DEVELOPING TIMES: Which way do you go?

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.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Which way do you go?

A couple of weeks ago my family and I had the great opportunity to backpack in the Chequamegon National Forest in northern Wisconsin. Here we spent five days in the wilderness. We saw more bears than hikers. In fact we saw no hikers on this 62 mile quest. We saw four bears.

I had some time to just enjoy the quietness and beauty of God's creation. It gave me time to reflect on what God is doing in my life and in the lives of Africans.
I can honestly say that the last two years have been some of the most rewarding times and the most challenging. Our appointee status with United World Mission is coming up on its two year anniversary in October.
Almost two years ago my wife and I decided that we were going to get out of the boat and follow God's call to make a difference in Africa.
What about you? Are you making a difference? This life is too short. And before you know it, it will be over and you will stand before your creator. I don't know about you, but that very thought is exciting and frighting.
I long to hear the words "Good job my faithful servant.Good job."
There are so many ways you can make a difference on your street, in your city, your state, your country and even in remote places around the globe.
Get out of the boat. You can do it....