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As an administrator, I am easily pulled into evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of what we want to achieve, especially as we are trained in that way since we were born in Hong Kong. Most of the time, numbers become the indication of my level of accomplishment. Of course, it is also a very useful tool to identify the problems or to explain the situation. For example, we estimated the overhead cost of the piglet scheme in order to find out how much money would be needed if we want to re-run the scheme in the future. Another example is calculating the profit margin and setting the prices of products for our livelihood projects. Sometimes we are like businessmen, along with Isaac in the office, seeking opportunities to prosper our business. However, it is quite discouraging because the environment here is not so favorable for development - there are limitations on transportation, material supply, and quality control, and the skill of the people as well. In addition, it is also hard to compete in the local market because we want to include profit for the pastoral support fund on top of our cost.
Management and administration always needs to CONTROL all things as much as possible. I often focus on the second best of my ministries instead of the people we are serving, both our staff and the church members. I may enjoy setting the policies for effectiveness but ignored the people's limitations and culture. Sometimes, they are like our clients rather than the brothers and sisters in God's family. How much do I love and care for them? Is it more than the profit or sustainability of the project? Do I spend more time praying for them than I spend in calculating the costs? May God have mercy on my short-sighted perspective.
I remember a hymn which reminds me what I should treasure. May this hymn also be an encouragement to you.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood
Prayer points
- For a positive and humble attitude to serve in various ministries
- That the development committee members will have the wisdom to make long term plans and devise various projects that will last
- About the piglet scheme in Kampot that will soon be finished - we may continue the scheme but with some revisions of the policy
- About the lack of pastors and leaders for our churches and outreaches
- For VBS from 14-18 August - may God grant Pastor Grace wisdom to organize and the teachers to have good preparation
- For the preparation for my home assignment in September
- About packing up my stuff as I will terminate the rental contract when I leave for home assignment
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Davis Lam
