Why hope? (Brian Konkol)

If it were possible to record every form of communication in every corner of the globe, and if it were also possible to count and document the amount of times every word was used within those various forms of communication, I would be willing to bet the word “hope” has been utilized more often in the past year that in years previous.

While “hope” as a message and state of mind has existed for countless generations, it has most certainly experienced a resurgence as of late. In response to current challenges facing so many around the world, various individuals have responded through hope-filled political speeches, magazine articles, books, and television programs. As a result, the declaration of “hope” is being received with passion and adopted with excitement by various global citizens. Africans, Asians, South and North Americans, Eastern and Western Europeans, and various others from booming cities to rural farmlands listen to and speak of “new beginnings”, a “fresh start”, and making the global community function to its fullest. Citizens on all continents are currently in the process of finding ways in which life can truly improve for the better, not only for a few, but for all.

While a large tide of hope is rising throughout the world, what I have long wondered is how people can possibly grasp to genuine hopefulness in the midst of such challenging social and economic conditions. Yes, speeches and books can inspire, but at the end of the day, when the discourse is finished and the final page is turned, many people are left in extremely dreadful situations. Why hope? The World Bank reported that before the current global economic crisis, there were already more than one billion people living on less than $1 per day, while another three billion (…approximately half of the world's population) were living on less than $2 per day. In 2005, in what was considered “good times” compared to 2009, the poorest 40% of the world’s population accounted for 5% of global income, while the wealthiest 20% accounted for 75% of world income, and the wealthiest 10% accounted for 54%.

Why hope?

According to the South African Regional Poverty Network, the proportion of people living in poverty in South Africa has not changed significantly over the past fifteen years, that is, until the past twelve months. Due in part to the global economic downturn, those households living in poverty have sunk deeper into economic despair, and the gap between rich and poor has widened. Over 55% of South Africans live below the poverty line (…poverty estimates are calculated according to household size. A household of four persons has a poverty income of R1 290 per month, which is roughly the equivalent of $161.25), recent estimates have shown a 25% unemployment rate (although these numbers steadily increase), a 30% HIV/AIDS infection rate has resulted in what some call “the death of a generation”, and the nation continues to struggle with crime, corruption, racism, sexism, and gross unequal distribution of land and resources.

Why hope?

A few days ago I asked a local friend this exact question, and I found his response to be quite enlightening. “Why hope?” I asked. He responded with a quote from the fifth chapter of Romans: “…because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us…” He expanded upon the biblical passage and commented that “hope does not disappoint” because “faithful hope” is not a matter of sitting around and waiting for something miraculous to happen, (which he poignantly called “stupid hope”!), but it is about taking inventory of one’s God-given capabilities, as well as the assets of the community, and doing what can and needs to be done for the welfare of all. He reminded me that the “audacity of hope” must be followed by the “boldness of action”, and those placed in positions of power and authority are especially responsible to put their beliefs into action and help provide for those who simply do not have the resources to make a significant long-term and sustainable difference on their own. He asserted that the current global economic crisis is both terrifying and exciting, for as people search for hope, it is an opportunity to redirect priorities for the greater common good. However, he added, it is also terrifying, not only because of the terrible conditions people face, but because of increased desperation, the crisis may tempt some to look for answers in all the wrong places, and instead of helping others and thinking of ways to “build up” communities for the future, people will instead worry solely about themselves, perhaps blame and point fingers at others, and in the end “tear down” communities for the worse. He concluded, “It is just a matter of ‘what message’ people are going to hear most loud and clear.”

I fully agree that the global economic crisis, and the resulting desire for global hope, brings both excitement and concern. It is worth concern, because as people so desperately yearn for solutions, they are often willing to cling to just about anyone and/or anything that promises a better life. The persistence of violence, extremism, discrimination, and intolerance in its various forms is a clear consequence of this reality. But also, the search for hope brings incredible excitement, for this moment in history is an amazing opportunity for the “Good News” message of compassion, love, care, companionship, accompaniment, forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice to be received and shared in massive ways never dreamed of before. This “crisis” is indeed an “opportunity” for better things, a space in time to re-evaluate our lives and priorities, consider what works and what does not, determine was is just or unjust, truly understand the ways we relate with others in our neighborhoods and around the world, and join together in solidarity to reshape the current day and age in which we live.

