What a fantastic, stupendous policy!!

My friends work for Servants Ministries.  And they have a policy. A policy that says their folks must stay at or below the standard of living of those they're serving.

I absolutely love this.

I love it because I hear the talk about "rich foreigners", I (and others) get offered children to take them to "a better place", and I see the look on their faces when they perceive we're not the same, worlds apart.

(And coincidentally people seem tickled when I say I don't have AC, or a car, or a house helper, or a driver.  To be perceived as "regular" is utmost to me - walking with them is easier when you're not also walking across a chasm that's separating you too.)

I know many organizations and folks would disagree - that it doesn't make a difference - but I'm one who stands by this particular idea.

I spent a few days at my friends' house in a slum community by the city's open sewer while they were away.  I didn't feel threatened, I didn't get sick. I enjoyed their banter, and had perfectly fine running water.

There was a window pane missing in the door - no problem. There was trash everywhere outside - no problem.  The ally smelled like urine - no problem.  The upstairs neighbor's drain ran into the propped open manhole in front of our door - no problem.

We yelled at kids the same way. We laughed at things the same way. We stood up, stretched and popped our backs the same way.

While possibly intimidating to walk into at first, after 5 minutes its hard to imagine having the nerve to say, 'I'm sorry, I'm better than this and I don't want to live and love incarnationally.'  (Yes that's a massive blanket statement - I'll leave it at that knowing there's a whole lot that could be unpacked on both sides. I like to do that sometimes :)  )

I'll keep this short and leave off at that festering last statement.  I'm not saying I'm moving to a slum.

I am however saying its necessary and not as bad as one might think.

As those of us who follow Jesus surrender and mature into being more Christ-like we can say, like Paul, after we've tried, stayed at, and done bizarre things for His glory '.. I've learned how to get along happily whether I have a lot or a little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I've learned the secret of living in every situation..'  Philippians 4:12  And it was worth it.