The Local Church and Sustainability
When we explore “sustainable” local church based care, where do we turn first? To the obvious. To the local church body that owns the care.
We hear all the time that churches among the poor cannot afford to contribute anything to care for orphaned and abandoned children in their communities. They’re just too poor. All must come from outside. We even hear this from some of our own partners on occasion. Let me tell you, that’s a load of you-know-what.
The community within our partner churches can and must meaningfully contribute.
On Sunday, I went to church in Rukore, Uganda, our newest partner site. The church members gave. And gave. Whether in the form of the little money they have, or in the form of food from their gardens, they joyfully brought offerings to the altar. Here’s a pic of the pastor blessing a child with some of the food given at their feet. When I get back, I’ll post a short video of the giving process, a 10 minute party of singing, dancing, and celebration.
Sustainability is not about money. It’s about dignity. Our best local church partners understand, and want to contribute. They want to lift.