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2007-03-20 issue:

Eldad's gift

A surprising act of hospitality breaks down stereotypes.

by Stanley W. Green

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Warm hospitality often comes out of difficult conditions. We had driven that day from Mukedi, one of the earliest mission stations established by Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission workers. Schools, a hospital and an imposing stone church building had been built there, but we also saw the effects of war, conflict and the ravages of political stability. When we arrived at Lozo, the impoverishing effects of these realities were even more pronounced. The church in which the Mennonites worshiped there had a dirt floor, and the walls were made of poles covered with palm branches. There was nothing meager, however, in the generous welcome our team of five received.

As we alighted from the welcome, singing children and adults with smiling faces and beautiful songs met us and chaperoned us to our places at the front of the church. I was humbled by the enthusiasm and generosity of these sisters and brothers, who gave up a day in the fields to welcome us. We were further humbled and honored when leaders in the church and community presented formal words of welcome and blessing to our delegation. Songs and lively dances presented by the women’s group and the children followed.

We moved then from worship to dialogue. After we brought greetings and introduced ourselves, we responded to questions about the objective of our visit. We were told the church had dug foundations for a new, more adequate sanctuary. The poverty in the community, however, prevented them from moving forward with the project. The evidence of material poverty was as compelling as the signs of spiritual vitality and life. Looking at the children in the front row, I was moved with compassion as I pondered the hardships and struggle in this region, where we were told most people could only afford one meal a day.

As the questions wound down, and the visit seemed about to end, I wondered what we could do to help these materially poor people. Then a hand went up in the front row, where the children sat. This was unexpected. Even more surprising was what the boy said. He produced a 500 Congolese Franc note and said he wanted to share it with the visitors so that they could buy a cake for themselves to enjoy. In that moment of surprising hospitality by this boy of 11 named Eldad, all my stereotypes broke down. We materially rich Americans were thinking about what we could do to help the situation of the believers at Lozo. Eldad, generous in hospitality, simply acted, trusting the rich providence of God and responding to God’s call to welcome the stranger. In that simple gesture, Eldad turned things upside-down. Those burdened by what they could give became humbled recipients of a boy’s generosity and God’s surprises.

Stanley W. Green is executive director of Mennonite Mission Network.

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