HOW BIG OUR TROUBLES?

         Many Americans feel there is much to complain about and that our nation is going downhill. Perhaps some things about this are true, but we must never forget that others have it far worse.
         Mary Lu, a retired missionary wife living in Iowa, wrote me of a letter she received telling of the increasing troubles in South Africa where she and her husband spent many years in ministry. Her longtime friend Pushpa wrote, “Durban is getting worse and worse with low incomes, crime, killings, homes and public businesses broken into, robbing and rape. Nowhere does it feel safe.”
            This dedicated Asian-Indian Christian woman, now a widow in her late 70’s, went on to tell how she was held up by knifepoint and had her car stolen with food inside for needy people, food she had prepared and was taking to distribute in a poor neighborhood of Durban. She gave thanks the thieves did not harm her, as so often happens.
         Being a widow always brings drastic changes and difficulties. But being an Asian-Indian Christian widow in South Africa brings its own burden of added cultural and financial problems. Mary Lu says Sister Pushpa counteracts her troubles with singing, and especially the beloved Russell Carter song with the refrain,
 
“Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior,
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.”

         For decades, Pushpa has continued to stand on God’s promises. Even at her advanced age, she still plants a big garden and shares its produce with people in need.  Every month for years, she has cooked up huge pots of meat stew, white rice and vegetables, to feed the younger generations in that poor Durban neighborhood. She is hoping she can continue to take food to the people there.
         She wrote in her letter to Mary Lu, “Now, I am just waiting to see if I can have insurance book value and if I can afford to buy a used car. I’ll wait on the Lord for Him to act. My trust and faith are always on HIM and HIS work.”
         This message is not a plea for funds, but for prayers. Please remember Pushpa and all the Asian-Indian and other Christians in South Africa. They share the news of Jesus Christ by helping people in need. This is something we can learn from them. They are living out what Jesus said in Matthew 25, “I was hungry and you gave me food.”

Are the troubles in your neighborhood so great? Can you share Jesus there?

Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com