Scot McKnight has created a way for people to contribute to the needs of the children of Mabantaneni, which is located in the Nsoko region of southern Swaziland. After discussing it with my wife, we have decided to sponsor Asandze Mahlaba (pictured). We are looking forward to writing to him, praying for him, and (Lord willing) perhaps even meeting him someday.
In case the you are new to the idea of Advent Conspiracy, this is what it is all about:
The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
And when it’s all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
Although there are some nay-sayers out there, I would encourage everyone to participate in Advent Conspiracy in someway (there are also some great people giving encouragement to participate). You can join the Jesus Creed community in our mission with CarePoints or you can find another way to manifest the first fruits of the Kingdom of God that Christ brought to near in his advent, life, death, and resurrection. I hope you do.
17 December 2009 at 4.18 pm
Excellent post, Art. I went right past Nsoko this summer on the way to Siteki, Swaziland (and then on to Mozambique). The Swazis are such kind and gentle people. Seeing the picture of that boy reminds me of all the beautiful children I met there. They have no sense of entitlement; they give thanks for everything.
Oh, how all the stuff we give our children robs them of their innocence. In keeping with the Advent conspiracy, we must remember to give our kids less while we also give those kids over there more. I say this as a father of four who does plan on giving gifts to his kids this Christmas, but also as one determined to help his family keep things in (global) perspective.
And in case I don’t get another chance to say it, Art, I hope you and your wife have a great first Christmas together as a married couple. May the light of Christ that shines bright in his Nativity give you peace and joy in the coming year.
25 December 2009 at 3.06 pm
This is great! So glad to read this post. Hopefully you will meet Asandze in the future.