Mushroom Hunting Anyone?!....

“What good is it, brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed.’ But does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2: 14-17 Although it is fall in the US, it is hot and rainy on many days here in South Sudan. Some are finding oyster mushrooms in the village markets – very large ones, and it reminds me of the spring of 2011, when I last “looked for mushrooms!” It was early April. There was a warm wind and spring rains had moistened the earth again that morning. It reminded me of the special times I enjoyed hunting morel mushrooms with my dad many years before. In Kentucky I learned they were known as “dry land fish” or “hickory chickens!” I set out for a good afternoon walk. On my way I met someone returning from mushroom hunting – I began to wonder if the forested area along the path might hold a “mess” of mushrooms for supper for me as well? But soon I realized a brisk fitness walk would not result in any mushrooms. To be successful at this task, I had to slow down and clear away the brush around the base of the trees to see anything of value! Of course, it was a bit risky as thorny vines and muddy ground caught my clothes and open arms. The scripture from James came to mind as I picked up my pace again, with no mushrooms in hand. Trying to hunt mushrooms on a walk was like our efforts as Christians to love someone “on the run.” “What good is it?” To love one of God’s children like Jesus did involves slowing down – taking time – sometimes clearing away the debris and barriers to reach the heart of the person buried inside. Sometimes we must get our feet a little dirty or take a risk in the midst of the thorns. God calls us to love one another – whatever season it is! I know it is difficult anywhere we find ourselves. In our fast-paced world, investing time and energy is a very real challenge. Here in South Sudan, I realize that cross-cultural relationships force me to grow even more sensitive to the real heart of the person. It is hard to know what lies deep within a person who has suffered years of war; seasons of grief when loves ones have died or abandoned them; disappointments have filled their days; or hunger for food and even a spark of hope pervade every hour of the day. We are thankful to have many opportunities to see the physical needs here. Yes, it is easy to see when someone needs clothes or food. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different type of action as well – to slow down, to seek the heart of a person, and to share the love of Jesus. Jesus offers each one of us food that will never spoil and HOPE that will never disappoint us! Bless you as you reach out today!