Providing for Ella

During our talk to the 30's & 40's group at North Phoenix Baptist one young man asked if we were concerned about providing opportunity for Ella's (our baby daughter) future. He flushed out the question even more as he explained that as a parent himself he wanted to provide the best future for his child and living in Rwanda would be difficult to imagine that happening.

His question was a good one and it has made me think even more since then about what is "providing for Ella's future"? I don't think there is an easy answer and I probably didn't answer his question very well but let me summarize my thoughts here. I really wrestle with the idea of how Americans see themselves and their pursuit of the American dream. I struggle because I see some of what we hold to be true as contrary to my beliefs as a Jesus follower. When I read about Jesus life and the early disciples I read about sacrifice, surrender and commitment to serve.

When I listen about those pursuing the American Dream I hear about self belief, wealth, leadership and entitlement. Now I know what you are thinking...Todd's lost his way living in Rwanda! You are probably right. While I don't think that the being a Jesus follower and pursing the American Dream are necessarily mutually exclusive I do wonder if we are missing the mark in thinking that they are completely harmonious.

So my struggle continues. The Bible seems pretty clear. This life is not about "us". It is about God and His Kingdom. When the focus becomes more us than Him we have a problem. Some how the world has become an "us" and "them" type set up. There are "haves" and "have-nots". Americans, regardless of how little your income is, are by far the "haves" in the world. Comparatively, most Rwandans are the "have-nots" when it comes to economics.

Jesus clearly showed that the gospel or "good news" was for both groups. And in fact Jesus also made it clear that the "good news" was geared for the poor and the "least of these". Time and time again Jesus had harsh words to those who were rich in earthly standards. Not the wealth was bad in and of itself but because of the temptation that comes with materialism. Things become our god.

So if we are Jesus followers we must be what Jesus dedicated his life for..namely turn upside down the notion of what this world values and strives. To bring the good news of Jesus to those who need it most. The disciples gave up everything to follow Jesus..job, status, family, money..why do we think that being a Jesus follower should be any less now?

So back to the question posed to us at NPBC. I am confident that "providing" for Ella in Rwanda may be more easily attainable than if we lived in the States. The distractions of the American Dream will be, I am sure, replaced by other challenges but in the end God's grace will be sufficient where ever we live and raise our family.