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Globalization
We live in a world of increasing globalization, defined as "a complex series of economic, social, technological, cultural and political changes [that increase] interdependence, integration and interaction [among] people and companies in disparate locations" (from Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia). This greater interaction has the potential to bring about sweeping changes. Whether those changes are positive or negative depends on your perspective. On the one hand, globalization can result in a higher standard of living and increased prosperity to both industrialized and developing nations. On the other hand, globalization is destructive when it acts as an engine of corporate imperialism. Promises of prosperity may turn out to be little more than plunder and profiteering. The human rights and the dignity of developing societies may be sacrificed and native cultures lost. Too often globalization creates artificial needs that become a self-perpetuating cycle of greed. How does globalization affect missions?
Now, I don't mean that Mennonite Church USA or its agencies have any intentions of exercising control over their fraternal churches around the world and within the United States. But experience has taught me that no form of power is neutral. Several times, when returning home after a weekend of training among Hispanic brothers and sisters, I have reflected on how we could share more resources with these churches. We have so much education, so much access to sources of power, so much of everything. I wonder: How can we share more? How can we help more? I often wonder how I’m going to work with a group of church leaders and pastors who don't even have access to a cheap laptop and the Internet. They should be able to gain access to the same resources that I can access. However, the sad reality is that most of these neighbors don't have access to these commodities. We simply cannot assume that globalization means equal access for everyone. Change begins with me On a global scale, not much. I can't alter the balance of unequal trade and lack of access to resources. But I can change myself. I can develop a servant attitude in my relationships with the people I serve. Instead of focusing on how to transfer resources and even "fix" inequality, I can learn from the economically lessadvantaged churches. In one of my trips to southern Texas, I visited a Mennonite church where I met with emerging leaders who are working hard to plant new churches. On a Saturday morning, we met in a small border town called Alice. A small group of leaders was meeting to continue thinking about how to do outreach in the area. Most of the participants were Mexican Americans. Two Caucasians were also part of the discussions. The conference minister was a native Colombian and I, a native Argentine. We all were there with one goal: to learn from one another. For me, the meeting presented a positive image of how globalization might work. It can bring together people from different races and national origins to pray and work so that, together, we can plant the seeds of God’s kingdom. Mauricio Chenlo is program director with the Hispanic Church Planting Academy for Mennonite Mission Network. In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
