Prosperity and Poverty

On Sunday there were three visitors from Kenya that spoke, it was interesting, although Megan and I disagreed with a lot of what they said. The service went for 5 hours, haha, although I didn’t find myself bored, but I didn’t realize there was a bathroom, which led to one of the worst discomforts I have ever felt. I don’t think I have ever had to go pee so bad in my life. Anyway, back to the point, many pastors in Africa focus on the prosperity doctrine and on miracles, because it draws people into the church. The message that if you have enough faith God will heal you and give you money definitely is appealing, even though it takes people away from the truth.  God is not a vending machine, and our focus shouldn’t be on what God will do for us.

We were relieved when we asked Pastor Beatrice about the service, that she also didn’t agree. God does answer our prayers and He does perform miracles, but if He doesn’t, it doesn’t mean that it was because we didn’t have enough faith. God knows our needs, and sometimes He doesn’t find it necessary for us to give us what we asked for. Our faith can not operate God, but rather it allows him to work in our lives. God did not come down to work for us, nor is He far away having us work for Him, but He is with us, working with us and through us. Pastor told us that a lot of the Rwandan’s hold onto the prosperity doctrine, because they are poor, but even the little they do have, they do not use it.  Faith without works is useless. Believing in God’s blessing but not following His commands is dead. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” –John 14:15

It is amazing how God is the same throughout every culture, and that there is only one truth. Pastor Beatrice was convicted by the Holy Spirit of the same things Megan and I are.

We went into the slums and met with two different women who have became saved and left prostitution. Chantal says that almost every single prostitute has Aids.  Several different women come and help these women with their babies, and encourage them every week. My heart broke knowing that these women are dying, and that their beautiful children will soon be parentless.

Ps. Thank you everyone so much for your donations! Holly, the coloring books, games, songs, and the info you gave has been a big help!