Missions Week Idea
I've had an idea rolling around in my brain that I want to throw out to each of you for your consideration. Most of you know that I am going to South Africa in July/August and that I have developed a deep love for the people there. I can't wait to go...
We are targeting the high risk teenagers in impoverished living conditions, I did a bit of research on what their lives are like and come across a few statistics (via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_South_Africa ). The average Black African household in South Africa makes approximately $1800/annually - yep, annually, or $150/month or $35/week... actually, i think based upon this being an average - this is probably high for some of the areas we have been/will be in.
So here's my idea. I think it would be cool to live for a week (Sunday - Friday) on the budget of a Black South African - $35. In light of gas prices this does not include gas... immediately, this knocks Starbucks out for me, but here's the catch (there's always a catch) when you want to spend money on something else - be it eating out or going to a movie or buying some clothes or whatever it is and it falls beyond the $35 budget - you put that money aside. At the end of the week - whatever money is put aside you give it to a local mission or charity organization. And DON'T just send a check - go down to the charity or missions office and give your donation to them face to face. Find out what their needs are how you can pray and help them in the future. Make it PERSONAL!!!
I'm thinking May 21 - May 26. Let me know what you think and pass it on...
We are targeting the high risk teenagers in impoverished living conditions, I did a bit of research on what their lives are like and come across a few statistics (via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_South_Africa ). The average Black African household in South Africa makes approximately $1800/annually - yep, annually, or $150/month or $35/week... actually, i think based upon this being an average - this is probably high for some of the areas we have been/will be in.
So here's my idea. I think it would be cool to live for a week (Sunday - Friday) on the budget of a Black South African - $35. In light of gas prices this does not include gas... immediately, this knocks Starbucks out for me, but here's the catch (there's always a catch) when you want to spend money on something else - be it eating out or going to a movie or buying some clothes or whatever it is and it falls beyond the $35 budget - you put that money aside. At the end of the week - whatever money is put aside you give it to a local mission or charity organization. And DON'T just send a check - go down to the charity or missions office and give your donation to them face to face. Find out what their needs are how you can pray and help them in the future. Make it PERSONAL!!!
I'm thinking May 21 - May 26. Let me know what you think and pass it on...
posted by 2 K's are Better Than 1 | 11:01 AM
9 Comments:
Awesome, what a great idea! I'm in. The thing is to cut back on my normal life and NOT throw in the extra $35. I'll pass this to my friends, I think I can get Brinkley to be in on it as well. This automatically puts you into my "Friends links" first thing next week.
since shawn's obligating me to do this ...
j/k
actually, since I don't know you, I probably should spare you the usual sarcasm I subject shawn to.
I think this is a fantastic idea. It's a great reminder of what other people in the world go through and what we take for granted. It's much too easy to live and work in America and be cocooned from the rest of the world. In fact, it's sickening what we're oblivious to ... and for the most part, we don't care, as long as I get what I work hard to earn.
I could probably ramble on about the topic of us not considering others, but I digress somewhat.
One thing to consider with these numbers, tho, is the cost of living. For example, someone living in Dallas can make less than someone living in San Francisco, but can live more comfortable. Then again, maybe these numbers are adjusted for cost of living.
Anyway, regarding the challenge, I will definitely partake in spirit. With my job, however, it's very easy for me to get through the week and not spend a dime of my own money and live very well, but living off the company's money kinda defeats the purpose of the challenge.
I'll do a somewhat compromised version of the challenge that week, that hopefully still meets the intent of the challenge. Every time I break out my wallet, whether I'd expense it in or not, I'll second-guess my decision to buy it. I'll keep track of Starbucks, dinners, drinks, etc. given up that week and donate it.
And I really like the idea to make a personal donation, not just put a check in the mail.
I haven't done one, but is this the same principle behind the 30-hr famines - putting yourself into the shoes of the impoverished and donating the money you'd otherwise spend?
whether it's the same principle or not, it's still a great idea. I'm going to try to refer others to this post.
Michael, I think you should do both the $35 drive and the 30 hr famine.
shawn, I was actually thinking of doing a 30 hr drive and a $35 famine.
(wonderful, we're starting another one-to-one convo on someone else's blog)
2 k's, feel free to edit or delete these comments as you see fit.
no way i'm editing this... it's much to entertaining. we'll call it 35 hours a day on 30 miles... i think TLC may want to make a show, i'll let you know when we get to the contract negotiations...
Looks nice! Awesome content. Good job guys.
»
Nice colors. Keep up the good work. thnx!
»
I find some information here.
Post a Comment
<< Home