The majority of my readers spend their service-hours in their own neighborhoods, churches, and families--as opposed to working abroad as missionaries in foreign countries. But, I also believe most of us give regularly from our pocketbooks, to support those who do serve overseas. And, that is why I wanted to share an article about unwise foreign aid systems... I want us to begin practicing smart service.
The underlying message in "Seven Worst International Aid Ideas" is that good intentions do not always translate into good results. For example, the author cautions that sending trucks loads of free things to a needy country may hamper its economy further, by taking away the opportunity for local employment. In another section, the author reminds us, "Donating a pair of shoes (or shirts or Christmas gifts) helps shoelessness, [but] it does not help poverty."
I never thought about this stuff....have you?
If we're serious about helping our fellow man--either in the U.S. or abroad--we must have intelligent strategies. In a previous post, I discussed that fine line between loving someone and enabling him. But entire organizations with misguided-efforts create a whole new concern. Be sure your help is helpful!
I intend to do extra research before donating to future organizations, because I want to serve with my heart and my brain.
After marrying into a missionary family and seeing other cultures like Jamaica, Haiti and Mali first hand, I couldn't agree more. Most missionaries have learned that providing relief without teaching the people how to sustain themselves is futile. People will only look to the rich foreigners for handouts, will say anything to gain the gifts, but will make no real effort to better themselves financially or spiritually. Most people groups who have been "helped" by outside aid organizations are almost worse off now because the population as a whole doesn't see the need to better themselves. So now many missionaries are teaching farming, well drilling, sewing, motorbike repair, etc., as well as the Bible, with the goal of not only reaching them for Christ, but giving them a way to support themselves, the local church, and national missionaries to other regions. Unfortunately, we are seeing the same thing happen here in the US. Handouts without any responsibility for the person or plan to help them better themselves cannot provide positive results for the long term. An entitlement society does not prosper for long.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mrs. T! The situation reminded me of domestic problems as well. There are lots of sweet, compassionate, good-intentioned Americans, who are accidentally causing harm both at home and overseas.
DeleteSpot on insights. The temptation is to just throw money (or shoes) at poverty so we can sleep better at night. "Well, I did what I could." The hard thing is not giving someone a fish, it's teaching them to fish.
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