In the Minority in Geneva
I had the pleasure of attending a work related conference in Geneva, Switzerland last week. It was a Humanitarian Logistics Conference hosted by the Fritz Institute. It was a gathering of over 40 supply chain and logistics leaders from various global NGOs, UN agencies and the International Federation of the Red Cross. I was honored to be among this special group of multi-national individuals and birds of a feather.
It was particularly interesting given this was a secular gathering (I think those of us from World Vision, and Catholic Relief Services represented the only faith based NGOs). During my entire career in engineering and business (and throughout most of my higher education) I have been in the gender minority. I always notice in a large meeting like this what the female to male ration is…it’s just a habit. Here again there were less than 30% women, which is actually not bad compared to the US average of women in operations and supply chain work. But in addition, there was a new aspect of being in a minority group, that of a Christian aid worker. Now, of course I realize there very well might have been many other Christians in the room, but for some reason, I still felt different. Perhaps it was more apparent when we shared meals and I was hesitant to bless my food out loud. Or perhaps it was the significant increase in the amount of bar hopping and late night cocktails among this peer group that I wasn’t used to. Certainly the presence of a Muslim woman in a head covering indicated the diversity of faith at the table.
This ultimately is exactly the missional atmosphere I love the most. I am generally more comfortable outside of the Christian bubble. I’d rather be around regular secular folk who also share a common passion to serve others but among whom one’s faith is not so clearly defined or understood (though I can only imagine what they assumed about me working at WV). I was nonetheless able to chat about matters of faith with some folks who seemed interested. In fact, I had a wonderful chance to pray with a woman who was certainly seeking direction in her life but never disclosed her beliefs. The impact was powerful and I know God was present. There was also this African woman working for a UN agency with whom I clicked and in whom I clearly saw the presence of Christ. After a brief chat, she disclosed that she used to work for World Vision many years ago. Small world. I like being in this minority group.
On a side note, I also had a wonderful visit to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent museum which is just across from the UN. I am passionate about disaster relief and walking through the history of this organization was a treat. Henry Dunant was a Christian who started it all back around 1862 after witnessing the Battle of Solferino. He was a true humanitarian and won the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. He’s my new missional hero. Though it has since become a secular organization, the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies have had a powerful impact around the world, helping the suffering and oppressed. I was a volunteer in Austin, and think I should get involved again here near my home. Maybe once the travel slows down a bit.
A massive cyclone has hit Burma this week and I feel the itch to go. I know that it is not my time yet, but someday I pray for the invitation to serve in crisis. For now, I love what I am doing and will pray for our relief efforts and for so many who are suffering. The count of those who died is escalating daily.
