Some nations are gifted with a variety of cultures. In this mix there are identifiable
characteristics in languages, ethnicity, social classes, status, and rank. But one commonality with these cultures is
that they worship the same God. These
diverse groups share common characteristics.
John Thune (b. 1961), a U.S. Republican senator from South Dakota wrote,”
I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that
stands for liberty, and freedom. It is
the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died
defending it.” Although America is a
predominantly Christian nation with diverse groups - some in distinctly ethnic
areas do rally under its flag.
Different Faces
American culture that’s exported around the world reaches a
community of nations. One way is through
the mass media that not only presents news and information 24/7, but sports,
and Christian programs. This fare via
print and electronic media is carried by satellites, radio, TV, and the
Internet.
Through media America is able to share and exchange her values
about serving God worldwide. Because of
these phenomena tourism is flourishing and citizens are able to interact
globally. They experience the beauty of religious
and historic sites, worship, enjoy beaches, while giving thanks to God.
Leslie Jamison (b. 1983), a novelist said, “Armchair poverty
tourism has been around as long as authors have written about class. As an author, I have struggled myself with
the nuances of writing about poverty without reducing any community to a
catalog of its difficulties.” This is
true. Some may see poverty stricken
communities and rattle off statistics as though they know what poverty is all about. But many poor people have going for them
their love of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Travel
Saint Augustine (354 AD–430 AD), an early Christian theologian and
philosopher wrote, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only
a page.” It’s also true that if people
live in one place they have lived in all places. Some that do so are the religious - monks, nuns, and hermits, who enjoy austere
lives locked away in monasteries, worshiping, and serving God. Blessed by the Holy Spirit these individuals do
experience life to the fullest.
In many nations travel is encouraged and citizens take
advantage of it. There are however
constraints on more than 7.3 billion people living worldwide in villages, and shanty
towns. These poor people are more concerned
about having the basics, like a place to live, food to eat, and clean water to
drink.
Public Transportation
With adequate transportation poor people are able to travel
from one place to another. In the modern
world - even in America, some lack transportation because they are unable to
pay the fare. Corrine Brown (b. 1946), a
U.S. representative for Florida said, “States get to improve transportation
infrastructure; that creates economic development, puts people back to work
and, most importantly, enhances safety and improves local communities.” Everyone benefits from having a good
infrastructure. Adequate public
transportation goes a long way in helping poor people and the unemployed. Such an improvement may well mean that the
poor will have work opportunities in places other than their neighborhoods
where they live.