"Critical Questions" Paper on "Walking with the Poor," by Bryant L. Myers

I found this book extremely helpful in analyzing the Christian response to poverty and development. As I read the book, I caught myself off-guard, thinking I was reading one of my more "spiritual" books, and then reminded myself that this was for a class on international development. Why did it feel so un-textbook-like? Although written like any other academic book concerning development using concepts, definitions and diagrams, this book startled me with a different approach to development than I had ever encountered. Though I found much encouragement through this book, I still carry questions concerning the practical out-workings of the methods described. Yet even without a thorough "weakness" assessment, the author indirectly addresses these concerns through his discussion about the role faith in Christ plays in the realm of development.

Were there any points that addressed a persistent issue you had of reconciling your faith in Christ and your desire to serve Him through development? As I begin these graduate studies, the greatest encouragement I consistently encounter is the admonishment to know God more and how central this is in "success" on the field. Through my studies of political science and development in college and a semester abroad in Ecuador, I found the tenets I learned of development theory relevant and applicable, however a tremendous gap continued to keep me estranged from following this field further. I found no room for application of my faith. I knew an obvious reality existed concerning the consequences of sin and the history and present conditions of poverty, oppression and lies, and the benefits of knowing Christ in this life that could transform more than the soul. I felt burdened with my desire to understand these spiritual and material relationships. However whenever I studied this field previously, a gap seemed to glare at me between the truth of Christ I believed and the realities of situations in this world proved daunting to bridge and reconcile legitimately.

I learned that it is the work of the Evil One to separate these two realms of the material and spiritual. Myers exposed this travesty of modernity by discussing in-depth the ramifications of sin that the development practitioners must understand to see the need for transformational development. If the consequences of sin are total, so must be the assistance that is given. That is where the concept for transformational development comes from - helping the whole person; not compartmentalizing a person's faith, but rather pointing towards the sustaining effects of Christ's work in person's personal life and relationships in all aspects.

However, this might be where development can become too spread thin. If the need for transformational development exists, where should one begin work and how can one analyze the value of each task? This is where the faith of development practitioner and his/or her knowledge come together. Development does not neglect the importance of faith. It highlights its importance! However, the development practitioner must keep in mind the importance of professional analysis and use of tools that anyone in his/or her field might apply. In summary, the Christian development practitioner brings more to the field than knowledge and skill, he/or she brings lasting promise for sustainability through Christ!

Another point from the book which answered an enormous area of tension in my heart was how the development practitioner begins to help a community in love and with genuine concern for their better good? I appreciated Myer's points concerning the importance of knowing entirety of the "story." While he speaks in great depth about the importance of knowing the history and present state of a community from its peoples' point of view, he also refers to the importance of knowing one's own story as the practitioner. If the two worlds of a development practitioners and community citizens come together, the one in a position to help must understand the issues, worldviews and lives of those they seek to help. This issue of transformational development also stresses the importance of knowing and internalizing the Biblical narrative. If one does not understand a community or individual's greater context in the story of redemption, there is no context for past history, present realities, or future hope.

Finally, this book also led me to examine and ask myself questions concerning my past issues, experiences and biases that could influence future work in transformational development. It also dawned on me that any issues I have in my personal relationship with Christ will flesh themselves out in this field. Therefore, personal examination and accountability according to the Word of God is paramount. During a semester study in Ecuador, two years in South Africa and other travels, several questions and issues continue to stir in my heart, calling me to examine them, articulate them and share them with others. Perhaps there is a bit of healing, exploration, or discovery that can lead me to better conclusions, further insights, and direction concerning my future career. Although I felt these murmurings for years and have obeyed them in part, this book highlighted even further the necessity of coming to terms with my own impressions, and changes of heart that arose out of those experiences.

In conclusion, this book has encouraged me towards greater intimacy with Christ in a way I have never experienced before - it simultaneously challenged me to greater levels of professionalism in the field of development. Clearly, God designed a place in this modern world to reconcile Himself with political, economic and social development; "God was pleased... to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:19, 20).

"It's Like, the Best Class EVER!"

