(Walking into Garden Compound for the CROSS Project – January 28, 2014)
When I think back over my life, I can think of numerous times that I have been recognized or clapped for in front of an audience or a small group of people. Some of those events were just causal events like a party or with a group of friends, and I got clapped for for winning a silly game or for saying something funny. And some of those events were serious like a graduation or our wedding that I or we got recognized or clapped for.
But what would it be like if you had never been recognized or clapped for in your whole life? or you have never really accomplished anything that the world would recognize you for or give you accolades for?
For the poor and urban poor in Zambia, this is very sadly the case. To point out a fact, they have accomplished a lot. Living on a few dollars a day in deplorable conditions, most of the urban poor, especially so many of the women, should get a standing ovation everyday for their hard work and ingenuity in scraping out a living and a life for them and their children. But, sadly, you don’t get recognized or get accolades for that.
A few weeks ago, at one of our CROSS Project Graduations, one of ladies was in tears as we called her name to come up and receive a certificate and Bible. I don’t know for sure the reason why she was so touched by that moment. But I later thought, it could be that this is the only time, or one of the few times in her life, that she has or ever will be recognized, clapped for, or receive accolades. Such is the case for so many of the poor around the world.
The good news for all of us, earthly poor or earthy rich, is that one day, if we have trusted in Christ as our treasure and savior and have lived a life that seeks to glorify Him and have been good stewards and faithful with what God has given us in this life, He will one day wipe every tear away and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21 ESV)
I think there are going to be a lot of very poor people from an earthy perspective that will be very rich in heaven, because they have been so faithful and glorified Him with what He has given them here. I know quite a lot of these people here in Zambia.
Derek and Kristin Dearth 