Busted Myths

	M’s Plantation Vol. 36 Issue 2 June 2009 Myth #1: The “Bible Belt” does not need missionaries! “I grew up in the church. I was baptized and involved. I am now in my 30’s and just 3 years ago I received Jesus Christ as my savior and I now have a personal relationship with Him.” C.B. in South Carolina “I was always a believer but I now have a personal relationship with Jesus as my Savior.” Jim in Georgia A Tennessee classroom teacher reports only 3 children regularly attend church in her classroom. Church culture permeates the South with churches on many corners. As a repairman said, “Everyone has belonged to a church at some point in their life here.” Conversation, radio, television and publications talk about church, activities and church culture. The reality is that while it is cultural many times it is not personal. Myth #2: Education opportunities are equitable! 1 in 2 Oregonians have a college education compared to 1 in 8 in Georgia. West Virginia missionaries live in a school district that does not meet federal standards. They must drive their children to a neighboring school district to attend school. On the education attainment and attendance scale Mississippi and West Virginia rankings tie at #51 (included District of Columbia). Education is about more than better jobs and bigger paychecks. More education is also linked to better health, fewer crimes, less incarceration, more voting, and brighter prospects for one’s children. Education is also contributes to being able to read and study God’s word. We take for granted education access and literacy. How can you know Him without being able to read His book? By hearing the Word but if no one comes to share His Word? Myth #3: Healthy and Happy … Not! A recent Gallup poll went looking for happy regions in the United States. They rated variables as mental, physical and economic health, family-friendly communities, paradise living coupled with outdoor recreation. The West scored high and the South … you guessed it. Virginia ranked 15 while 4 (Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and West Virginia) ranked in the bottom 10 states which are in our region. Happiness is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. America is the world’s third largest mission field. Pray for missionaries and volunteers to answer His call.