One road to redemption

      Andrew and I are now staying with a couple friends and the other day we got to thinking.  We began asking what are we doing here and what should be our ultimate purpose in Africa?  What do the people of Uganda need?  Is it money?  Is it better water? Is it better living conditions? 
     As we discussed these questions the answer always lead back to the need for the hope found in salvation offered by Jesus Christ.  Its truly as simple as that.
     We are here in Africa, in the heart of the slums, seeing poverty eveywhere.  Everyone needs money.  But we have come to the realization that it is not money that Africa needs.  Sure it may help.  At best it may increase the standard of living of a few.  But most often it becomes a sinkhole, where once you have it, you want more and more until it's draw becomes so strong that you are so dependent upon it that it becomes what you worship.
     This brings up the whole idea of humanitarian efforts with the aim of improving the health and conditions of the poor without offerring that eternal hope found in Jesus.  Say some organization comes in to some slum, builds every family a house, food and water, and puts a mercedes in the garage.  Is that redemption?  Does that lead to a hope for the people and a love for one another?      
     We, or at least I, was able to more fully realize the importance of the church and church planting where the gospel is brought to those who have not heard.  When I say church, I am not just referring to a building.  Im referring to a Christ-centered community, a network of people growing in faith and practicing the gospel.
   That is what Uganda needs.  That is why Dan's church plant here is so vital on the grand scheme of things.  Thats why we are happy to be assisting him in his ministry efforts.  He is working to build that christ-centered community that feeds the soul as well as the body.  Redemption is not something we can buy.  Jesus already paid for it.  Its there for the taking.           
-Ben
side note-the funnest things ive done so far have been free, thats got to mean something