SENTINEL WATCH February 9, 2004 Issue

'Giving ... is who you are'

By Kim Shippey

During reporting assignments in several parts of the world, I have never lacked support from people willing to give. On occasions, they've provided me with vital information. Twice, a place of refuge while covering street riots. Regularly, a meal and a bed. I've concluded that giving is innate in the human spirit and often leaps political and geographical boundaries.

Some of my most gratifying moments have been spent watching people in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa share even their meager rations. I recall the way Kenyan farm laborers responded when my wife gave birth to one of our children. Three women walked seven miles with heavy vikapu (woven baskets) on their backs to bring the baby a gift of fresh vegetables they had toiled for months to produce.

Glenn Conradt, who spent 12 years in youth ministry in Southern Africa, confirmed that "giving in the African context, is an integral part of what it means to be a member of the community. Often it has very little to do with money," he observed. "It's about every practical aspect of sharing your life with what is regarded as an extended family.

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