Marketing and Management Thoughts

There was an article posted to the Times Online website (from our friends across the pond in England) titled “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God” by Matthew Parris.

It’s a pity, I would say, that salvation is part of the package, but Christians black and white, working in Africa, do heal the sick, do teach people to read and write; and only the severest kind of secularist could see a mission hospital or school and say the world would be better without it. I would allow that if faith was needed to motivate missionaries to help, then, fine: but what counted was the help, not the faith.

But this doesn’t fit the facts. Faith does more than support the missionary; it is also transferred to his flock. This is the effect that matters so immensely, and which I cannot help observing.

This was such an interesting article because of the perspective it comes from, an atheist who grew up in Africa and how he has recognized the correlation between the works of faith, and faith itself. Could be potential sermon illustration.

Mr Parris goes on to describe his observations to back up the statement above and I highly recommend finishing the article.