Why hope?

While the Church has its many imperfections (…I suppose I am one of them!), I am one who believes God is in the process of doing something incredible in and through this organization filled with faith-inspired people ready to act. As a result of our current day and age, and out of a Spirit-driven desire to acknowledge and understand the connections we share with people across the globe, I fully believe the Church is about to experience an amazing renewal with an increased interest in global mission, advocacy, and heartfelt service which seeks to walk alongside companions publically and courageously in various walks of life, which can result in mutual respect, empowerment, understanding, and justice. I believe this renewal is already taking place, and as it widens and deepens, it will result in increased involvement among youth and young adults, the often perceived disconnect between faith and “real life” will increasingly close, the often heard street-media message of hatred and fear will be replaced by the faith-filled proclamation that mutual empowerment and “abundant life” can be shared, and a new way of relating to one another can be learned and practiced. With each passing day, as each person recognizes the face of God in all people and takes responsibility upon themselves and the communities that surround them, small steps forward will lead to gigantic leaps, and the message of hope will be transformed into the reality of progress, and the “new beginning” which so many seek will become realized.

And this, I believe, is why we hope.

We hope, not because of our own human greatness or importance, and not because of our individual intellectual or collective technological abilities to make life easier. But rather, we hope because the same God who created us will not sit back, watch, and allow us and others to live in the midst of ongoing despair, injustice, and oppression. We hope, not because it numbs our sorrows and allows us to survive the grind of each day, but because we have a genuine belief that our common humanity will inspire us to cooperate, our shared compassion will encourage us to love, our belief in wholeness of life will motivate us to act, and through God’s grace, those inspired to strive for the common good will far outnumber those with misguided motivations. We hope, not because of rational calculation or skillful thought, but due to the unexplainable conviction that, through God’s strength and wisdom, and with the empowerment that comes through individual responsibility and collective action, that something better for all people is not a mere dream, but a beautiful reality that lies right around the corner.

We hope.

"f-words...."

Super Bowl fever has now begun to subside as the days pass following all the publicity and fanfare. It is a strange phenomenon, really, when living overseas. You do see the international news showing bits and pieces of the multitude of stories leading up to the game, but you certainly don’t feel the same excitement surrounding questions of how sports fans will spend the day in the US. When I think about such an event, a lot of “f-words” come into mind (not the ones where people are yelling at the TV!). Typically the football game is associated with food, fun, family, friends and funny commercials. In fact, I saw a statistic that said that Americans spend approximately $40 million dollars on food alone for Super Bowl parties….that is a whole lot of chips & salsa!!!

Outside of the US football means something very different as it translates to soccer to the rest of the world. Here in South Africa the preparations for very different football events on the world stage are underway as the nation prepares to host the Confederations Cup (champion national team of each continent) in June 2009 and the main act being the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Stadiums, roads, communication and many other facets are being prepared for the first ever hosting of a World Cup on the African continent. Both in Guyana and now here in South Africa I have been fortunate to be a part of football (soccer) both with children and young adults. To see the passion and the skills that are displayed are amazing where proper shoes, fields, goals, balls or equipment are not pertinent to get a game going. One simply plays with what you have where you are… whether it is out on the dirt lot with no shoes and a make-shift ball or on a nice thick lined grass field with all the nice uniforms, cleats and balls. I have thoroughly enjoyed these diverse opportunities and all the wonderful children and young adults I have worked with and played alongside.

