Debra Pickett

During our "Lunch With . . ." interview, I asked Rev. Meeks what he thinks about the white evangelical community's interest in Africa.

Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, whom Meeks considers a friend and colleague, has been particularly active in raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zambia.

Here's what Meeks said: "It's easier to go to Africa and have a one week mission trip and feel good about yourself than to drive a few miles to Englewood."

I've got my own critiques about the evangelical approach to Africa (economic development, not charity; education, not Bibles; etc.), but being a timid white chick, I've never had the nerve to say this out loud. Is it possible that some of us are a lot more comfortable helping black people who live far away than those who live in our own community?