FIGHTING CORRUPTION
What keeps people in poverty around the world? The love of money. The most greedy governments have the deepest poverty. It keeps human trafficking alive. Greed also widens the gap between rich and poor. I saw this in Nepal. The lowest social caste lived in run-down quarters. The cultural system make it slim for them to climb out of those trenches.
No wonder people in the lowest caste absorb the false promises of human traffickers easily! For my first two nights in Nepal, I mourned to sleep about the oppressive systems.
My visit to Nepal was mostly one of shock because corruption is rampant. I learned of the brick walls that have kept us from flourishing. The conversations I had with my Nepalese long-time friends are unforgettable. We have since removed the brick walls!
Through it all, I consulted with my peers who are also creating mission-based products overseas. I came to realize that corruption is all too common in underdeveloped nations. This is a serious problem. So then, how can good people get good work done? Wisdom and discernment. Trust those who are faithful in the small things. Close any loops that greed can make a way in the supply chain.
ON THE HORIZON
I did have some moments of rejoicing while I was in Nepal. I learned that missionaries from the West have spent much time in the slums. As a result, Nepalese people are finding eternal hope through faith!
This is one vision for the 501(c)3. What if missionaries could also break the systems that the {greedy} rich people and the government want to preserve? Imagine sending missionaries to Bangladesh, a country that is fueled by exploited labor. They can partner with local experts, build a small factory, hire people most vulnerable to human trafficking, and instill fair-trade principles.
Seeing this vision in our future fills me with hope. It makes me not want to give up this difficult task.
For the love of money is the root of all of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - 1 Timothy 6:10