Important “for” rather than “in”

A few years ago I learned of World Neighbors. Each fall they offer people from developing and under-developed countries to sell goods here in the United States providing them “market” options they would otherwise not enjoy. Yes, and they do this in Oklahoma City. One of my college professors serves on their Board.

Today I received an e-mail update with the story of Zabre Jabindo. Atop the email was this quote,

“I’ve learned that I could become an “important” person for my village.”

– SABDANO Yampoua Jacqueline

Jabindo’s story illustrates the quote. He became literate which in turn benefited his agricultural knowledge and skill, contributed to the well being of his family and his village, and inspired others to become literate.

We tend to think of our importance in terms of personal advancement so we would alter the comment above hoping we would be important “in” our village. There is something about communties where we are “for” each other. This is not only a great illustration of one of the ways missions of justice may look, it is also a poignant expression of what those who find themselves in a faith community should pursue. Their contribution “for” the community rather than recognition “in” the community.

Come to think of it it is not bad life advice.

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

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