Donations are Trickling In
The response has been steadily trickling in. I wondered why so slow. A conversation with a leader (not a member of our congregation) clued me in on a possible explanation, but I’m uncertain as to how widespread this kind of thinking is. He felt that the government should make the initial response and go in with the emergency supplies. This kind of effort by government agencies never lasts very long and the people are usually left stranded. Hence, a proposal that we delay and further contributions. We should wait until the government initiative stops then we (the church) would then step in and provide further assistance.
Conflicting Views on Relief Assistance
Have you ever watched the movie “Lost in translation”? I thought I was having one such moment. The language might not have captured what each of us meant. Still it gave me pause to stop and wonder just how widespread is this type of thinking. I’m desperately trying to open up my heart to it, hoping to understand it.
Clearly, my astonishment is a result of culture I told myself. Obviously, because I am accustomed to how we operate in Jamaica, I perhaps shouldn’t include the US and New Orleans now should I? Well…ok, let me stick with Jamaica. So, based on how I’ve grown accustomed to see us (the church) immediately responds in time of disasters, not waiting on government (which would hardly be a sensible thing to do anyway!), I am having difficulty understanding this kind of reasoning and proposed course of action.
Needless to say, since I have not yet discovered the merit in the argument, It did not receive my support. So we continue to spread the word seeking assistance. Aha…I just see a little light in the argument, maybe the leader wanted us to be conscious of a sustainable approach to our assistance in the area. Do you think that’s it? Well even if that’s it, I still do not support the reason for delay. While the people wait on government..what happens to them?
Aid and Sustainability In Rio Indio
And yes, I definitely agree with sustainable action in this situation. Since the church at Rio Indio and the missions in the Costa Abago region are directly affiliated with First Isthmian we are already discussing the kind of response that we need to provide and seeking assistance from all well-wishers and partners to help us in this regard.
Should you wish to join us, I invite you to email me at marvia (at) marviaspanamajournal(dot)com for the church’s contact information.
Peace,
Marvia
PS** I am still grappling with the leader’s sentiments. If you see something that I should consider feel free to point it out to me. Leave a comment or email me…
Well Marvia, “di dutty tough?, but God still a reign!( no pun intended)
As for the leader’s sentiment, he just has a level of faith in the governments abilities and commitment to their people ( ok well maybe the sustainability argument more plausible). Either way when disaster strikes we just have to jump right in and do our part, we can’t afford to wait.
All the best as you jump in, our prayers are with you.
Dberry,
Thanks for the encouragement and prayers.
I go “hmmmm” – re possible expressions of confidence in the government’s abilities. I would be making a huge leap to pin that one on him. The one main word that is buzzing around regarding government is “corruption”. That seems to be a worldwide trend. Trust me, that issue will need a whole separate treatment in the near future.
Peace,
Marvia