Mad. 50

8-17-10

I've come to the realization there are issues missionaries face that nobody back home sees or can really understand. One such issue came to the surface this afternoon when Marc discovered money had recently disappeared from their home. They know who has taken it and they've suspected for quite some time but they want to catch it on tape in order to have proof. They want to back up their suspicions 100%.

The hardest part is the fact these people have become good friends with the Niles and feel almost like family. Stacy feels betrayed and deeply hurt. Since the Niles have already warned them after previous issues that they'd fire them if such an incident arose again, they don't know whether to go through with the threat or extend further grace. Is it okay to just let people steal from you? Is it okay to put a family with six children out on the street?

This is most certainly a very difficult issue with no easy answers. I've never considered that such a problem would arise when I am a missionary. I guess it's good for my eyes to be opened in this way. 

All I can think is there must be a reason they're stealing from the Niles. Are they not using their paychecks wisely and squandering all their money before they receive their next paycheck? Would the problem disappear if they got help with managing their finances day-to-day? Perhaps they have pressure from family members to give money (as that is very much a part of Malagasy culture), and once they've given to family they don't have enough to provide for their immediate family? Perhaps they feel they are owed this extra money- is it a part of their culture to take a "tip" for their work? I don't know.... The Niles gave them an extremely good pay- they're definitely don't stingy. So I'm really not sure why they've resorted to stealing.

Lord, please give Marc and Stacy wisdom on how to deal with this issue. Please turn this situation to good. And please give John and I wisdom when we face similar situations in the future. Let Your will be done.