DEVELOPING TIMES: Develop ( gain through experience)

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, May 4, 2007

Develop ( gain through experience)

I recently looked up the definition of develop. There are many definitions. One is to gain through experience. Isn't that what life is? I can't tell you you how many times I have said to myself....'if i only knew then ...what I know now"
I was thinking about how this relates to West Africa. Many don't even have the chance to know now or ever...if someone doesn't tell them. It's like your parents never telling you that you will have to take a bath. If your not told...how can you know?
The things that are going on in most of Africa is truly amazing. Christianity is growing so fast in some countries that leaders can't be developed fast enough.
But, in some parts of Africa...that is not the case. North Africa is closed to any missionaries..in fact it's down right dangerous to claim you are a follower of Christ. So, then I ask who is going to tell them? Who is going to help them develop?

The 10/40 window Some of you might have heard of this....but here's some facts about the 10/40 window.

World evangelism statistics: Of the 55 least evangelized countries, 97% of their population lives within the Ten Forty Window.

Unless something changes soon, most of these unreached people will never hear the Gospel. Why? It's estimated that only about one and a quarter percent ( 1.25% )of Christian mission giving is going to missions work in the 10/40 Window.

What will you do to change this? Experience is what people need to develop.