Missionary Bruce Naumann and Paula: "Making Do"

In this blog I write mostly about the work we do. If you'd like to get some insights about our daily life here in Tanzania, see Paula's journal entry for July HERE, and her journal for August HERE.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

One of the striking features about life here in Tanzania is the way most people get by on very little compared to the prosperity we enjoy in the U.S.A. For example, many American children have shelves and closets full of toys. Here it's common to see the neighborhood children enjoying themselves immensely with playthings made from discarded items, such as this homemade top, tire and stick, rag-ball, and homemade pull toys:

Few of our neighbors have a refrigerator. Even if someone gave them one, they wouldn't have much use for it, because they lack enough income to buy food for more than a day or two in advance. In addition, the electricity to run such an appliance would be an added financial burden.

Yet, both children and adults generally seem to have a bright outlook on life, as they "make do" with what they have in terms of earthly wealth.

Wittenberg Seminary and our sister churches here in East Africa also get a lot practice in "making do." Many of the churches have no building of their own, and those that do often have to get by with a stick-and-mud structure like Pastor Bayo's church in Karatu:

Our seminary students have nothing like the extensive modern campus enjoyed at most American universities, or even facilities like our modest ILC accommodations in Eau Claire. They "make do" with small, simple dormitory rooms and classrooms:

"Making do" is what Paul wrote about in the Philippians verse quoted above. He had learned the secret of contentment, regardless of material abundance or lack thereof. He was content because of the overabundant riches of God's grace in Christ, which are also ours through faith in Jesus. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

People sometimes like to jokingly say, "No money – no money problems!" There is some truth in this on a certain level, but we often meet people here in East Africa who have severe problems because of lack of resources. We Americans are fabulously wealthy in comparison to most of the people in less privileged parts of the world. This can present us with challenges as we seek the best way to impart God's true riches to them. While we dare not shut our hearts to those in obvious need with nowhere else to turn, we know that constant small and temporary fixes are not truly helpful to the people around us.

Paul was content, no matter the outward circumstances, because of the true riches of God's grace in Christ. We aim to encourage the same kind of contentment that places its trust firmly in God's providence, in whatever station he has placed us. "Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8) Yes, we do respond to dire outward needs as we have opportunity. Sometimes we recommend and channel help through our CLC Board of Missions; sometimes it is with our own modest offerings. The most important thing, though, is to hold forth the riches of the Gospel and to train others to do the same. In this way, the real treasures of forgiveness and life in Christ Jesus are imparted to many. This is the permanent wealth that gives true contentment. This goes beyond the grave, to life eternal!