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

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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.

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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.
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REI will seek attractive market and growth opportunities.
REI will incubate pilot projects with capable management.
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REI is inspired by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and is therefore rooted in the Christian faith.

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Monday, March 31, 2008

Back in the US of A






As we departed Senegal early this morning...the feelings are mixed.
The last ten days were truly incredible. I experienced things on the trip that were totally unbelievable.
As we departed the village for the last time on this trip on Friday night and Saturday morning, I saw something that reinforced my commitment to relationship missions.
All of our team members built some great relationships, but one of our team members has totally connected with a few women of the village. I witnessed something amazing. Two women, from complete opposite cultures, embracing each other so tight that I was surprised no one passed out.
The following morning when we were loaded on our bus, I looked out the window...and there were a number of people with tears in their eyes. Whoa! These people actually care for us as well. We have some real relationships building.
You know in missions , we tend to think of us as the great white hopes and this was an example of what five years of relationships has developed. Our church has invested in a few projects in the village....but these relationships are priceless. You know, when you do relationship missions, both of the people are blessed. We really encouraged the village on this visit to examine their issues in the village and take ownership. We will see how that goes in the future.
We had two new babies in the village named after our team members in the village as well. Both of these were first time visitors. They had naming ceremonies while the team was in the village on Wednesday and Thursday. This was truly an honor.
Friday night, we had a 'going away' party. The dancing,drumming and song went well into the African darkness. As we left a little after midnight, they kept drumming into the dust stormed air...
Back in the USA...is good...because this is home, but a little bit more of me was left again in Senegal.

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous31 March, 2008 18:41

    Thanks Rick for sharing. I look at the pictures and anticipate our arrival to Senegal in less than a month. What is the name of your village? Also, let your new members know that when you name a newborn child, that is the Senegalese way of passing on financial responsibility.(ha ha)

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  2. Alleks Mitchell02 April, 2008 08:49

    It was great reading all of you blogs this year! I felt like a little bit of me was with you on the trip. I'll be praying for you all as you are back in the states readjusting!
    I love you all,
    Alleks Mitchell

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