lot to say about riches and poverty.
See Part Five.
PART FOUR
Following are my thoughts for resolving poverty in Africa, taken from a letter I wrote ten years ago. However, as I read over this now, I fear that it is very inadequate. Can you suggest other aspects of the solution – how to ameliorate the harsh conditions of poverty? Elimination of poverty is impossible. Jesus said, “The poor you will have with you always.” Look at the poor in America? The question is, what steps should be taken to reduce the harsh conditions of poverty?
“If what we have observed above is true, then it takes little wisdom to see how the discipling of the nations comes into play. Christians have met together in Nigeria to deal with this problem of corruption in official circles. If corruption is such a burden in society, then the Christians must share their responsibility because it is the Christians in their great numbers who participate in what is going on, even if it is only by turning a blind eye to what takes place. The deep problems of society cannot be cured by the United Nations, the government or non-governmental agencies.”
“Only Christ has the answer. But it is not a cheap, superficial answer of a veneer of Christianity. The answer is becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ through living faith and faithful obedience and developing strong Christian homes where Christian virtues are instilled within the children.”
“Through much sacrifice Christian missions brought education to Africa. In the early days the common person recognized that those who attended the mission schools advanced economically. Mission schools were a living testimony to others. When one is delivered from the deep seated cultural restraints, and uses his few resources wisely instead of squandering them in sinful habits, and begins to work hard, and exercises his God given responsibility by promoting honesty and integrity in official circles - life will change. Africa will grow and prosper and become a vibrant testimony to others.”
“The vibrancy and enthusiasm of many Christians in Africa is a witness and testimony to western Christians who are more reserved and shy about their faith – and perhaps, more nominal or lukewarm in their faith. The Church in Africa is alive and growing but it not only needs to grow in width through evangelism but also in depth through biblical teaching in church and in the home. What the Church in any country needs is to teach the masses of “Christians” to go deeper in their faith with practical teaching based on the biblical exposition of the Word of God so that Christians can make a real difference in this richly endowed and diversified continent. Biblical theology must be relevantly applied to the practical lives of the people. For all this to take place, the Christian home is crucial. It is central to the future hope.”
“A fine Christian couple lived in the rural area of Ukambani some years back. Because of the man’s testimony and learned skills, the Africa Inland Church requested him to assist them in Nairobi. He consented with one condition; he wanted his whole family to live with him in Nairobi. I did not know him at the time nor did I see how he reared his children, but I do know his children. They are a marvelous testimony of God’s grace that flourishes when a Christian couple is committed to rearing their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Christopher Mwal’wa has served with sterling reputation as leader in Word of Life, Kenya. Matthews Mwal’wa is the pastor of A.I.C. in Nairobi and has a vibrant, effective ministry. Penninah, married to Dr. Titus Kivunzi, has exemplified the life and fruit of a godly woman who supports and helps her husband in ministry. I have met one or two other siblings whose names I have now forgotten, but they too are vibrant examples of Africa’s future in Christ.”
“As stalwart Christian men and women grow, they must become the salt and light in society. As Christians stand up and speak out and demand integrity and honesty and charity in society and among their political leaders – as Christians become part of the solution to a new Africa instead of being part of the problem – Africa will overcome her problems in the generations to come.”
“Africa or America or any other continent can be transformed through new birth in Christ, biblical exposition and teaching of the Word of God from the pulpit and in the home, growth in Christian virtues and shunning of sinful vices, attainment of a sound education, diligent work and humility in seeking to please God in all things – over several generations, this will transform Africa and the world.”
Tragically, the Christian virtues and values that have made the West strong in the past are fast disappearing. Christian Homes are becoming a distinct minority in the sea of the pagan wasteland that is America today. America today is in need of missionaries from Africa and elsewhere because we have forsaken our rich Christian heritage.
I must add Part Five because the Bible has a lot to say about riches and poverty.
See Part Five.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
We are All of One Blood
The Tonga say, “The cold of the winter is the lion of the old people.” That is, “Old people like the warmth and fear the cold.” Here in Florida my feet are freezing and my legs are cold because of the arctic blast of cold air has reached us.