When one also thinks of foods that would be typical for an occasion or event, I have enjoyed the variety of staples that countries around the world have in their diet. For example, it was typical for one to say in Guyana that you haven't 'eaten for the day' if you haven't had rice as it was synonymous with food in many areas. In South Africa the staple product would be corn, or mealies. There are seemingly endless varieties of mealie dishes that have been at the center of African family life for centuries. Mealie pap is the most widely eaten food in South Africa and it is thinner (porridge) or stiffer (like thick mashed potatoes) depending on where or when you eat it. It can be made sweet (thinner breakfast porridge), salty or rich. Thicker pap may be mixed with a variety of other vegetables or tubers and used with sauce or stew. Mealie meal is finely ground maize. Phutu (in Zulu) is a dish of crumbly maize porridge, often eaten with soured milk. Umngqusho (Xhosa word) would be samp (dried and crushed maize kernels), boiled, then mixed with beans, onion, potatoes, chilies, lemon and salt and simmered. Although these are just a few to name, I can not glaze over the mealie itself, which is simply a cob of corn that is popular grilled or boiled as a snack (although unlike in Wisconsin, most grill it without the husk). There is also a traditional beer (umqombothi) made from water, malt, maize and sorghum which is served at many celebrations from big beer pots. That is certainly an acquired taste!!

(See more at: http://www.zulu-culture-history.com/zulu_traditional_beer.htm)

Family is also something thought of very differently than we would think of as typical in the US. For many, when you say mother, father, siblings…this would constitute your immediate family. However, in some South African cultures, especially Zulu culture, your family is much broader. For instance, the same word in Zulu for mother and father are used for aunt (if it is your mother’s sister) and uncle (if it is your father’s brother) such that they act just as your parents. The word for cousin would be the same as brother or sister for the children of your mother’s sisters and your father’s brothers. It basically follows immediate lineage. The ties become much more communal and the family unit constitutes a larger circle.

The one “f-word” that people here express very freely is that of expression of faith. For faith is not something that is taboo to talk about from Mon-Sat and is in so many threads of individuals everyday life. Personal faith life as well as congregational faith life stems into many aspects of ones existence, not just the time spent sitting in church. It is a topic talked about and discussed as frequently as politics and sports. It is a lesson that we can all learn in thinking about our comfort level and commitment to our faith and how we express it. In my experience here in South Africa church is not something to just “get over with” and get on with the rest of your day, but rather the main focus of the day for which the day revolves around. Attending worship here can take many, many hours…for instance, yesterday’s consecration of the South Eastern Diocese bishop was a 7 hour long service and program with approximately 9,000 in attendance. When the singing and dancing of songs takes place in that kind of setting, you are hard pressed to not be moved and feel blessed by the experience.

There are many differences in how various cultures express “f-words” such as family, football, fun, food and faith. What I am continually challenged with is how much I am able to appreciate the differences, embrace them and allow myself to be enhanced and learn from another culture. There are many preferences we have in how we express these “f-words”, but the real question is how open are we to doing, experiencing, and seeing things in a new and different light as opposed to fitting it into that nice little box of the familiar.

With peace & blessings,

Kristen

Monday Morning Jesus (Brian Konkol)

I do not look forward to Monday mornings.

I do not look forward to Monday mornings. However, while this distaste of mine may be similar to many (…I know quite a few people who do not like Mondays!), here in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa my reasons are quite different from most.

Monday is “trash day” in our area, which means, as local residents place their trash bags near the streets to be collected by municipality workers, the roads become cluttered with various men, women, and children searching through the multitude of bags before the trucks arrive. Each Monday morning I see anywhere between ten and thirty people searching for food, clothes, and anything else that could possibly be used or sold. The sights and smells are totally disgusting. I never look forward to it.

