For years now I have had this desire to compare Namibia on a number of selected criteria with a few other countries. In discussions with friends in business, church and government circles we reflected that good comparable countries will be Switzerland, Botswana and Singapore. I have visited Botswana years ago and spent seven weeks in the other two on this trip. Those who know me well, can witness that I am extremely passionate and loyal to Namibia and her people! But…there is so much room for improvement.In my previous blog, I already suggested that business, government and church leaders can do so much more in our country. I pleaded that we , as leaders, should let more things happen!
In a certain sense this tour is giving me so much hope in what is achievable, but for the first time ever I doubt if my dreams for our country are realistic ...we are, in many instances, just so far behind. (But, as a dear friend recently pointed out, dreams are by definition unrealistic. We only need to make sure they are in line with God's picture of the future.)
As with many challenges the place to start is in a different "way of thinking"
The church should earnestly seek God's presence and His holiness. Fear (reverence) for Him and His righteousness should return…and we, as church, should play a life changing role in the challenges (poverty mindset, passivity, idolatry, immorality, lack of integrity, etc). The market place (government and business) should completely rethink the way in which we are going to create wealth, approach technology, demonstrate our integrity and unity. Yes, I know for many, these will just be empty words, especially if it is not explained in detail with practical accompanied examples. For the time being I think I should leave these "empty words" there and just tell you what I, due to personal experience, appreciated about Singapore.
* Their extremely efficient and professional airport, harbor and public transport system
* Their highly affordable and effective internet connections.
* Their positive approach towards technology , skills and development.
* Their hundreds of well looked after public parks (gardens) and the cleanness of the city
* The way in which they embrace their vast diversity (cultural and religion)
* The way in which government, business and church make lots of money in a country with no natural resources
* Their hunger for more knowledge, professionalism, quality and improvement
* Their high levels of integrity and respect for God, fellow human beings and God's creation
* The high priority they connect to the family as a unit (their families are small because they only have children when they can afford them).
* Their ability to work extremely hard ( long, fast and effective)
* Their good habits ( not addicted to TV, sport, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.)
* The hundreds of people being saved every Sunday (where after they immediately form part of small discipleship groups)
These are just a few things that I appreciate about Singapore after we stayed here for a month. No wonder the country is prospering...no wonder the whole country is literally been build up and developed in one generation...no wonder Tinus said he would love to come back and study here...no wonder Chrisna is saying that to come and stay here will not even be out of our comfort zone.
So what am I saying...
" I think God called me to go back to Africa"
Ps If there are volunteers who will help with that comparrison study please let me know.