If you've ever seen "Napoleon Dynamite," then you'd know how to say that.

I'm talking about my Biblical Faith and Economics class. We started with a devotion on John 15 - "Abide in me..." with references to normal guys who did extrordinary things when called by God - E. Stanley Jones, Hudson Taylor - and later even watched a video about Mother Teresa. Who think Mother Teresa was elevated to saint-status? I sure did. However, when I watched this video and thought about the possibility of changing lives with the gospel through development, I felt like we could have been friends. As Christians, we have specific callings on our lives. One vocation is not elevated above another - as long as love for the Lord and others is paramount, and an uncompromising committment to follow the Lord's leading.

I know I'm talking with incredible enthusiasm and have been accused more than once of naivete, however I have seen God's hand continually lead in my life and He has not made any mistakes! So as I sat in class today being introduced to development concepts and how to analyze data, I was very grateful. To hear these kinds of topics discussed in the same breath as the need for the gospel in our world because of the sin that plagues us - it exalts Christ greatly! I will report more later - until then, know that the gospel moves in the field of development and for that I praise Him and look forward to learning about it!

Here is my course description: "An examination of diverse methodologies, hermeneutics, and conclusions about the meaning of Biblical principles for economic life today. Special attention will be given to careful exegetical analysis of relevant Biblical material. Students will be expected to understand economic concepts relevant to developing countries, to apply these concepts to disparate development issues, and to evaluate alternative applications from the perspective of Christian ethics."

Here I go! :)

Book Review(s)

Reading "The Call" by Os Guinness alongside "The Life & Spirituality of William Wilberforce" by Murray Andrew Pura proved enormously beneficial as each book reinforced the other's message of Christ's call on one's life forming central foundation of meaning and purpose in one's life. I began reading "The Call" as the path of my life took a sharp and decisive turn a few months ago. It was heartbreaking to leave Campus Outreach Johannesburg, the friends I had made, the ministry (the girls) I had devoted myself too. However one thing that could have made it entirely worse would have been to believe the lie that occupation defines one's calling. Christ's call of having initiated reconciliation to the Father intrinsically brings meaning to one's life. Now, one is called to so much more than would could have defined him or her without Christ. It gave great comfort to know that God guides, governs, and puts desires in one's heart for a reason and gives each season in one's life a particular and holy meaning. There are many quotes I could assign of great significance in this book. Here are two thoughts: "Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to his summons and service." And my favorite, that calling "demand(s) and inspire(s) the transforming vision of the lordship of Christ expressed in the famous saying of the great Dutch prime minister Abraham Kuyper: 'There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus Christ does not cry out, 'This is mine! This belongs to me!'"

My long fascination with William Wilberforce led me to purchase this book at a Beth Moore event I attended earlier this year. Wilberforce's ability to view his political vocation as a divine appointment was rare but instrumental for the advancement of the Kingdom of God in so many facets of his day. Not only did he work to end slavery, but he added a lot of benefical literature to the church. At the heart of all that he accomplished, was his obedience, humility, and right relation to the Lord. He did not see his political power or knowledge as something he owned but rather something He could give back to the Lord in useful service. At this specific juncture in my life, there are many lessons I can take from his example. Going from a missionary in Africa to a graduate student in Philadelphia, I am learning there is no more spiritual vocation than that to which God has called one at present. There is no "down-grading" of service in the kingdom. The key is devotion to Christ and obedience to where He leads.
I completely recommend these books as helpful voices in helping one decipher the meaning of one's life.

The Excess vs. The Essential

This evening I watched "The Nativity." It hearkened back to a meditation I had on the awareness of the true meaning of Christmas in our culture today. The United States is inudated with everything unhelpful in reminding you what the season is about. During those days I began humming these lines from a well-loved Christmas hymn:

"No ear may hear his coming, But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in."

What does this mean? I've heard it said over and over again that the Christmas season is the most stressful season of the year. Preparatons, preparations, preparations. But what are we really preparing for? What really comes? Why do we cause ourselves so much stress? Could it be that there is a direct parallel to our souls? Does the material reality depict the spiritual reality? It sure seems so.

