Groceries

Last weekend I had the privilege of helping WMU of NC on a retreat in downtown Raleigh, NC. The retreat was a poverty simulation where participants for a little while (24 hours) would experience what it is like to be homeless. Jan Cartledge and Margaret Harding did an excellent job in leading the participants to think about decisions that need to be made as a homeless person.

Another activity we experienced was to participate in a world hunger dinner. Participants drew sticks which determined in what country's place they would eat dinner. After taking a place at the assigned spot participants would then be given a dinner that would replicate what one would eat for a meal.

The meal that touched me most was the meal for Africa. Participants were served a chicken wing (that had been boiled in a pot of water) and a small serving of corn meal (resembled grits). According to my personal experience this was an accurate accounting of what someone on that large continent might have for a meal.

I was reminded of my last trip to the country of Swaziland (southern Africa) this past March. One day we entered a grocery store to purchase some items for children who had no food at a school we were ministering. I was particularly taken by the fact that the shelves in that particular store were not as well stocked as I was used to seeing on visits to American grocery stores. On this particular visit the lines were long with people purchasing whatever they could purchase for their family.

Last evening Anna and I were visiting a nearby city where we entered an upscale grocery store. What a wonderful and inviting store! It is nothing like our grocery stores in Scotland Neck. We found ourselves almost childlike, discovering items on well stocked shelves. We were particularly impressed with the meat counter. Anything desired could be purchased at this meat counter. The store is so up scale that I felt somewhat uncomfortable in my visit. The perfect lighting displayed colors of the produce that would tempt one to purchase an artichoke or bunch of carrots.

Our thoughts returned to that small grocery in Swaziland. We wondered what a Swazi person would think if they were magically transported to the American grocery. As I purchased my raisin bran and bread I said thanks to God for his provision. I am now reminded that because I am blessed I need to take that responsibility to care for others who are less fortunate.

I am reminded of the saying on a t-shirt I own....."You Have One Life....Do Something."

LaCount Anderson
www.missionpartner.net
www.thefellowship.info/anderson