Day 22: Community-Honestly, What the Heck is It?

Our host grandmother Doris (far right) and some neighborhood kids

Community. It's one of the watchwords of most Christian groups. We talk about it all the time in InterVarsity; we say things like "building community", "let's be a true community that...", "God-centered community", etc. Having been a part of IV for 3+ years, I thought I had community too. That is, until I went to Kenya and discovered something completely different.

You see, in America, people (both Christians and non-Christians) define their communities as people who they don't completely hate, can get along reasonably well with, laugh at their jokes, and have fun with. Throw in the occasional "deep" conversation (and by that I mean "let's talk about our problems" or "who do you think is cute" or "dang this person freaking annoys me") and you've got yourself 100%, certified grade A "community."

On this particular Saturday, Dylan and I witnessed a lot of true community. Like the previous Saturday, we joined some members in cleaning the church and by cleaning the church, I mean Dylan and I watched as everybody there (including the children) outcleaned and outworked us. Later on in the afternoon, some of the neighborhood kids came over and Dylan and I obliged them by chasing and running around with them. We couldn't help but smile as the kids laughed and screamed as we ran after them, picked them up, and tickled them. Later on, we joined the choir members for another time of practice and prayer.

You see, in Kenya, all they have is each other. In America, we all go through our days, doing our own thing, and when we a) get bored, b) become lonely, or c) just can't stand the loudness of silence, we go to whatever we deem community. But in Kenya and probably many other third world countries, community is a necessity, not a luxury. Neighbors stop by all the time to say hi, help prepare a meal, and talk over a cup of chai. Church members wake up early, clean the church, and then come back later to practice with the choir. Shame on you if you don't know everyone's name within a mile radius. People will not only share in your happiness and joy, but also in your suffering and trials. And what's the point in getting things done and being productive when you could just hang out and talk with a neighbor?

Kenyans don't have computers, TVs, iPods, and all this other crap to distract them from what really matters: loving God and loving those around you. I would argue that they are so much more real with one another than we Americans are with other, because in the end, they're willing to go out on limb for each other. Community is a thing of convenience in America; something to be ignored or disregarded when the going gets tough. Community is a thing of necessity in Kenya and other impoverished countries; something to be treasured because honestly, what else do you have?

I'm guilty when it comes to being a true friend and brother in Christ to those around me. I fall short in so many ways. But I've seen what it looks like when people truly, sincerely love one another and sacrifice for someone else's sake, and I won't settle for fake community or superficial friendships. For our own sakes, none of us should.