The Salt of the Earth Recent correspondence from United Methodist missionaries serving in the U.S. and around the world, reflects good news of church growth and evangelism. Living here in Africa, we are often reminded of salt and its importance in this culture.
Workers request a portion of their pay in salt.
When one is presented to a chief, it is important to bring a gift of salt. Recently, a widow in our church was given a gift of salt by the congregation. People here eat the bland-tasting manioc root as the principle part of their diet. Salt makes even the humblest meal more enjoyable and tasty. In affluent western culture, salt has lost its importance as a food taste enhancer, food preservative, and form of monetary exchange.