David Maranz, author of African
Friends and Money Matters, said that one of the most fundamental economic
considerations in Western society is the accumulation of capital and wealth.
Alternatively, he pointed out, one of the most fundamental economic
considerations in African societies is the distribution of economic resources
so that all people have at least their minimum needs met so they can survive
(pp 4-5).
I'll be the first to admit that, for this frugal American
woman, the culture of distributing resources for survival is a bit irritating.
Almost everyone I meet is rather happy to distribute my money in their
direction. When was the last time your neighbor knocked on your door saying she
couldn't pay her children's Christian school fees and asking you to contribute?
Or when were you last asked to give toward the burial of the 98 year old mother
of the man who lives seven doors down. Seriously, who even borrows a cup of
sugar anymore?
What disturbs me even more is that this culture of
distribution is far more biblical than our American "everyone fend for
themselves" approach. I love the story of Ruth when Boaz graciously allowed
her to freely glean from his fields (Ruth 2:14-16). And Timothy's message to
pastors when he said, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
All at once I choke on my own lack of a generous spirit and long
to protect their culture of distribution too. Yet, there are gaps in that
culture of distribution where opportunities for better financial management
abound. Why not at least try to prevent the deep poverty that leads to the need
for distribution before it begins?
Most small business people in East
Africa fail to separate their business money from their personal money. For
example, they try to pay their children's school fees with business money and
then wonder why there isn't money left to purchase additional inventory. They
don't know how profitable (or not) their business is and they don't understand
why they struggle to keep their business open.
Many churches receive less than $3
in tithes each week and because the amount is rather small, pastors feel it's pointless
to allocate that money according to an agreed upon budget so that eventually
they can replace their roof, purchase a sound system, or hold a crusade. And so
the church goes on barely surviving and certainly not being "generous and
willing to share."
 |
| Prossy shows the saving box used at this church outside Kamuli. There's no rubber stopper by which to get inside. That one coin has been rolling around in there for some time, I'm sure. |
Surprised by Hope has the opportunity to help pastors and
church leaders learn how to position themselves for growth by offering a four-day
financial management conference in Watamu, Kenya. Pastor's will learn how and
why to:
- Prioritize tithing, saving, and giving
- Track income and expenses (accountability)
- Analyze financial statements to make business decisions
- Know when buying and selling on credit are helpful (or not)
·
Budget
for church growth and church events
We'll also have the opportunity to address common issues
such as:
- The disappointing results of the prosperity Gospel
- Ethics in money management
- Alternative ways to meet the social demands for the distribution of wealth
This conference is no small undertaking, it's not in keeping
with the usual Surprised by Hope simple workshop style. Instead, this
conference provides comprehensive teaching-ministry, handbooks, meals, and the
like. We want pastors from neighboring towns to come too and so lodging and
meals will be available for them as well. To make all this event is successful,
we have a small team of pastors at the ready to mobilize and prepare for the
most well attended event yet.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 10 – Saturday, December 13, 2014
TIME: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
with film ministry beginning at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Watamu, Kenya
Please join Surprised by Hope in laying a foundation for
change in the Malindi coastal area of Kenya. Will you consider supporting this important event to ensure that all
the pastors who desire to attend can? And please don't forget to pray for us so
that we would be God-honoring in all that we communicate about the sensitive
topic called money.
Click here
to give using your credit card or PayPal.
Or, send your check to:
Surprised
by Hope
464 Adaway
SE
Ada, MI
49301
As always, we couldn't do this without you…and we wouldn't
want to.