What is your name?

We had a splatter of rain in the early morning hours today, and while it was not enough to see any evidence on the ground after the sun came up, it was enough to cool the walls a little, and take some of that stored heat out of them. The electricity stayed on all night as well, so, with fans running,  we had a more refreshing sleep.

Yesterday was Sunday and Ray & Jluie and I decided to go as a family to the English speaking service that meets in Badalabougou, a section of Bamako. The adults meet in their Library, and I had a few minutes to peruse the books on the shelves before the meeting started.  I found out that I can join the Library and have access  to those books while we are here, so I will enjoy reading some of those.

We had a stimulating discussion around the statement that Jesus made: "whatever you do to the least of these, you have done it to me." In a city where beggars greet you on every street corner and traffic light, and where there are certainly physical and financial needs abounding on every side, this discussion amoung a group of people whose stated goal and purpose is to bring relief and healing to these "least ones", was honest & thought provoking.
There are 2 of those comments that I would especially like to share with you.
1) "In all the gospel accounts there is no record of Jesus giving money (to beggars) or giving handouts!"
In the midst of all the crowds pressing in on him, he met physical needs, but also always adressed the spiritual need behind it.!  (interesting observation, but Jesus is also the one who gave us this challenge in Matt chapter 24.)
2) "Perhaps, when the same people that I see daily keep coming back to me, asking (for money), it is because I have not given them all that I have to give." Maybe it is not about MONEY. Might it be that they are sensing in their spirit that we have a treasure that they need?  They are asking for that which they know-- money treasure-- because they sense we have riches to give to them.

We recognize that especially in this culture, provision is based on relationship.  Exended famly relationships are very important to Malians and are nurtured by visits and conversations when there is no need being asked for. When there is a need, family is who you go to first, and that family is expected to help if they can. 
A thing that we all struggle with is this sense of overwhelming-ness,the need is all around us,  and knowing that when we give to those who come begging it may be supporting social structures that we do not want to support. For some begging is a business.  Giving of alms is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, and so beggars ring the mosque to gain some of that largesse for themselves as the faithful leave. So where do we, who are seen as wealthy white foreigners, fit in?
Here are a few suggestions from the more experienced:
"I take a few mangoes with me in my bag, and give one of those to the child(ren)when I go out. That way I know that the child gets it--they can eat it immediately, and I am not supporting the one who has sent these children out begging to enrich themselves"
"When they come to the car at intersections I look at them and ask them their names. They love to be recognized and tell their name.  It gives them honor and dignity.  We have children who have come to know us,  that we have given NO money to, and they come everytime to say hello and be acknowledged." (like Peter & John?--"Silver and gold- not, but what I have...")

Food for tought and action.
Be blessed and be a blessing today!