A former student of mine has included me on a group mailing list asking for prayers and financial support for her missionary group that's going to Russia to work with youth in a sports camp/Bible study group. No doubt the sports activities will be fun for the Russians, but there's no mention of building houses, feeding the hungry, or otherwise helping the poor. The primary purpose of the mission is to "open the hearts of the people" & to connect with God in a new and intimate setting".
While I have no problem with people sharing their religious views with willing listeners or with followers of a particular religion renewing their belief in God, I'd rather help out a charity that makes a more concrete contribution to people's lives. I only earn $15,000 a year as an adjunct professor at a university & can't afford to sponsor anyone taking an overseas trip for their own spiritual enrichment.
Should I make a token contribution anyway? If not, how should I respond?
2006-06-22
16:01:03
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16 answers
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asked by
magistra_linguae
6
in
Etiquette