A natural initial reaction to the sights and smells of garbage searching is one of repulsion. It is easy to wonder, “How could anyone dig through garbage? What about the smell? What about the filth? How could anyone do such a thing?" However, after a small bit of consideration (…and a large dose of humility), one receives a different outlook, and the situation becomes even more offensive. Once one is able to get past the initial reaction, the question is no longer how someone could so such a thing, but rather, why they are in a position where they need to do such a thing. One asks the deeper questions: Why do so many people live in such a way? When the world is filled with so much wealth and technology, why do so many have so little? What does it say about our society when there is such a large gap between the wealthy who drive down the streets in luxury vehicles and the poor who hover off to the side looking through filthy waste? How can one person’s trash be another person’s treasure? What does all this say about us? What does all this mean for me?

I cannot imagine any person wants to search through garbage bags, just as I suppose no person wants to live in extreme poverty. However, the harsh reality of our world today is that billions of people throughout the world are forced to live in such dehumanizing situations because they have no other choice. Why is this? I suppose there are many who could argue as to why poverty exists, but what cannot be disputed is that it does indeed exist, and that it is a growing challenge throughout the world that inevitably affects all people in every corner of the world. According to the World Bank, there are currently more than one billion people living on less than $1 per day, while another three billion (…approximately half of the world's population) are living on less than $2 per day. In 2005, the poorest 40% of the world’s population accounted for 5% of global income, while the wealthiest 20% accounted for 75% of world income, and the wealthiest 10% accounted for 54%. Perhaps most startling of all, the United Nations reported that every three seconds a child dies as a result of extreme poverty (…try snapping your fingers every three seconds, do this for a minute, and you will realize just how serious this is).

The challenge of poverty is a serious issue for all global citizens, and of course, it must be a top priority for those who claim to follow the way of Jesus Christ.

I could be mistaken, but I believe Jesus was someone who was constantly committed to accompanying those most forgotten in society. I believe it was his top priority. Lepers, cripples, blind beggars, prostitutes, and other public outcasts were repeatedly the beneficiaries of Jesus’ care and concern. With this in mind, I would like to believe that if Jesus were physically walking among us today, he would most certainly be found alongside those digging through the garbage on Monday mornings. He would not scold them for doing such “filthy” things, but he would actually accompany them, listen, learn, and remind them that they are blessed, cherished, loved, valued, and regardless of their impoverished situation, they are beautiful children of God who deserve honor and respect. I believe Jesus would consider their life stories, get to know them, and perhaps find food and share a meal together. And of course, I believe that just as Jesus provided hope, love, and justice to so many during his life and ministry, he would call upon us to look outside ourselves and do the same in our day and age.

A number of global leaders have said that we now have the knowledge, information, technology, and resources to end extreme poverty; the only thing we lack is the moral and political will. Basically, we have to tools, but we do not have the motivation to use them. Why? I suppose one of the main reasons we lack the will is that the vast majority of those of us in the more affluent half of the world simply do not know anyone in the poorest half. How many of us are actually friends with someone who lives in extreme poverty? How often do we actually share a conversation with someone who is poor? How many names of poor people do we even know? Poverty is all around us, yet because the United States and other developed nations are so good at hiding it in back alleyways and out of plain view (South Africa has not yet mastered this art), we try not to think about it, and we most certainly try to avoid those who are victims of it. As much as the statistics are powerful, the reality is that it is easy to pass over numbers on a page, and it is much more difficult to forget your friends. This, I believe, is the key to it all.

There are many things that need to happen for extreme poverty to be reduced on a global scale, many of which are quite complicated to understand. However, even as we search to make sense of the complexities, I believe one simple thing we all can do to assist in the process is to change our relationship with the poor, both locally and globally. Sharing a simple conversation and building a relationship can teach us more about poverty than any report or textbook ever can. The commitment to spend time with local poor, or the ability to travel to a distant land, will teach us much more than anything we could ever view on CNN or National Geographic. We might be able to forget a magazine article or TV show, and we might even be able to forget heart-wrenching photos which are worth a thousand words, but when we look into the eyes of a child, or when we share a meal in a small tin shack with a family of twelve, it sits in our minds forever. We cannot forget.

