What gives???
I have finally gotten myself educated as to what I thought was the mission direction of our church and my congregation has enthusiastically responded.
During what I thought was an exciting, motivating presentation at CY2006 last summer, I was quickly awakened to the conflict which apparently has been going on between the mission work of PWS&D and World Vision, but which I understood had been resolved within our ranks.
It seems that the smiling boy with the smiling goat on the cover of the World Vision catalogue represents a manner of giving that is in conflict with the philosophy of PWS&D. While it is widely thought that World Vision does a wonderful job, apparently there are some issues regarding working with partners in those communities, affecting whole communities rather than individuals, etc. Fine. I trust the leadership of our denomination, and that they have carefully examined the variety of ways in which we might respond to the needs of others around the world. I trust that after much discussion, education and prayer, that they have chosen and/or developed the way they believe is best for us.
This year we have requested, have received and have already promoted the Something Extra program and our church is responding. Although it is certainly a poorer second cousin in terms of production only to the smiling boy/smiling goat Christmas Guide, it is a great first effort. The inside of the front cover of Something Extra reveals the difference our money can make — everything from a $5-gift to $400, with details as to what those funds can buy. The next page, in 50 words or less heralds the good stewardship, justice and affirmation of partnering.
So the question is this — one copy of Something Extra comes to the church. It may make it to an unread bulletin board, it may not. World Vision's bigger, better, smiling boy/smiling goat Christmas Gift Catalogue gets into the home of everyone who receives the Record. Hmmm, let me think, Which one do you think is better positioned for response?
Would those who have been raised into leadership positions within our denomination please have a conversation with one another now and again, even a discussion, and come to some agreement, or a vote that passes even by the slimmest of margins, and send to those of us who toil in the rice fields one clear, consistent, dare I say, unified message?
As my sainted mother used to say, “Are we for 'em or agin 'em?”
