Taken for Granted

Living in America my entire life I have had so much more than I ever realized, even when it seemed like I had very little. Having many opportunities to travel overseas for short-term missions trips and recreation, I would see different things that I took for granted every day. For example, having a roof over my head, running water and more clothes and shoes than I could possibly wear. If I had $20 in my pocket, I was extremely blessed compared to most of the world. Working with orphans in Russia and Mexico I realized how much I took my family for granted. Doing ministry in Peru I realized how much I took my health for granted. So coming to Africa, I had an awareness of some of the things I will be without while I am here that I have taken for granted in the past. I was prepared to experience some of the realities of life here that I would never experience in America. But I had not considered what I have come to identify as the greatest thing I have ever taken for granted: I have a Bible and I can read it.

I have been aware of the fact that millions of people around the world do not have a Bible (after all, that is why organizations such as Wycliffe exist). So, I don’t know why I never considered the fact that here in Ghana people would be without Bibles. Growing up I have had many Bibles. Many Christians in the West have several Bibles in different translations; and still, many people rarely if ever crack one open. What people here wouldn’t give to have a Bible of their own!

I have been working in youth ministry for almost three years now and we have always stressed the importance of reading God’s word daily. Going to camps there was always a time set aside for each person to read their Bible. We have the Life Journals in Hawaii to encourage people to read daily. Coming into ministry here in Ghana, where a majority of the kids do not have access to a Bible, it has been a real challenge. I could not even imagine how I could grow in a personal relationship with Christ if I didn’t have a Bible. Now I really have to re-think the way I do ministry. Because much of the way people learn is oral (meaning through telling stories), I am trying to teach the word of God in a way that can be easily understood and yet still accurately portray what the Bible says.

I am so thankful that I get to experience this, even though it’s hard, it is such a huge reality check for me! I don’t think I have ever thanked God for my Bible until now. I certainly hope that you too, will be thankful for everything that the Lord has blessed you with. When you think of putting off reading your Bible, take a second to think about the millions of people around the world who don’t even have the choice to put it off. And please pray that the Word of God will continue to spread around the world. God’s work is not limited to the people who have a Bible, He knows and He is doing a mighty work in this place!