Misssionaries With God Complexes - Page 5

MissBrattified · #41 09-15-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Owl

True, but if America is so insignificant, why all of the whining about our lack of giving? Why do missionaries come here to deputize? They come here because they know Americans are compassionate and giving.

First of all, I think it's a crying shame that missionaries have to go church to church begging for money.

Secondly, UPCI missionaries come here to deputize because that's how the organization works. Maybe they have missionaries do that because they know that hearing real stories from real people will encourage people to give more--because otherwise it's easy to turn the cold shoulder and give to local causes. (if you give it all)

I'm not saying that Americans don't give, Owl. Not at all. There are a lot of compassionate, giving people in America. There are also a lot of selfish people--selfish Christians. Which is an oxymoron....

rgcraig · #42 09-15-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Shame on you, Owl.

The truth is, that while Americans DO give huge amounts of money to charitable and mission-oriented causes, we do NOT give as much as we could. Nor do we suffer poverty the way that those in third world countries suffer poverty. When we "give till it hurts", truthfully we are not hurting, and we still have our needs (and our families' needs) met.

The TRUTH is, only those who have sacrificed everything for the sake of the kingdom will understand these sorts of posts. Missionaries definitely endure more hardship and SEE more hardship than your average American Christian. Therefore, I respect what missionaries have to say, assuming that they have more experience with these things than I do.

The TRUTH is, we give to missions and charities, but we most DEFINITELY could be giving more.

The TRUTH is, we give our dollars, because sometimes that alleviates the guilt we feel for not actually DOING anything.

The TRUTH is, if something that was posted bothers you that much, maybe it isn't the speaker's motives you should be analyzing.

The TRUTH is, there's nothing productive in you coming here and maligning a very dear woman, simply because you felt a little guilt when you read her posts. Perhaps you should take that guilt and do something with it.

The TRUTH is, if you get out and start making concerted efforts to evangelize and do outreach, you will be unpleasantly surprised at how FEW American Christians really want to get their hands dirty. (statistically speaking) They might be willing to donate money to your cause--just so they don't have to wash their hands later.

You should be absolutely ashamed of this thread, Owl.

Couldn't agree more.

Owl · #43 09-15-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoami

This is the case for most, not all though. Just saying. I don't know Owl or Sis. Alvear, but I do remember a time several years ago when I was working 3 jobs and missing meals and my electricity and gas were turned off in the middle of winter, etc. I walked to the church in my neighborhood one night during this time to attend service and a missionary was there that night and railed at the congregation for not giving more, us rich lazy Americans. I am thankful that I live in a country where I was able to work myself up out of that situation. I realize that many people in third world countries don't have that opportunity. My point is though, the 'truths' you pointed out Mrs. B don't always apply to everyone, and when you're in a bad situation and struggling hard against cold and hunger, the broad brush used by people (usually people with good intentions) hurts.

From everything that I've seen of Sis. Alvear on here she appears to be a very kind lady who's doing a great work. I don't know Owl and don't know what their driving factor was for posting this thread, I just wanted to present another perspective.

Thank you.

The insults are tough to swallow when you've already given everything you can give. I think it's wrong to assume that all Americans are greedy and stingy. Some of us have given everything we have.

Owl · #44 09-15-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

First of all, I think it's a crying shame that missionaries have to go church to church begging for money.

Secondly, UPCI missionaries come here to deputize because that's how the organization works. Maybe they have missionaries do that because they know that hearing real stories from real people will encourage people to give more--because otherwise it's easy to turn the cold shoulder and give to local causes. (if you give it all)

I'm not saying that Americans don't give, Owl. Not at all. There are a lot of compassionate, giving people in America. There are also a lot of selfish people--selfish Christians. Which is an oxymoron....

I agree with this. However, insulting those churches who do give doesn't help the cause.

Owl · #45 09-15-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Couldn't agree more.

Bless me father, for I have sinned...

rgcraig · #46 09-15-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Owl

Thank you.

The insults are tough to swallow when you've already given everything you can give. I think it's wrong to assume that all Americans are greedy and stingy. Some of us have given everything we have.

See, this is the problem. Yes, you are right - some have. However, when you take a WHOLE country that is poor and compare that to the small percentage you are speaking of, it pales in comparison.

When someone in the US suffers there are programs in place to help them "get through" the tough spots. So, we are still a spoiled and blessed nation.

Your anger is showing.

berkeley · #47 09-15-2010, 01:34 PM

OWL, who are you really? You joined AFF two days ago and today you attack our resident missionary. Me thinks you have another user name. Don't hide in the tree. Spread your wings and fly.

MissBrattified · #48 09-15-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoami

This is the case for most, not all though. Just saying. I don't know Owl or Sis. Alvear, but I do remember a time several years ago when I was working 3 jobs and missing meals and my electricity and gas were turned off in the middle of winter, etc. I walked to the church in my neighborhood one night during this time to attend service and a missionary was there that night and railed at the congregation for not giving more, us rich lazy Americans. I am thankful that I live in a country where I was able to work myself up out of that situation. I realize that many people in third world countries don't have that opportunity. My point is though, the 'truths' you pointed out Mrs. B don't always apply to everyone, and when you're in a bad situation and struggling hard against cold and hunger, the broad brush used by people (usually people with good intentions) hurts.

From everything that I've seen of Sis. Alvear on here she appears to be a very kind lady who's doing a great work. I don't know Owl and don't know what their driving factor was for posting this thread, I just wanted to present another perspective.

whoami, I appreciate your post, and our family has also been faithful in giving when our finances weren't plentiful. I understand hardship. It's just that hardship as defined in America isn't quite the same as hardship in India or Brazil.

It's impossible for me not to minimize with this next statement, so no apologies: There are people all over the world who are cold, starving, and have no transportation. So while I understand that when you are struggling, statements like that can be upsetting, it still is not the NORM for most Americans. In other countries, what you describe is the norm--not the exception.

Statistically speaking, most Americans have never experienced poverty as it is experienced in third world countries, even in what we would consider the most difficult of circumstances.

From a missionary perspective, then, the small amounts that may be doled out may be hard to take, considering the lifestyle differences. It must be appreciated nonetheless, but I can definitely understand the frustration.