[This story was written in Indonesia, just a few weeks ago during Ramadhan, the Muslim month of fasting and spiritual devotion.]
Yanni* was talking with Mama Siti* (not real names), one of the three moms who helps teach at House of Hope. They were talking about how during Ramadhan many more scavengers appear on the street than normal. These people are normally only using the facade of scavenging, hoping for extra generosity from cars that pass them on the streets (during Ramadhan people are supposed to be extra generous).
Mama Siti* said, “As long as I still have something to give, I would rather give to others than beg.”
This statement caught Yanni’s* attention (and mine as well when he told me). Mama Siti’s* husband works as a garbage collector, making less than $100 a month. They survive by sorting the recycling out from the garbage he collects before taking the garbage to the truck. But she still views her family as having enough to share with others, rather than asking for free handouts. During Ramadhan, her family will donate a designated amount of rice to the nearest Mesjid— the rice will then be donated to families who need it more.
This concept—it is more blessed to give than to receive—was exemplified on a larger scale in our neighborhood this week. The “youth group” of the neighborhood decided to have a food drive, creating some 300 packages of food to then give out at a busy intersection right around magrib, sundown. These packages of food and water were to bless those on the streets right as the day’s fasting ended. Those who received the food could stop and eat and drink before continuing on their way home.
In my nine years in this community, this is the first time I have observed such a project during Ramadhan. It was quite the endeavor, with different families donating different foods. The youth (many who used to be our students) did the packaging and frying-of-snacks right on the field by our house. (Picture above)
This may have been the first time I have seen such a large scale food project in our community, but ever since I set foot in Indonesia more than ten years ago, I have continually been awed by the beautiful hospitality and generosity of the people around me. Jesus continues to invite me to learn from him- through my friends here.
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