Doing things hard today...
My gifted and caring pastor had to resign due to a church conflict in late November...
I got word in the past day or so, that a very dear Malagasy friend and pastor - has been kicked out of his church where he has pastored for 12 years... with much resistance from the power brokers, because he wouldn't play their game... and they have won now.
My australian pastor still has somewhere to live... my Malagasy pastor and his family (youngest 4 months old) have had to move from the manse and I expect will be crowded into one room in the home of family members...
My Australian pastor has received his entitlements.... my Malagasy pastor has had to leave with about 7000 dollars owing from the 12 years he has been there, when he has been underpaid... and no entitlements...
It sounds like I'm comparing the situations... just that I'm so grateful that our freedoms and unions and culture allow for people who have been 'moved on' to be cared for sometimes... not like in Madagascar... were there is no care...
Both situations break my heart - and I am feeling very sad today, and distressed... I wish there was something I could do to help both of these men and their families ... and I have nothing to offer - except my care and prayers... and it just hurts...
Really badly...
Really, really badly....
hi leanne... comparison is not a bad thing... and looking at the two situations of your pastor friends indeed highlights the differences in our cultures... one aspect of comparison is to also focus on what similarities your pastor friends have... for despite their loss they both still have their faith and the love of their friends and families... it is important to be balanced when comparing situations... what are the differences and what are the similarities... keep an open mind and an open heart... take care... and keep sharing...
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