What I "SEE"

What I "SEE" leads to HUMILITY as "they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with affections and lusts". It takes dying to self to grow into His image. 

It takes "seeing" as I journey in abiding in Christ and bearing fruit! 

Websters 1828 Dictionary defines "Humility": freedom from pride and arrogance, humbleness of mind, a modest estimate of one's own worth.

I believe that it is impossible to live in a first world country and not be pride-filled. Our needs are met. Most have a roof, in fact, a very nice roof over our heads, a constant supply of food and water, healthcare that can keep us living far beyond our intended years, air conditioned and heated vehicles, trucks, BIG trucks to haul our many purchases, and sooooo much more that I could list. 

Pride-filled hearts are what fills us. We/I "try" to be humble, but it is so difficult when "I" always come first. My comfort, my wisdom, my materials things, etc. are my idols. 

The question I asked myself, is "pride" only in 1st world countries? I have come to believe that the answer is no! I have come to learn that even those that live in poverty areas, pride still manifests itself in many ways. 

    Genesis 6:12 says "And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth".

    Psalm 53:2-3 "God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 

THIS is why Jesus came to save us from ourselves!!! The Lord knew that the hearts of man are desperately wicked and corruption will abide. 

As each comes to trust and believe that Jesus paid the the price for our sins, we are given freedom to start fresh and have a new life. We are given HIS Word, the Word of God as our manual for life!! We are taught, through his Word, how to live a life of humility versus pride. We are filled with HIS Spirit that will guide our steps and give us the ability to bear fruit. When we learn to deny ourselves, we allow His Fruit to multiply!! 

The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, fatih, meekness, temperance. Galatians 5:22-23. 

I love this wisdom from 1 Timothy 6:6-12

But godliness with contentent is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that are rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destructin and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted afer, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves with may sorrows.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love patience, meekness.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

Disclaimer: Because I am not wanting to live behind my camera, I have taken a few pictures from others of what I have seen.

This is called a "Panya". They come in many vibrant colors. 2 Panya's will make a dress and a few bags. Seeking the most beautiful panya's easily has become my idol :)

Panya's are given as gifts, used to make clothing, used as sheets, diapers, curtains, napkins, carry babies with and anything else you would want to use a piece of fabric for. They are all absolutely beautiful and inexpensive.

There are tailors throughout the villages that will make a custom outfit in just a few days!

Panya's to mats - Mats are used for beds. The comforts of a bed are a luxury for many. This mat is in the waiting area at the gate of the hospital. Patients and family arrive at all hours of the day and night and may have to wait a few days to be seen. In the meantime, the family brings baskets and buckets of food and water and their mats to sleep on. Once admitted to the hospital, they bring all this in and "set up" in the ward. Many times multiple people are sleeping on these mats.

In the government hospitals, there are no sheets. Often they will lay a panya or mat on the mattress. 

    Grocery Shopping - "Going to the market"

No need for a Big Truck when you have your head to carry everything! I read that they can carry 70% of their body weight on their head. 

Gas station....bottles of gas

There are regular gas stations, but I do see alot of these little stands with bottles filled with gas.

Housing - Variety of Huts and homes made out of cement.

Most cooking is done over fires, not all have stoves or refrigerators. 

Water Sources - Most often the rivers. There are wells in many of the villages, but the water is then carried on their heads. Often bathing, washing clothing and drinking water all come from the same place. 

Most recently, the areas that many of our missionaries are living in have not had water for two weeks. 

Churches - Simple, benches, no big sound systems or comfortable chairs, and all the elaborate deorations that our churches have. You can always find some Christmas garland being hung from the rafters. The kids sit on the floor.

Medical Care - There are private and government hospitals. In the private hospitals, you pay before you leave. In the government hospitals, you get a list of all the supplies you will need before being treated, then you have to go the pharmacy to purchase all the supplies before ever getting treated.

Technology and life saving equipment, labs, medicines, CT scans, MRI's, etc are not available. Medical care is provided as to the resources that are available. Deaths happen almost daily for all ages. No elaborate medical records or ways of "doing", all basic care with basic supplies. Medications are limited in variety. 

Thats all for now :) 

Just a glimpse of what the Lord has placed before me to "see" as I grow into His Image.

But is is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all his works. Psalm 73:28