Current Events Monday: Avocados and Missions
You may have missed some serious news about avocados yesterday, considering the hoopla surrounding a rather popular NFL game. We can take avocados for granted, especially in Texas, as they seem like a staple of our diet. Avocados also remain a healthier substitute for dressings or toppings like mayonnaise. Nonetheless, the United States suspended avocado imports from Mexico over the weekend, a move that will likely impact the $3 billion-dollar avocado industry.
You can see the story here: US suspends Mexican avocado imports on eve of Super Bowl – ABC News (go.com)
The main reason given for suspending avocado imports appears to be based on a security matter. But why is growing, inspecting, and importing avocados so dangerous? Avocados are grown on land disputed by drug cartels. Violent gang activities have consequently resulted in the creation of harrowing conditions over especially the past four years. Needless to say, both inspectors and growers may find themselves under direct threats from gangs.
This leads us to a conversation about missions. For the most part, we remain somewhat oblivious to the conditions some missionaries face (especially international missionaries). Our society at home is particularly results driven, so we—metaphorically speaking—want to see how many avocados were grown and served without having much concern for those who got them from the dirt to the table. Let’s consider those devoted brothers and sisters who face extremely trying circumstances daily in order to obey the Great Commission. There are times when we can become so immersed in our own local obligations that we can forget about our neighbors abroad.
What about a more balance approach and perspective on missions? Jesus invited us to make disciples “of all nations,” meaning that we can and should spread our concern to the masses locally, regionally, and internationally. Any approach to missions that limits our prayer and work to just one of these areas can lead to our neglecting the others. Today therefore brings with it a tremendous opportunity to both pray for and join with the disciple makers around us. Let’s support those who must endure severe conditions for the name of Christ. Your fervent prayers and Cooperative Program gifts make a particularly strong difference for their good.