THE GOOD VISITOR

I have been puzzled from time to time with the disconnect between African traditions and present day practice. Hosting a visitor is one area where I’ve observed it. There are many proverbs or sayings that speak about a visitor. A visitor is supposed to be a blessing to the recipients of the visitor. The usual present day take on it is that just my presence is the blessing. The fact that my visit and the cost of taking care of me becomes a burden to the host is ignored. Their sayings on the topic don't seem to mean that at all.

I wrote this to give a different slant on things. I also had another motive. I teach seminars on Christian education. The benefit of these is for the church. However, the church selects and sends members, but is rarely involved in the logistics—be it financial or family. I wanted to introduce the concept that if you want people to attend, you need to enable them to do so without jeopardizing their families.