DEVELOPING TIMES: Happy New Year from Beni , Congo

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.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Happy New Year from Beni , Congo

Happy New Year from the CI-UCBC team in DRC!

We at CI-UCBC continue to experience God’s grace and favor. This project is pulling together people from all walks of life as they contribute whatever little they can, visit CI-UCBC campus, and send their sons and daughters, continually thanking God not only for the launching of UCBC but also for the concept of integrating moral, spiritual, manual work and community engagement in an academic endeavor. On Dec. 25, over 400 people walked 3 to 5 km for a 3 hour Christmas worship and celebration at the UCBC main hall.