When you scratch below the surface of racial features and cultural differences, we find that we are all of one blood, created in the image of God, fallen, and all in need of the Savior. "[God] made from one man every nation of mankind..." Acts 17:26
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Riches and Poverty of Africa
THE RICHES AND POVERTY OF AFRICA
PART THREE
“Absence of an Enabling Environment. While one may change the above mentioned things, there remains a very important issue, the absence of an enabling environment. Corruption (a problem of dishonesty) and mismanagement (a problem of cultural values) work together to destroy an enabling environment for development. It has been said that 60% of Africa’s problems are due to corruption and 40% is due to poor management. A serious restraint on development in Africa is corruption and mismanagement of the many co-operatives and government agencies which serve the people. Those who grow coffee, tea and sugar cane, find that their pay is either squandered through dishonesty or poor management of the co-operatives. Their income is often delayed by many months. This can only lead to discouragement, disinterest, strikes and loss of initiative. Roads, telephones, electricity, all necessary parts of the infrastructure for business, are seriously wanting. This is due, not simply to poverty, but to corruption. Money designated for roads is not faithfully used for that. Bribes are regularly demanded for routine services. Many international projects designed to alleviate poverty by providing educational seminars; facilities and equipment are thwarted by corruption. International and national aid for famine relief is siphoned off by the politicians for personal gain. Africa has many capable managers and administrators. But unfortunately, it is not what you know but who you know that leads to employment and promotion. Relationships are often more important for employment than knowledge and skills. Hence people are placed in management positions because they have the right ethnic connections and not because of their knowledge and skills.
“Frequent wars, violence and social upheavals. Over the past twenty years [written in 2002], many wars and conflicts in Africa have set back development. Right now or within the past few years, war has been waged in the Sudan (for 20 years), the Congo (intermittently for 40 years), Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda, Angola (since independence) and elsewhere. People flee from their homeland and become refugees in another country. They leave behind fertile land that lies uncultivated. The education of the youth is interrupted. The youth are enlisted in the violent conflict. Inability to resolve conflicts and generate peace has caused some wars to continue for well over ten or twenty or thirty years. These conflicts may be over ethnic or religious or personal issues. But it is the masses who suffer and social and economic development suffers enormously.”
“One may wonder what all this has to do with a Christian missionary seeking to evangelize and disciple Africa for Christ? The unspoken part of our lives as missionaries are the persistent problems which arise from poverty that surrounds us. Requests for money are unending. These are not selfish desires but life and death issues such as food for the table, fees for education, medicine for the sick, work for the jobless - it goes on and on. During our recent safari the pain of poverty was driven home to us as never before.”
PLEASE let me know if you can think of other reasons that contribute to the poverty in Africa – and if you disagree with some of my thoughts in Parts Two and Three.
CONTINUED IN PART FOUR
PART THREE
“Absence of an Enabling Environment. While one may change the above mentioned things, there remains a very important issue, the absence of an enabling environment. Corruption (a problem of dishonesty) and mismanagement (a problem of cultural values) work together to destroy an enabling environment for development. It has been said that 60% of Africa’s problems are due to corruption and 40% is due to poor management. A serious restraint on development in Africa is corruption and mismanagement of the many co-operatives and government agencies which serve the people. Those who grow coffee, tea and sugar cane, find that their pay is either squandered through dishonesty or poor management of the co-operatives. Their income is often delayed by many months. This can only lead to discouragement, disinterest, strikes and loss of initiative. Roads, telephones, electricity, all necessary parts of the infrastructure for business, are seriously wanting. This is due, not simply to poverty, but to corruption. Money designated for roads is not faithfully used for that. Bribes are regularly demanded for routine services. Many international projects designed to alleviate poverty by providing educational seminars; facilities and equipment are thwarted by corruption. International and national aid for famine relief is siphoned off by the politicians for personal gain. Africa has many capable managers and administrators. But unfortunately, it is not what you know but who you know that leads to employment and promotion. Relationships are often more important for employment than knowledge and skills. Hence people are placed in management positions because they have the right ethnic connections and not because of their knowledge and skills.
