Five things worth learning

I subscribe to a weekly newsletter for artists.  The author often recounts his own experiences and comments on letters he receives readers.  In one of his recent letters he lists five things worth learning about art.  I jokingly said there were five things you need to know to be a missionary then stopped to think these are just good things to know where ever you are, whatever your life style is.

Bush Mechanics– When setting up and maintaining a house in a rural area like the one where I live now you need a basic understanding of how to install and fix electrical, plumbing, and building basics. You may be able to hire a skilled worker to do the actual work needed but if you can’t tell them what you need they may not fix the problem.  Some people think DIY projects are for those who can’t afford to have someone else do it.  In my opinion it is just common sense to be able to take care of the basics yourself.  Besides it is a lot of fun to do projects with the kids like building a solar oven.  You can use a cardboard box, aluminum foil and a black pot to cook bacon and eggs or brownies.  I built one that had temps reaching over 190°.

Primary health care– Learn how to treat yourself and others when there is no medical care.  Ok so maybe this one is extreme.  You may not need to know how to handle Malaria, bubonic plague or Dengue Fever but you should know basic first aid.  I’m not talking about slapping on some Neosporin and a band-aid.  I mean giving CPR or stabilizing a fractured bone until you can reach medical care.  Check with the local Red Cross to see when the next training is being offered.

Bush cooking – Learn to feed yourself if there is a disaster.  That means knowing how to light a charcoal or wood fire without lighter fluid or fire starters.  Learn how to properly prepare food and clean, safe drinking water.  I have found that between drinking and teeth brushing I use almost 4 liters a day.  That’s a lot of water!  To really kill all the parasites in water it needs to boil at least 20 minutes and that doesn’t filter out the minerals so it might still taste funny.

How to dress– So this one is personal preference and some societal influence.  In some cultures it is highly inappropriate to show your knees or a bare shoulder.  People will judge you by your appearance.  If you are dressed sloppy people notice, just as they notice when you are dressed up for a holiday like Halloween.  Ladies think twice before wearing tank or strapless tops.  Guys let me suggest that you investigate how, where and why young men started wearing droopy jeans.  Who do you “belong” to?

Jesus is our Savior – This is the most important thing you will ever learn.  Know it well and share it with others!