Headed back to Africa tomorrow with 20 friends. So much planned, and thought of, and discussed... we are as ready as we will get.
All the best things I have learned from Africa... I didn't plan for.
More later.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Education changes everything...
I spent a good part of yesterday sitting around the dining room table solving the worlds problems, in theory, with two of my favorite world changers, Charles and Zack.
I am more convinced now than ever that education changes everything.
If we want to give kids anywhere in the world the opportunity to imagine their village to be better, wherever that village may be, we have to give them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and in doing so, develop their unique imagination.
I believe that knowledge is power, and imagination is the pre-requisite to change, and positive inputs are necessary for forward motion, toward good.
I can't help feeling that we are moving in a very good direction, and can't wait to see a generation turn this poverty thing around.
Thankful to be part of the generation.
I am more convinced now than ever that education changes everything.
If we want to give kids anywhere in the world the opportunity to imagine their village to be better, wherever that village may be, we have to give them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and in doing so, develop their unique imagination.
I believe that knowledge is power, and imagination is the pre-requisite to change, and positive inputs are necessary for forward motion, toward good.
I can't help feeling that we are moving in a very good direction, and can't wait to see a generation turn this poverty thing around.
Thankful to be part of the generation.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Dusty little brown feet
I have just spent an amazing time with some of the most resourceful and creative believers on the planet.... and they live and work all across Zambia, Africa. They are in cities, towns, villages and in the bush and they work tirelessly because they love Jesus. The poverty, oppression and suffering is hard to describe, but I remain overwhelmed by the beauty that I can't help but notice. I remain convinced, God lives here.
Yesterday, I rocked a 4 month old orphan named George. He kept staring at me as if he might recognize me if he stared long enough. I am convinced God loves George and has provided for him at Moses House in Lusaka. What a beautiful thing to witness.
Yesterday I also spent time with a group at Pastor Gilbert's church plant that have started a savings and loan coop. This group, mostly women, and some rescued from the sex trade, are saving to make loans to themselves to improve their businesses in the village. What an amazing solution! This was the idea of Gilbert, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Zambia Coordinator, and a partner at a Reformed Church organization. I am literally amazed at the commitment and resourcefulness of the people I have met and can't imagine ever thinking at this level of creativity and resourcefulness.
We have had so much time for discussion, encouragement, sharing of ideas, quiet creativity and trust and confidence building over these past 8 days, that I can't believe the time is already gone.
The journey back home from Zambia begins today.
Our partnership is already in it's second year and I have never been more hopeful or excited about what God is doing through the faithfully committed believers in Zambia.
So many suffer daily here with many, many challenges, yet so many care about making life better, with little or no resources for themselves... and about sharing the truth about God and his love for each person on this planet.
We get to watch God move people and resources into place to accomplish His will for those he loves... there is not a better place to spend your life than in the front row watching God care for his children.... and then to literally look up and see his hand extended to you to join in on something he is doing.
This has been a fantastic trip with amazing conversation and planning and many wheels are already in motion for bigger and more creative approaches and solutions. With new energy with new partners and great confidence in long-standing partners, we are running forward with our hopes together... just like we dared to imagine when this conversation started in Livingstone in 2008.
What started as a big idea with huge possibilities, is now becoming reality with unimaginable possibilities. What a wonderful way to spend the energy and resources that God gives.
Heading homeward today... OKC First Church of the Nazarene... get ready, we are about to torque this thing up a notch, and we can't do this without you!
Yesterday, I rocked a 4 month old orphan named George. He kept staring at me as if he might recognize me if he stared long enough. I am convinced God loves George and has provided for him at Moses House in Lusaka. What a beautiful thing to witness.
Yesterday I also spent time with a group at Pastor Gilbert's church plant that have started a savings and loan coop. This group, mostly women, and some rescued from the sex trade, are saving to make loans to themselves to improve their businesses in the village. What an amazing solution! This was the idea of Gilbert, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Zambia Coordinator, and a partner at a Reformed Church organization. I am literally amazed at the commitment and resourcefulness of the people I have met and can't imagine ever thinking at this level of creativity and resourcefulness.
We have had so much time for discussion, encouragement, sharing of ideas, quiet creativity and trust and confidence building over these past 8 days, that I can't believe the time is already gone.
The journey back home from Zambia begins today.
Our partnership is already in it's second year and I have never been more hopeful or excited about what God is doing through the faithfully committed believers in Zambia.
So many suffer daily here with many, many challenges, yet so many care about making life better, with little or no resources for themselves... and about sharing the truth about God and his love for each person on this planet.
We get to watch God move people and resources into place to accomplish His will for those he loves... there is not a better place to spend your life than in the front row watching God care for his children.... and then to literally look up and see his hand extended to you to join in on something he is doing.
This has been a fantastic trip with amazing conversation and planning and many wheels are already in motion for bigger and more creative approaches and solutions. With new energy with new partners and great confidence in long-standing partners, we are running forward with our hopes together... just like we dared to imagine when this conversation started in Livingstone in 2008.
What started as a big idea with huge possibilities, is now becoming reality with unimaginable possibilities. What a wonderful way to spend the energy and resources that God gives.
Heading homeward today... OKC First Church of the Nazarene... get ready, we are about to torque this thing up a notch, and we can't do this without you!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
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