Quote:
Originally Posted by whoami
This is the case for most, not all though. Just saying. I don't know Owl or Sis. Alvear, but I do remember a time several years ago when I was working 3 jobs and missing meals and my electricity and gas were turned off in the middle of winter, etc. I walked to the church in my neighborhood one night during this time to attend service and a missionary was there that night and railed at the congregation for not giving more, us rich lazy Americans. I am thankful that I live in a country where I was able to work myself up out of that situation. I realize that many people in third world countries don't have that opportunity. My point is though, the 'truths' you pointed out Mrs. B don't always apply to everyone, and when you're in a bad situation and struggling hard against cold and hunger, the broad brush used by people (usually people with good intentions) hurts.
From everything that I've seen of Sis. Alvear on here she appears to be a very kind lady who's doing a great work. I don't know Owl and don't know what their driving factor was for posting this thread, I just wanted to present another perspective.
|
whoami, I appreciate your post, and our family has also been faithful in giving when our finances weren't plentiful. I understand hardship. It's just that hardship as defined in America isn't quite the same as hardship in India or Brazil.
It's impossible for me not to minimize with this next statement, so no apologies: There are people all over the world who are cold, starving, and have no transportation. So while I understand that when you are struggling, statements like that can be upsetting, it still is not the NORM for most Americans. In other countries, what you describe is the norm--not the exception.
Statistically speaking, most Americans have never experienced poverty as it is experienced in third world countries, even in what we would consider the most difficult of circumstances.
From a missionary perspective, then, the small amounts that may be doled out may be hard to take, considering the lifestyle differences. It must be appreciated nonetheless, but I can definitely understand the frustration.
Threaded Mode
