"HuntSA"

At first I was amused, then intrigued, now disturbed. Steve and I had to make a quick stop at the mall today. In doing so, we saw that there was some type of "ministry" fair going on. One booth seemed to jump out at us both - "HuntSA." The amused part came from the huge display advertising an opportunity to combine ministry with hunting in South Africa. The intriqued part came after Steve mockingly stated "do ministry while hunting endangered gazelles." I had to do a little research in hopes that he was wrong. This is taken directly from the website:

"HuntSA offers a unique opportunity to tailor your dream safari into an unforgettable experience. You can create your itinerary by choosing from the various activities on offer.

Each and every one of us is equipped to make a difference in the lives of someone less fortunate than ourselves. At HuntSA Ministries we open up the opportunity for you to reach out. You’ll travel to the outlying rural areas where very few South Africans have ever been and poverty and AIDS are prevalent. This can be a truly life-changing experience!"

For who? Naturally, I was curious to find out whether or not people truly have the "opportunity to reach out" or if it's a "let's stand around and gawk at people less fortunate than we (and hunt)." Here it is...

"We do a six day outreach which includes showing ‘The Jesus film’, visiting hospitals and schools and encouraging the missionaries that work there full-time. We also visit the local people in their traditional homes. The six-day outreach comprises five nights of camping with one night of luxury accommodation at a cost of $180 a day. Alternatively six nights of luxury accommodation is available at extra cost. During the trip, we also pay a visit to the bible school, where people who are converted can do a six month bible course to improve their knowledge of God’s love for them. This equips them to minister to their own people."

If you look around the website, notice how much of their "ministry" is only for the already "converted." Don't even get me started.

Then, click on the price list. How many endangered animals do you see on this list? Disturbed yet?

**I'd just like to add that I'm not against regulated hunting, just hunting of endangered animals under the guise of Christian ministry, and people like this who make a mockery of true humanitarian efforts.