“Frequent wars, violence and social upheavals. Over the past twenty years [written in 2002], many wars and conflicts in Africa have set back development. Right now or within the past few years, war has been waged in the Sudan (for 20 years), the Congo (intermittently for 40 years), Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda, Angola (since independence) and elsewhere. People flee from their homeland and become refugees in another country. They leave behind fertile land that lies uncultivated. The education of the youth is interrupted. The youth are enlisted in the violent conflict. Inability to resolve conflicts and generate peace has caused some wars to continue for well over ten or twenty or thirty years. These conflicts may be over ethnic or religious or personal issues. But it is the masses who suffer and social and economic development suffers enormously.”
“One may wonder what all this has to do with a Christian missionary seeking to evangelize and disciple Africa for Christ? The unspoken part of our lives as missionaries are the persistent problems which arise from poverty that surrounds us. Requests for money are unending. These are not selfish desires but life and death issues such as food for the table, fees for education, medicine for the sick, work for the jobless - it goes on and on. During our recent safari the pain of poverty was driven home to us as never before.”
PLEASE let me know if you can think of other reasons that contribute to the poverty in Africa – and if you disagree with some of my thoughts in Parts Two and Three.
CONTINUED IN PART FOUR
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Riches and Poverty of Africa
THE RICHES AND POVERTY OF AFRICA
PART TWO
“The poverty of Africa is pervasive, persistent and endemic because the reasons are complex. No simple answer explains it. Sometimes you hear of the burdensome foreign debt owed by the African governments, or the devastating economic loss that came from slavery two centuries ago. Poverty surely is not a racial problem for there are many intelligent, capable and prospering Africans in every country. I have concluded that poverty in Africa is due to a complex set of reasons including the following. When conferring with some African friends, they concurred with my thoughts. It may be that more can be said, but at least these reasons point in the right direction. And the significant thing is that the authentic Christian gospel which transforms lives is at the heart of the solution to Africa’s problems.”
“Lack of Education. Most people lack proper training. This is much more than the 3 R’s (reading, [w]riting and [a]rithmetic), for a large number of people can read, write and count. Much of what we take for granted in America is learned in the homes and understood as a basic part of a strong, Christian family. This includes such things as hygiene and the basic knowledge of maintaining health; the use of money - earning energetically, spending wisely and saving faithfully; maintenance of a house, furniture and equipment, including how to care for such things so that unnecessary damage does not occur. By care one can preserve things and extend the life of clothes, radios, furniture, and ceiling boards (leaking roofs). ‘A shilling saved is a shilling earned,’ as the saying goes. By preserving what you have, you increase your material wellbeing without depending on large sums of income.
“Cultural Restraints. Certain aspects of African culture militate against prosperity. For example, acute jealousy may arise when another appears to succeed. Any show of wealth in some rural areas will result in witchcraft and cursing directed toward that person. This discourages hard work, development and planning that lead to prosperity. In Ethiopia there has been no private property for centuries. Peasants can be moved anytime from the land and the property they have developed is lost. This policy is anti-development. The African traditional desire for many children, deeply rooted in African culture, in this modern era creates enormous burdens on the parents who simply cannot feed, clothe and educate their children. The communal aspect of African life, while beautiful in its own way, creates a burden. Those who are industrious and work hard are asked for food and material help by those members of the family who are lazy. Many admit that they lose their possessions and become poor when compelled culturally to share their possessions with others in the family. A culture which promotes asking and assisting instead of self reliance may also contribute to poverty.”
“Lack of a Work Ethic. While many people do work hard and are progressing, many are content with little. This is evident in the rural areas where cultivatable land sets idle because they fail to work and till the ground. Somehow, they tend to be passive, accepting poverty as their lot. Stubborn and harsh realities discourage them from making greater effort. Through lack of education, lack of vision and understanding, lack of initiative, they simply accept life as it is with its burdensome poverty. They experience so much in life that they cannot change, such as poor government, poor roads, poor medical facilities, poor education and poor rains, so that they tend to be passive, fatalistic and content with only enough to survive. Many lack the energy, vision or understanding to progress and instead only do what must be done to survive.”
