We'd greatly appreciate your prayers as we minister in Kenya. Here's a look back at our last trip. Hopefully this one is quieter!
2012
CLUNK...CRASH...CLUNK...CRASH...
The stillness of the Kenyan night was shattered by the incessant clatter as the metal ball and rocks slammed against one another inside the steel drum.
CLUNK...CRASH...CLUNK...CRASH...
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You might think, as I first did, that a gold mine would be a real boon to this poverty-stricken community but, alas, that is not the case. Unfortunately, it's had just the opposite effect.
Why?
Because of evil, selfishness and greed, among other things.
When gold was first found in the village, people were just digging with their hands. (The process has only incrementally progressed from there; now they're digging with small rods and picks.)
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Witch doctors, still quite prevalent in the area, were consulted as to why some were finding gold while the others were not. Their explanation? Gold is evil and will run away from the pursuer unless the proper action is taken. That action? Paying the witch doctor to cast a spell to make the gold hold still.
Of course - if one looks long enough and in the right area - sooner or later there will be success, and there was. But as I said, it has been a detriment to the community, not a benefit.
Why?
Because the belief is that gold is evil; therefore they're convinced anything it's used for will be cursed.
- If used to build a house, that house will collapse.
- If used to pay for a wedding, the marriage will fail.
- If used to educate a child, that student will be expelled.
So, what is the money used for?
Alcohol, sex, drugs, and the like. I guess they figure evil money can only be spent on things that are evil.
It gets worse.
The rocks are placed into the drum with that metal ball until they are crushed into a fine powder so that the gold may be more easily extracted.
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This powder is then mixed with water and panned for gold.
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The problem? A dab of mercury is added to the mix.
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Mercury is highly toxic, wreaking havoc on the environment and the nervous systems of individuals.
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No precautions are taken, and my guess is most of the workers have no idea of the risks.
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Mercury is highly toxic, wreaking havoc on the environment and the nervous systems of individuals.
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No precautions are taken, and my guess is most of the workers have no idea of the risks.
All for this:
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"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." ~ 1 Timothy 6:10
Note that God does not say that money, in and of itself, is evil. Money is but a resource. It is the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Like any other resource, money can be used to further God's kingdom or distance us from it.
How about you?
Most of life is not as black and white as this situation is. How are you using the resources God has entrusted to you?
Lord, I thank you for the many ways you've blessed us. I ask that you would reveal to each one of us how You feel we're managing that which has been entrusted to us. May we use everything we're given for Your glory!
How about you?
Most of life is not as black and white as this situation is. How are you using the resources God has entrusted to you?
Lord, I thank you for the many ways you've blessed us. I ask that you would reveal to each one of us how You feel we're managing that which has been entrusted to us. May we use everything we're given for Your glory!
Lisa
Wow, Lisa, this is interesting. I had no idea. It is so true that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It has been proven over and over again.
Thank you for sharing this information. And what terrific pictures to make it even more real.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Beautiful photojournalism that takes you right to the heart of a very sad story. I've read about this horrible practice. Thanks for sharing your experience. (Visiting from Faith Filled Friday linkup.)
We sponsor several World Vision children in Kenya, so I found this very interesting.
Such a sad practice. Your pictures tell the story well. I prayed your prayer and truly desire that I manage God's provision to His glory.
I welcome your stories at "Tell Me a Story." How sad that the people believe the witch doctor, when they could enjoy the benefits of their labor instead of squandering it. Sad to say that even some Christians do not use the income God has given them to first give to their church and then to other good causes. There are many orphanages, missionaries, evangelists and organizations such as Samaritans Purse who could use $25 or more a month to help their ministry from us who would hardly miss it.
This is so true. Wasn't involved with witch doctors in Uganda, but certainly did see results from the lies that were buried in the hearts of people who just didn't understand truth. Have seen results over the years. Your story was/is so true. But so sad, too. Thank you for being so straightforward with this. It may help others come to the reality of this event.