We were able to sit down yesterday with Sylvia Beukes, the National Director for Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries (HPOM), and clarify some of our questions and concerns about what would happen if Social Services were to place the kids under Hope’s Promise and Jenny were to become an HPOM mommy. Some of us get the feeling that if she’s singled out to receive so much aid then she’ll have no connection to the surrounding community and therefore no support network apart from us. When asked about the cultural implications, Sylvia raised a very poignant question, “What has culture done for these kids?” . . . Well they’re still alive. They’re not eating out of dustbins. They have a roof over their head. They’re going to school. It may not be an ideal system from what we’re used to, but it’s what they have. They’re culture is based on survival, not accumulating wealth. If living conditions aren’t up to our standard, we must understand that’s not the point. So I think my ultimate question is beginning to take shape, Is there a way to work within their system rather than replace it with ours? Can we come alongside side them on their road, rather than dragging them down ours? I realize how messy and emotionally charged that question is, but I think it's one we must struggle with. I also realize, I must be ready for the answer to be No.
Thank you for your gracious responses and understanding the value of a question, whether or not I have an answer.
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It's a valid point, and a long-standing question. There are important factors that are very wrong in this culture. For instance, an alcoholic mother who can't take care of her own kids. Or an irresponsible and apathetic father who won't take care of his own kids. But like any culture, they have ways to compensate for their wrongs, like extended family helping take care of those kids. As followers of a God who condemns injustice we must stand up for what is right and just. We can't stand by and watch evil rule, claiming it's just their culture. But I wonder if we can't come alongside those within the culture who are also fighting injustice. Encourage, disciple, equip, and not try to do Jesus' job for Him. It's really an interesting dilemma to work through, and it's been fascinating learning about it first hand. I'm sure an ideal solution doesn't actually exist :) so we must pray for wisdom and discernment when it comes to what's wrong and what's just different, let the Bible determine and not just our cultural prejudices.
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