Account of the potential missionaries to Poland--They wanted to buy
$10,000 of nice furniture when they arrived, not the pressed
fiberboard stuff that most of the Poles used.
Too much display of wealth can alienate one from the people.
Story of the missionaries in New Guinea--They did well in relating
to the people until their barrels containing all the stuff they had
shipped to New Guinea arrived; then the people thought they were too
wealthy to associate with.
The Slate's experience in England--They lived on a budget, while an
English preacher supported by American money lived rather
extravagantly; they were told they were more appreciated than this
native of England.
Too much wealth can set one up to be robbed or scammed.
Of special concern in poorer countries.
Some wealth may be needed as tools to help one do the job.
A computer and printer (can be relatively hidden)
Question of a car
Advantages
Saves time in getting places
Makes transportation easy
Disadvantages
Takes time when it breaks down
May obligate one to provide taxi service
May set one off from the people
One may not be able to reduce enough to be on the level of the people.
Example of Terry's furniture--It was old "hand-me-downs" but the
Navajo Indians remarked what nice furniture they had.
One may need some conveniences to make life bearable and free up time.
Question of washing clothes
What can you (and your spouse, and older children) stand?