The month of December is often recorded as the most common time period for charitable giving. The Season of Christmas and New Year often gives us “the will” to give. But sadly, by the end of January most people have forgotten about the poor and have gone back to the routines of their everyday lives. Perhaps what we need to remember is that people are poor not only during December, but they are poor each and every day of the year, and if we work together, great things can take place in all corners of the globe. The temptation of the ongoing global economic crisis is for us to look only at ourselves, and say “I can’t worry about others. I need to worry about myself”. Yet, the fact of the matter is that we must continue to look outward, for as we are intimately connected as Children of God, we must continue to follow Jesus’ call to love and care for those who are poor, marginalized, and are too often forgotten and left to suffer.

I suppose I will never enjoy Monday mornings here in Pietermaritzburg. It is challenging to experience such things. However, what I have come to realize over the past year in South Africa is that Monday mornings are my most important hours of the week. While Sunday mornings are usually reserved for formal worship, it is on Monday mornings that I experience Jesus the most. It is Jesus who walks alongside those who look through the garbage. It is Jesus who dwells in the slums. It is Jesus who sleeps in cardboard boxes and tin shacks. It is Jesus who comforts those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. It is Jesus who is found in the cries of violence. It is Jesus who is found in the debris of wasted opportunity and lost lives. It is Jesus who is with us when we are with them.

I may never enjoy Monday mornings here, but I thank God for them, for if I were not confronted with the realities of extreme poverty, I wonder if I too would fall victim to the temptation of avoiding it at all costs. I thank God that Kristen and I have been welcomed into Lutheran communities of faith who worship in the poverty-stricken townships, for if we were not, I wonder if we too would forget that the Church is supposed to be “good news for the poor.” I thank God that we are able to sit with people face to face, to listen, to learn, and be shown that we Americans do not always have the answers, because all too often we have been a big part of the problem. I thank God for the forgiveness we receive from our local hosts when we think we understand but simply do not. I thank God that our hosts are willing to walk alongside us, for as Jesus is found among them, it is through them that I am able to experience Jesus walking alongside me.

In order to respect the dignity of every person, to promote the common good of society, and to follow the way of Jesus Christ, I pray that we all may renew our commitment to overcome extreme poverty. This is an issue that affects us all, and it can no longer be ignored. First, we commit ourselves to changing the way we relate with the poor through starting and building personal relationships, so that “the poor” are no longer statistics in a book or pictures on a screen, but flesh and blood people whose names we know and whom we have grown to value and love. Throughout the process we can also take concrete steps to seek relief and justice for those who suffer as victims of poverty, both near and far. The ELCA’s poverty resources can be an excellent start, (see below), for they provide much needed assistance to those who do not have the capabilities to produce it on their own. As time, energy, and resources are poured into poverty reduction projects, and as we learn to listen to and love the poor, not only will we have the “knowledge, information, technology, and resources” to end extreme poverty, but we also have “the moral and political will”. For the sake of the billions who suffer, may that day come sooner rather than later, because Monday morning is only a few days away.

For more information on reducing extreme global poverty, see: ELCA World Hunger, Stand with Africa, and ELCA Advocacy.

Holiday of Hope

An entire generation is being wiped out…this is what South Africa is facing as it remains on the top of the list in the world for number of people infected with HIV/AIDS. The current figure is just under 6 million infected country-wide (in a population of 46 million) and the AIDS-related deaths in South Africa as of noon on December 3^rd was nearly 2.7 million. It is said that there are between 1,500-2,000 AIDS-related deaths per day in the country in addition to hundreds of new infections. The generation of those between the ages of 25-40 are most devastated by this disease, and children become orphaned on an astronomical scale (of which some of these children were born infected). Many children are then left to be raised by the older generation, including grandparents and other elders and people in the community (typically on their pensioner salary). On a TV program the other day an elderly woman said that she had lost all 5 of her grown children to HIV/AIDS and had taken in 8 children she heard about in the area that were orphaned by the same disease, two of which were also infected.

