DEVELOPING TIMES: Au revoir Godel

Welcome

Mission Statement
Rural Empowerment Initiatives (REI) mission is to collaborate in the reduction of poverty through investment in rural areas and training of local people.

Vision Statement
REI's vision is to treat every created being with dignity, respect and love. We strive to work with those most in need by empowering people to recognize their God given talents, enabling them to make the world a better place and providing them hope for the future.

Our Principles
REI believes that all people are created equal.
REI will develop small to medium businesses (SMEs) as one approach to reach those most in need by creating jobs that build the economy in rural areas.
REI's partner businesses will be led, managed and majority owned by local people.
REI will always seek a triple bottom line of economic, spiritual and social transformation.
REI seeks to build sustainable community-oriented business models.
REI's focus of support is to the economically disadvantaged.
REI will seek attractive market and growth opportunities.
REI will incubate pilot projects with capable management.
REI believes in collaboration. We seek partners whose strengths complement our own in an effort to build well-rounded projects of lasting economic value for the communities in which we work.
REI is inspired by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and is therefore rooted in the Christian faith.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Au revoir Godel

Today we said our goodbyes to the Village of Godel. There were some laughs and some tears. It has been a great time with our new friends in the village. We worked on Women's ministry, Children's' ministry, agriculture and schooling. We met with the Chief, and the Church leaders. Some of the children had a hard time to say goodbye.
We had a wonderful time here in Africa and will have a hard time leaving but can't wait to tell everyone back home about our great experience. We highly recommend the experience for everyone.
On our way home our bus actually got stuck on the sand! But we had a great time singing "Born in the USA".
We'll be home on Monday and will enjoy every minute till then. This journey has changed us all except for Dave Colwin-he's still a whack job.
Please pray for our safe journey home on Monday. God has doe great things here.
Peace, Dan Zeleske