Gifts

Another of the lessons we have learned from Congolese Disciples is that the value of a gift has very little to do with the cost of the gift.  Value is measured by the thought put into choosing the gift, and the meaning the gift has for both the receiver and the giver.  Time and again, as we were given gifts, the symbolism of the gift was explained in great detail.  When we were given two fish, they were not just two fish - they represented the partnership between two churches, Indiana and Mbandaka.  If there were three fish, it did not mean that the catch had been larger that day - it was a symbol for the Trinity: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Two men traveled 12 hours paddling a canoe, gave us a jar of honey, remained with us for about an hour, then climbed in the canoe and paddled 18 hours back up river to their home parish.  What is the value of that gift?  I can tell you, the honey tasted as if it had come straight from heaven - as it had.

We have thought long and hard about the gifts we are taking with us to our partners, and I am happy that we have chosen something that will speak of the value our partnership has for the Mbandaka District of the Disciples of Christ in Congo, and for the Christian Church in Indiana.


There is good evidence that we are learning about the value of meaningful gifts.  The offerings from our CYF (secondary school) and Chi Rho (middle school) assemblies, and possibly our summer camp offerings, are going to our partner's youth to help them buy musical instruments to share their faith.  One church had a "Step into the Waters" theme for Lent - and raised money for a well and latrine project in Congo.  Congregations with concerns about health have supported a nutritional clinic and the start-up of a pharmacy in Mbandaka.  Gifts to buy bicycles and a motorcycle, treasured in a country where transportation is always a problem, were linked to the Sabbatical theme for a pastor at one congregation.

Gifts with deep meaning, both for the giver and the receiver.  Valued by both.