Development and Sacrifice

Every now and again, during our national dialogue on the lack of public services in rural areas we hear statements on the hardships of serving in rural areas. Typically, the person or organisation making the statement will say something along the lines of "You can't expect someone raised in town to work in a place where there is no electricity or running water." The impression created by these people is that rural areas will not receive the public services necessary for development until they are developed. There is something wrong with this picture.

I have been reflecting on this for the past two weeks and it occurs to me that the testimony of the Church in the history of Zambia has something to personal sacrifice for the sake of the well being of others.

The record of Zambia's history tells of how many missionaries left their more advanced countries of origin to serve the Northern Rhodesian people. I think few of us can imagine what it was like to leave Europe for the literal bush of Africa. Many gave up lucrative careers. Many died of horrible tropical illnesses. What drove them? Something bigger that their desire for a comfortable life, as a matter of fact something bigger than their desire for life. What was this thing. It was the Gospel! These people really believed that the treasurers of God's kingdom were greater than the treasurers of 19th and Early 20th century Europe. These people really lives according to this rule: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul mind and strength and love your neighbour as your self". They did not just talk about, they put their lives where their mouths were. God bless them!The humble efforts of these Christian's have had an immeasurable effect on the development of Zambia.

As we applaud them however, lets consider this, they did not do it for primarily personal gain. If they were motivated solely or primarily for personal gain I do not think that much of the early gains in health and education would have been made. I believe that their example, should be considered in Zambia's current dialogue on development. If rural area's are to develop, there will need to be personal sacrifice. Without this we will remain in the illogical loop that insists: "developmental services can not be delivered to rural area's until they are developed". This is not all that has to be realised. The nation will need to realise that it will take more than rural hardship allowance to get people to work in the bush. I contend it will take the love of God in the hearts of Zambian who could have it better but choose to help their kin.

Lets think about these things.