“A Lifestyle that Wastes Money. A sinful lifestyle saps what little may be earned. For example, smoking, drinking, drugs, discos, prostitution and various forms of entertainment are a sheer waste of material resources. Drunkenness is pervasive among the men so that what little money they may have is squandered on wasteful living. Prostitution saps a man’s wealth, energy and time away from building a strong family. In contrast, a Christian who lives a clean life, cares for his family (clothes, feeds and educates his children), is faithful to his wife and invests his money in his family, will improve his home. He is present in the home to teach and guide. It is a known, confirmed truth that a strong Christian heritage gradually lifts people from their poverty to middle class because they conserve what little they have and invest it wisely in profitable adventures rather than wasting it on a sinful lifestyle.”
CONTINUED IN PART THREE
PART TWO
“The poverty of Africa is pervasive, persistent and endemic because the reasons are complex. No simple answer explains it. Sometimes you hear of the burdensome foreign debt owed by the African governments, or the devastating economic loss that came from slavery two centuries ago. Poverty surely is not a racial problem for there are many intelligent, capable and prospering Africans in every country. I have concluded that poverty in Africa is due to a complex set of reasons including the following. When conferring with some African friends, they concurred with my thoughts. It may be that more can be said, but at least these reasons point in the right direction. And the significant thing is that the authentic Christian gospel which transforms lives is at the heart of the solution to Africa’s problems.”
“Lack of Education. Most people lack proper training. This is much more than the 3 R’s (reading, [w]riting and [a]rithmetic), for a large number of people can read, write and count. Much of what we take for granted in America is learned in the homes and understood as a basic part of a strong, Christian family. This includes such things as hygiene and the basic knowledge of maintaining health; the use of money - earning energetically, spending wisely and saving faithfully; maintenance of a house, furniture and equipment, including how to care for such things so that unnecessary damage does not occur. By care one can preserve things and extend the life of clothes, radios, furniture, and ceiling boards (leaking roofs). ‘A shilling saved is a shilling earned,’ as the saying goes. By preserving what you have, you increase your material wellbeing without depending on large sums of income.
“Cultural Restraints. Certain aspects of African culture militate against prosperity. For example, acute jealousy may arise when another appears to succeed. Any show of wealth in some rural areas will result in witchcraft and cursing directed toward that person. This discourages hard work, development and planning that lead to prosperity. In Ethiopia there has been no private property for centuries. Peasants can be moved anytime from the land and the property they have developed is lost. This policy is anti-development. The African traditional desire for many children, deeply rooted in African culture, in this modern era creates enormous burdens on the parents who simply cannot feed, clothe and educate their children. The communal aspect of African life, while beautiful in its own way, creates a burden. Those who are industrious and work hard are asked for food and material help by those members of the family who are lazy. Many admit that they lose their possessions and become poor when compelled culturally to share their possessions with others in the family. A culture which promotes asking and assisting instead of self reliance may also contribute to poverty.”
“Lack of a Work Ethic. While many people do work hard and are progressing, many are content with little. This is evident in the rural areas where cultivatable land sets idle because they fail to work and till the ground. Somehow, they tend to be passive, accepting poverty as their lot. Stubborn and harsh realities discourage them from making greater effort. Through lack of education, lack of vision and understanding, lack of initiative, they simply accept life as it is with its burdensome poverty. They experience so much in life that they cannot change, such as poor government, poor roads, poor medical facilities, poor education and poor rains, so that they tend to be passive, fatalistic and content with only enough to survive. Many lack the energy, vision or understanding to progress and instead only do what must be done to survive.”
“A Lifestyle that Wastes Money. A sinful lifestyle saps what little may be earned. For example, smoking, drinking, drugs, discos, prostitution and various forms of entertainment are a sheer waste of material resources. Drunkenness is pervasive among the men so that what little money they may have is squandered on wasteful living. Prostitution saps a man’s wealth, energy and time away from building a strong family. In contrast, a Christian who lives a clean life, cares for his family (clothes, feeds and educates his children), is faithful to his wife and invests his money in his family, will improve his home. He is present in the home to teach and guide. It is a known, confirmed truth that a strong Christian heritage gradually lifts people from their poverty to middle class because they conserve what little they have and invest it wisely in profitable adventures rather than wasting it on a sinful lifestyle.”
CONTINUED IN PART THREE
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