Caleb and Rachel Kurianski Tribal Church Planting in the Philippines It is a strange thing that happened to us when we set foot in the Philippines. We saw it only partially that day, but every day since it has become more and more clear that 17 hours on a plane changed a whole lot.
When we left America we knew our status. We knew where we fit into society as a whole and were very comfortable there. Every need like clothing, food, etc. was well provided for but we were not big spenders. At least from our point of view, we were more frugal than most.
17 hours later we arrive in the Philippines. What has changed? Well, nothing on our end but everything around us is radically different. Most people here live quite simply and many live miserable lives due to abject poverty. No longer are we the frugal ones. Now, compared to all the watching eyes around us, we are wheelers and dealers! Daddy Warbucks. Cash Cow. Mr. Moneybags… you get the idea. It is an awfully strange feeling and one that neither of us like at all.
This contrast between us and all those watching is especially evident now as we are setting up our house. We are buying the big items like furniture as well as the hoards of smaller things like trash cans, laundry baskets, etc. to set up our home. It messes with our heads to buy a crib, dresser and shelves for Daniel’s room and then walk outside to see an lady dressed in rags holding a dirty little baby begging us for money. I’ve been to lots of other developing countries short-term and known that I had more than the average local, but it is sooooo different when you are here to stay. This is our home now. Our new country and our new people. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but it feels sooooo different and unsettling.
You want to help everyone, especially those you make eye contact with, but how can we help an entire city? So what would the Lord have us do? Would He have walk around in guilt and tears all the time? Would He have us harden our hearts to the human suffering just to spare ourselves? Would He have us give away everything and live on the street? I think the answer to all of these is no, but perhaps it is some mixture of them all. *Sigh* We are falling on Him and asking for His wisdom with how we spend the resources He has given us and how we are to feel. Back home we found the balance and could walk before Him with a clear conscience, but now it is time to re-evaluate. It is amazing how every single comfort zone is being challenged here.
The Word of God is an amazing thing and truely it is alive. You can read a verse your whole life and then suddenly God will use it to teach you something new for that day. Here is one that we love right now…
“For you are my rock and my fortress: therefore for your name’s sake leade me, and guide me.” ~ Psalm 31:3
Our prayer is that we might find peace and a balance in our new home, for His name’s sake.
