TOO MUCH STUFF?

I spoke to a woman from Kenya. Her husband was in the U.S. finishing his seminary degree. In her country there are many people eager to hear teaching from the Bible, many come to church. So many that typically each pastor has about five churches to serve.

Unfortunately, in his country one must have an accredited seminary degree in order to train and ordain ministers. So, for the last four years this man has been separate from his wife while he obtained his Bible degree.

She has come for his graduation. They return to Kenya, where they were born and raised. Their home has no electricity nor running water. They take a sponge bath to keep clean and have an outhouse in back. Individuals do not own vehicles, and are thrilled if they can own a bicycle.
This woman as she spoke of her country didn't seem sad or beaten down because of her lack of possessions or conveniences, instead she was eager to return and begin the work of training much needed pastors.

I wonder, how much of the stuff that I have and think that I need is just a hindrance to me? Are all the necessities in my life really necessities? The poorest families in America are among the wealthiest in the world. Yet I think that I'm being deprived when I don't have cable TV nor high speed Internet.

I'm not saying that these things are bad, but what if we denied ourselves just some of the snacks, and stuff that we enjoyed and supported ministries in the third world?
Maybe I’d be better off with less stuff.

Adam