These pictures don't necessarily apply to my post's content, but I want you to see what I'm seeing...and how stinking happy I am to be here :)
In my history class today we watched a documentary that ripped the rug out from underneath of me. So often, Americans get weak in the knees when they see pictures of starving children and immediately flip open their checkbooks and write huge, fat checks to various foreign aid organizations. But, have you ever questioned where that money goes? Have you ever wondered how even though millions and maybe even billions of dollars of aid are poured into developing countries each year, those countries are still full of starving children and failing economies?
The documentary we watched was about 3 brothers and a cousin who spent six months traveling in Africa (Cairo to Cape Town) trying to figure out where the money is going and if it is being effective.
What I am learning is that so many Americans come in with a “savior” complex thinking that we know exactly what Africans need and exactly how they should do things. But if that is the case, how is there still such underdevelopment?
This is the part that blew my mind. One village/town has about 2,000 children who are sponsored by some organization, but the children rarely see any money. Most of that money goes to community development rather than directly to the children people think they’re sponsoring. Community development is great, but that is not necessarily where people think their money is going. Now I am not trying to group all sponsorship organizations into this statement, but that’s a little distressing. I have NEVER questioned where my tithe money goes…never.
But I think we need to be more aware of where our money goes. We need to ask questions and give to organizations that empower people rather than enable. I think it is so great if people are giving more money, but principles from the book When Helping Hurts is putting a lot in perspective for me here. How do we give in a way that is a hand-up, not a hand out? I haven’t figured it out. I’m frustrated because I want to know how, but like so many things here, I haven’t found the answer and it’s way too early to make conclusions.
I am overwhelmed by all of the differences. My history class has sparked so many amazing discussions, but it has made me realize how little I know. I’m loving this, but on information overload. Until next time.
Brucie
What an overwhelming question. I asked this of my dad once, this wanting to know how best money or resources can help most, and he said that even with our best understanding of the problem, eventually we have to come to a point where we give just because it's the right thing to do. God has called us to give extravagantly of ourselves, just as he has and does. When we are open to this kind of extravagance, both as givers and receivers, He can work in tremendous ways, even (or perhaps especially?) in our ignorance. He also reminded me that while we are accountable for how/when/where we give, there is also another measure of accountability on the part of the receiver that we cannot often control, a judgment that is only between God and them. In the meantime I'm eager to hear more of what you're learning. Press on.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, compassion international does give the money straight to the kids. I know two of them specifically to know it is truth. But, what happens is that it is for only one kid per family.,.,which is fine if there are parents too. But if the parents die and the kids are left alone and it is the same amount of money.....that's when there is not enough. The other big problem is when the government is corrupt and takes from the large amount of aid. Have you heard of ministry watch? That's a good resource to see which organizations are actually helping.
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