Receiving Christ, preparing our hearts for His presence should not be a stressful process. It will be however, if we insist on thinking that we must make ourselves presentable in perfection before He comes. I'm sure no cleaning crew existed to ready the manger scene before His birth. He took the humblest abode - one that was ready and willing to receive Him as it lay. I believe God did this to demonstrate an important spiritual principle (among many others).

Human souls respond so similarly to salvation. We fill our lives with abundance of non-sensical priorities, thinking that on this will ride the saviour we have all been looking for. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. In the hearts of those truly quieted from trying to make themselves something they can never be, comes the Saviour that makes them into something they could never have achieved. Christ geared us to receive Him without the busyness of non-essential activities, but in the true sanctuary of the heart - where we can be nothing but ourselves. Anyone can look and see inside that something is not quite right. Then we must admit there is nothing we can do about it. Once this attitude is in place, the "dear Christ enters in" - without a red carpet (we don't have one), and without full knowledge of who He is (there are no limits, Romans 11:33). "Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Hail, the heavn'-born Prince of Peace!"

Back Home

Time to settle in and trust God in bold and unforseen ways. There's a quiet in my house and it can either drive me mad or strengthen my resolve. Thoughts of what I've left continue to tempt me to doubt and struggle to move forward. "It's just so weird! It feels wrong!! Why did I have to leave!? Why did God make me do this?? Is this really the only way?"

It is, and I must wait. I start graduate school mid-Jan. I'll be seeing friends soon. But I am exhausted and trying to get into a routine. Please God, help the absence of the blissful craziness that was 24/7 varsity ministry settle me into a quietness with You! I'm reading a book about William Wilberforce, a "forceful" politician in England over 100 yrs ago. When was his mind trained towards Christ? When his theology was cemented in the quiet discipline of his heart. I want to walk in that obedience now - ready to obey, ready to step out in the way I always somehow have - in this wildly different set of circumstances.

I joyfully made milktart today, but was sorely disappointed at the results - it just didn't taste right. I think it's due to the new altitude and the fact that I used skim milk. Oh well - it wasn't that far off!

The weather has been rainy, dreary, and cold - but i'm looking forward to tomorrow - a trip the art museum (check it out! http://www.philamuseum.org/) to see ancient Christian religious art from the conquest age (think: the movie, "The Mission").

I miss you all in South Africa dearly, it's really difficult, but I am so grateful for each one of you!! This is my prayer for you- Philippians 1:27

Words of Description

Home life: cramped, but grateful

Ministry: frustrating, but new

Walk with God: hectic, but needed

Family: close, and a blessing

Time: stretched and full

The Orange Sunset

I pulled away from campus today with a tremendous sense of the Lord's blessing. I've spent the past few days more introverted, and I've needed that. Sometimes I keep pushing so hard I don't know how I'm doing. I'm reading "Ordering Your Private World," by Gordon MacDonald and it has transformed how I view my time. Always being driven to fill my time in the most efficent way with the most productive tasks, it was quite a switch to be in full-time ministry where the substance of time is often hidden in absolute trust in the Lord and not in more visible evidences of output. I've learned that even if I spent my time differently, the only thing that matters is how well I am doing in the midst of all I do. If my inner parts are not in line or in disarray, it does not matter what I do on the outside - I will be lying on the brink of implosion. My first few months here, I experienced this too often.

This morning, I studied 1 John 4:10-12. v.12 "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." I am striving to do this. Later this morning I was to drive Hughneese, a first-year in Benjemijn I have been spending time leading, to take her driving learner's exam. She passed! But i knew I would be with her for an indefinite number of hours. What must I do but pray that for those hours that I may be waiting in line with her in dirty rooms with no air conditioning, or going without lunch when I wanted to eat - that I would think of her before myself.

After I dropped her off and was loved on by another girl from our ministry that I ran into, I felt an immense presence of peace. And the sun shone orange on the res'. My prayer is that I may continue to live this kind of "full" lifestyle whatever I do - not full of outward meaninglessness, but an inward meaning that expresses itself in all I do.