As December 1^st was World AIDS Day, we were able to attend a joint worship and HIV/AIDS commemoration service in Soweto the following weekend. Prayers were brought forth to ask for special blessings on all those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Prayers also asking for help to accept and face with courage this challenge of our time and to fight the fear, shame, ignorance, stigma and discrimination associated with this disease.

Although the demand on the families, community and elderly are high to assist those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, I am reminded about what it means to embrace, love and take care of those in need. It is such a tremendous challenge and blessing to be able to undertake such a gesture.

As the holidays are upon us, we are surrounded by family and friends as we get together and celebrate. When you look around the room, I wonder just how many of the individuals in the room would take in and care for 8 children who have lost their parents? Would grandparents and other elderly persons take in, raise and support young children? Is it a burden or a blessing? When I put the South African situation in the context of the US , it becomes more and more real as to how this loss of a generation can challenge the community, family and friends who are asked to step in and assist each and every day. It reminds me of just how fortunate we are to have special friends and family who love and care for us in our own lives and in our own circumstances and context.

As you go to holiday parties and functions, take the time to truly appreciate how blessed you are to have these people in your life. Take the time learn more about who they are, listen to stories of times gone by and show the love and appreciation you feel for having them in your life. Look around the room and see those loved ones (especially the elderly) as ‘living history’, and learn something new about their lives. For it truly is the best gift we could receive to feel such love and support…for it is how we continue to do the work we do…as we feel so blessed to feel this from all of you!

Happy Holiday’s from South Africa !

Peace and Blessings,

Kristen

A Year in Review...

As we prepare to turn the page on 2008, we figured this would be the best time to offer a "Year in Review"...

We celebrated our second wedding anniversary on September 23rd, and enjoyed an overall exciting year as we were assigned to a new position with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Global Mission. After serving in Guyana over the course of four years, we now reside in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (in the province of KwaZulu-Natal), in order to coordinate a new Young Adults in Global Mission Program, which allows American young adults between the ages of 21-30 to travel to South Africa for a year-long cross cultural experience.

As "Country Coordinators", we oversee and facilitate the Young Adults in Global Mission program in South Africa. We facilitate in-country logistics such as visa procedures, finances and stipends, housing, working out individual placements, arrivals and departures, and evaluation of sites and volunteers. We plan the volunteers' initial orientation program, travel throughout the country in order to conduct site visits and consult with local leaders, develop in-service retreats, and manage the program website (http://elcamud.blogspot.com), which includes reflections from volunteers and local hosts, details program goals, and introduces events taking place in South Africa. All in all, the new responsibilities are quite different from what we experienced while in Guyana, but we have found our new roles and environment to be quite exciting and worthwhile. We look forward to serving in this capacity for years to come.

In addition to our "formal" roles with Global Mission, we are involved in a variety of projects and activities in our new community. Kristen assists with the local university soccer team, serves as a consultant with the medical unit of Project Gateway (a local non-governmental organization), facilitates exercise testing and nutrition labs at the Nelson Mandela Medical School in Durban, and is about to begin Ph.D research in the area of Exercise Immunology among South Africa children at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus. Brian is involved with the local university basketball team, assists with the national Young Adults League of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, meets with students and faculty for discussion at the local Lutheran Theological Institute, attends lectures and seminars on theology and development, and guest-preaches at Lutheran congregations around the country. In our free time, we continue to enjoy jogging, hiking, yoga, swimming, reading, and updating our blog.

We will be in the United States in 2009 as we conduct “Global Mission Home Assignment”, where we plan to visit close to thirty Lutheran congregations who financially support our service. We plan to be stateside from mid-March until mid-May, and again during the month of July. We look forward to the opportunity to see family and friends face to face!

Thank you for all the ongoing love and support! God’s blessings to you and your loved one’s during this Christmas Season and beyond.

With peace and love,

Brian and Kristen