Misssionaries With God Complexes

[Owl]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

My Daddy always said that if you throw a rock in a pack of dogs, the one who hollers is the one who got hit.

Gee, that's original. And, I'm an owl, not a dog.

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by Owl

True, but if America is so insignificant, why all of the whining about our lack of giving? Why do missionaries come here to deputize? They come here because they know Americans are compassionate and giving.

I was never talking about churches who give and if you know me you know that...lol...

[Owl]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I was never talking about churches who give and if you know me you know that...lol...

You didn't specify. Oh well.

I'm just a bitter, yelping dog who should be ashamed of himself.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Owl

Her statement was generic and broad brush.

Owl, when preachers speak out against sin, do you assume they are painting every listener as a sinner? Or do you think that those who need to be convicted will be? When my pastor preaches, if I feel convicted, it's because something he brought out from the Word pricked MY heart. If what he's talking about doesn't apply to me, I don't get offended and think he's painting everyone with the same brush. No, he's addressing those who need to hear what is being said, and he is most likely unconcerned with those who are already doing right.

[whoami]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

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.

I understand what you're saying. I have a lot of family on the mission field, some in third world countries and some in Europe. I've seen anger directed at missionaries a lot, and in the past I've felt it myself, so I wanted to try and provide a perspective from that point of view.

[Owl]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Owl, when preachers speak out against sin, do you assume they are painting every listener as a sinner? Or do you think that those who need to be convicted will be? When my pastor preaches, if I feel convicted, it's because something he brought out from the Word pricked MY heart. If what he's talking about doesn't apply to me, I don't get offended and think he's painting everyone with the same brush. No, he's addressing those who need to hear what is being said, and he is most likely unconcerned with those who are already doing right.

In your case, you should definitely think he is speaking to you.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Owl

Renda, there is a HM department but you are muey loco if you think every - or even most - home missionaries receive even one penny. It's not about being too proud to help, it's about zero help available.

And that's the fault of the organization--not the missionaries asking for money, too. lol

Again, if an American pastor got on Facebook or AFF and asked for money all the time posters would ask that they be banned.

Really? Are you assuming that the members of the AFF would be selfish, annoyed and unwilling to give? I think you are painting with a broad brush and assuming a lot with this statement.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Owl

In your case, you should definitely think he is speaking to you.

When he is, I don't get mad at the messenger. I get mad at myself for being found lacking.

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by Owl

Sister,

The TRUTH is, I have not maligned anyone. I merely exposed the saccharine sweetness that insults and guilts good people into opening up the pocketbooks.

The TRUTH is, I have given my entire adult life to ministry, with little expectation of compensation. Yet I realize that lack and hardship is shared by millions of pastors and missionaries around the world. I don't get on the internet and whine about it incessantly.

The TRUTH is, no one is obligated to give homes and food to foreigners, although that would be nice. Our responsibility is not housing the lost, it's preaching to the lost.

The TRUTH is, your post smacks of judgment and "seer"ism.

I don't think I have ever whinned...give me your name and I will gladly take you off....I often tell of great victories, baptisims, people receiving the Holy Ghost and post hundreds of real life pictures to back up what I post. Yes, it is true we face many difficulties...went 2 years without a car, I do not have retirement or insurance...Raised 11 children plus others that ate at our table...No I am not complainning one bit but my FRIENDS always tell me, sister Alvear, let us know your needs...if you are not my friend please block me...I will consider you my friend anyway...

[Sister Alvear]

If I offend the posters here all Renda has to do is ask me to get off...I always publish our newsletter here....sure saves a lot of stamps....