Why am I moving to Africa?

The answer, I think, is to live.

For he came that we might have life abundantly – not clothes abundantly, or food, or comfort (though all those things he promises us either in moderation or in due time). No, he came that we might have life.

But when I hear the troubles of many in today’s society, even today’s church, I don’t think that it is life we want. “My car got scratched. She cut my hair too short. The Steelers won. I can’t even afford an iPod.”

I’m sorry to be blunt, but I could not care less – not having seen the poverty in the magnificent Himalayas, the hope of Indian orphans, the hospitality in downtrodden Ukraine, and the shambles of beautiful Romania. No part of your grievance makes me want to help you – there is no value in it.

I’ve noticed that men are as aptly judged by their complaints as by their celebrations, and the complaints of our society indict us. We are shallow and self-centered, myopic and ignorant.

And so I will go to Africa, where complaints such as “I don’t have enough food” or “I am an orphan” ring with a purity that polishes their sadness. These I want to help, for they are true needs, and in helping perhaps I will correct my myopia, educate my ignorance, deepen my understanding, and learn to love others as I love myself.

And then, perhaps, I will have life more abundantly.