Wednesday, December 23

“Our good works go forth horizontally (toward our neighbor), while our faith alone (not a result of works) is directed heavenward. We can love our neighbor and serve him or her through our work because we have been transformed by grace alone, through faith alone. Understanding this truth can transform how and why we work. Work is not for us. It is not for our own fulfillment. It is not for our own glorification or status in the world. It is for our neighbor.”
-Courtney Reissig, Glory in the Ordinary

Because the bell for morning prayer rang a little bit after 5:30 this morning, our little market started shortly after 6:00. I’m so thankful for the handful of friends who brought us fruits and veggies out of their own surplus. While I marvel at the good food that helps keep our bodies healthy, my neighbors think it’s a wonder to have some extra cash flow. Bonus...pineapple season is upon us!

Even after living in the Solomon Islands more than twelve years, we’re still figuring out our roles in the community and what serving here should look like. Daily we pray for wisdom and discernment to know when and how to give. If I’m going to introduce anything into this culture, then I want to be a strong proponent of sustainability. We’ve seen the damage done by people who truly want to help, but just throw Western money or Western practices at a problem. At the same time, we want to take Proverbs 3:27 to heart in a culturally appropriate way: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

Since our return to the village, we’ve enjoyed giving to our neighbors. Olivia bought earrings as Christmas gifts for every young girl here. Forty-five pairs. I lugged a bale of onions across the ocean so each household here could have one as a treat for Christmas. We’ve been able to meet a variety of requests...for material to make clothes, a rain tank tap that locks because water is scarce and often stolen, Vicks Vapo-rub, band aids to keep the flies away from sores, water from our rain tanks, laundry detergent, and pain reliever. All of these gifts come in the context of Melanesian relationships, and we choose to do good when it is in our power to act.