On Friday night we had the privilege of attending the boys school for their Missions Festival. Both the elementary and the high school had voted on who/what their missions emphasis would be for this school year. The elementary had chosen Uganda (and the Coppedge Family specifically - I think there were 2 little boys who had some push in that area) and the high school chose a local Free Clinic and Homeless Shelter.
The evening began in the auditorium where there was a time of praise and worship. Then the principal, Mr. Cummins, began by giving some statistics. Did you know that...
Only 8% of the world's population are able to sit down to a meal every day. Only 3% of the worlds population have a vehicle that runs (not that looks nice, but that runs). And less than 1% have a computer - think about that. How wealthy are you? When you compare yourself to the rest of the world, we are pretty blessed. Our car may have rust all over and our computer may be slower than molasses and yes we're eating beef, again - but we are among the wealthiest in all the world.
So Mr. Cummins went on to say that since it was dinner time the school would be providing a meal for everyone. However, it would be a little different. He was going to pick families names out of a bowl. The first 8 people would sit down to a meal of lasagna, bread sticks, salad, a choice of drink and I believe even a dessert. This is their table.
See it is neatly set with a table cloth. Lots of food, people serving them, etc.
The next 20 people' names to be picked out of the bowl would get to sit on chairs, but the meal was different. They were given a cup of broth and bread and butter. They would also be given water.
Our family was in this group (Grandma and Grandpa Adkins came too)
I will admit, it was a little crazy trying to coral our 4 with no table. But we finally put some on the floor and honestly I shared my broth and bread with Maddie (I'm not sure she was counted in the 20 our not, but she didn't get food). It was interesting to watch the boys. Ronnie understood, I think, what was going on and tried so hard to drink his broth, even though it wasn't his favorite. He was really disappointed, to say the least, when he dropped his bread on the gym floor and Grandma made him throw it away.
The next group, group 3, was the remaining guests that night, around 76% of the worlds population is what they represented. They were put in a line and given one scoop of rice. And because it is America - they got a bottle of water (otherwise it would probably have had to been boiled first). Oh Yeah, and they had no table or chairs. They sat on blankets and pillows on the gym floor. (they did provide some chairs for those who couldn't get down - remember these were people of all ages). Here they are
Oh, and I failed to mention. We were all in the same room. So at one end of the gym there was a beautifully decorated table with plenty of food. In the middle were the chairs with some food and at the far end were the blankets and rice.
It was interesting, to say the least.
As we sat and watched reactions we heard many things
"I'm glad I put that candy bar in my purse"
"Can we go to McD's after this is over"
"Can I have more rice"
It was a bold stand by the administration and staff at Fountain City Christian School to try to make the point of how blessed we truly are. I can guarantee there are those who were angry. I'm sure there were those who were glad they were among the 8 (Ron and I both mentioned how thankful we were not to be in the 8). But for me...it was powerful. It was such a simple thing, our evening meal. Something we so easily take for granted. My biggest thought about supper is why I have to prepare it EVERY night. And yet there are those (many in fact) whose meal is one scoop of rice for the day and very dirty water.
The evening went on and to me was extremely well done. The kids sang, they presented their missions and then ended with "Go Light your World". It was a great evening. My prayer is that it will be an evening that will be remembered in our family for many years to come.
As I tucked the boys into bed that night their tummies had to be hungry, yet none of them asked for anything more. We are blessed, blessed beyond our own understanding.
As you eat your next meal, of plenty, I'm sure. Remember those not so fortunate. There are those, in Uganda, with no meat at all. There are those around the world with no extras. There are those in the world with no computer, car, or even extra clothes. There are also those around the world with absolutely nothing. Nothing at all to their name and they have no idea when or if they will get another meal.
Don't forget to pray for the world and thank the Lord for all you do have.
Thank you Jesus that we have food to eat, everyday. Thank you for our home to keep us safe and dry. Thank you for our clothes and Jesus thank you for all the things that we have that make our lives easier. Please help us to remember to be thankful and not complain!
As American citizens we have the freedom and privilege to allow our voice to be heard. As Christians we must be about the Christian principles this country was founded upon. We must speak up, we must do what it right, at all cost. For some of us that means running for office, for others it means working the campaigns, still others will work all day in the polling places. For ALL of us, we must take the time to vote! Please go out and vote today. You can't complain if you don't take the initiative to cast your vote!
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