Meditation
Read Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, the “talent” represents those gifts each individual is given, such as skills, natural abilities, opportunities, and also, possibly, wealth. Make a list of possible “talents.”
Give examples of how someone might double the “amount” of “talents” given to them.
Give examples of how someone would bury their “talents”, whatever they are.
Where do you think people multiple their talents in a Biblical way – In their careers? In their volunteer work?
New Life in the Clouds
1. What was the basic diet of the Xe Abaj people?
2. Why do they grow corn even though it is not a suitable crop for their altitude?
3. What has improved health in Xe Abaj?
4. What has improved the rate of positive change in Xe Abaj? Why do you think this is?
5. Pastor Herfst writes, “Although change is slow, we do not want to see the people of Xe Abaj fall back into their old life patterns when our role in the area is finished.” Why is permanent change generally slow? Why does quick change rarely last? Give some examples.
URC family sets up house in Africa
What is Word & Deed’s philosophy for working in developing countries like Malawi? What do the Van Dykens find challenging about this philosophy?
The article notes Scott Van Dyken’s various responsibilities and a few of his specific tasks. List them on one side of a page. On the other side, list the personal qualities, skills and abilities necessary to complete those tasks.
How are the Van Dykens multiplying “talents” in the sense of Matthew 25? (There are a few ways.)
Focus on Volunteers
volunteer n. 1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking. 2. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. [14th century from Latin voluntas will]
"We live in a culture that assigns "value" to things predominantly in monetary terms. A rainforest appears on the accounting ledgers only when it has been chopped down into "lumber." Caring for children or older parents becomes part of the economy only when a stranger is paid a salary to do what a family member might have done before without cash payment. In short, until there is a way to assign a dollar value to an activity or product, it is invisible to the society's decision makers."
(Susan J. Ellis, www.energizeinc.com)
Consider the Ellis quote, read the volunteer profiles, and think about the volunteers you know.
1. Do you agree with Susan Ellis' point?
2. A volunteer's tasks do not appear on the financial reports of organizations or businesses. Do you think this makes them less important in some people's eyes? Explain.
3. Are volunteers a necessary part of most organizations and/or businesses? Why or why not?
4. Are there some volunteer positions you know of that you think should be paid ones? Why?
5. Is there a difference between “volunteering” and “duty”?
