So, we've seen how important integral mission is, but that raises quite a big question: how exactly should a charity with integral mission at its heart function?
Charity is a very worthwhile thing, but it can also be really frustrating. People give money so that others can get money - but this is only a temporary solution for those living in developing countries. The money will eventually run out, yes. But an even more important issue arises when thinking of the people receiving the money. Just like you and me, they're human. And just like you and me, they want to be able to provide for themselves. They want to work at whatever they can do so that they can set food on the table for their families. How does giving really provide for that need? I guess it can be explained in a simple analogy. Some give fish to eat, others give nets so people can catch the fish to eat. What will last longer? The net of course. When I was a bit younger, I became completely obsessed with The Fairtrade Foundation. Why? Because I saw that it focused on the long-term - it was something that could really work and change lives for the better. Tearfund have the same sort of long-term view on aid as the Fairtrade Foundation do. But, as a Christian organisation with integral mission at the heart of everything they do, Tearfund have come up with a pretty ingenious way of operating.
How they do it is simple. They don't want to send a bunch of foreigners in to try to change things - there are people there already who have a passion to see things turned around! So who would work best? Yep, you've guessed it - the Church. So basically, Tearfund offers to support local churches (financially and prayerfully), who are right in the very heart of the situation, know the specific needs of their communities, and who can then provide for their spiritual, emotional and physical needs. It's awesome :)
Watch this video and look at the hope that has been given. All of it happened through us praying and giving so that the church could be empowered to help those in the most desperate situations. It's all about relationships, and even though we aren't there in the thick of it, we get to be a part of it :)
You know, the Church has always been a little disheartening for me. There seem to be new denominations emerging everywhere I turn, meaning more division over petty theological issues that in reality, probably don't even matter that much. Tearfund gives me hope :) it shows me that this wee inward looking Western church that we all seem to be so attached to can actually be a part of something bigger - the global church! It gives me glimpse of something even bigger still...the Kingdom of God in action.
