When you hear the word “missions”, what mental image comes to mind? For many, I think the prominent image is one of large trucks delivering food and other supplies to hard-to-reach areas of the world. Well and good, but then what? Granted, there are immediate needs that must be met, but what about long-term visions for mission?
Following is a quote by Elvia Alvarado, a peasant leader in Honduras.
“I’m very grateful to all these organizations in the United States, especially the private and religious organizations. I appreciate the food and clothing they send. I thank them sincerely for their willingness to help, and I know they do it with great love. But I’d also like to say that this realationship–where we’re dependent on the goodwill of outsiders–isn’t the kind of relationship we’d like to have…. We’re not going to solve our problem through handouts. Because our problem is a social one. And until we change this system, all the charity in the world won’t take us out of poverty.”
– Elvia Alvarado, Don’t Be Afraid, Gringo: A Honduran Woman Speaks From The Heart: The Story of Elvia Alvarado
Recently, my family and I visited Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. Heifer Ranch is a learning center established by Heifer International, an organization whose philsophy of missions embodies the old cliche, “helping others help themselves.” Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth and they do that by working with communities. Heifer provides families with training and a livestock gift. The family then has hope for a sustainable future and they in turn become donors by passing on the gift of the animal’s offspring to another family in need. A wonderful organization; check them out when you get the time.
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