DEVELOPING TIMES: The Incredible shrinking Dollar

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 27, 2009

The Incredible shrinking Dollar

One thing I noticed on my last few trips to Senegal was the shrinking dollar. While the dollar has shrank about 30% (correct me if I'm wrong Senegal friends)in Senegal since 2001, we in the US really haven't noticed it. Until now...
My missionary friends and colleagues have been weathering through this storm for a number of years.Unnoticed, because we were all living in fantasy land here in the US.
Now, the US being in a recession has made things more interesting. One missionary told me "they are very concerned...not only for their support level, but the well being of their supporters". Being on the field, the missionaries can only read about our troubled economy and wonder..."am i going to be able to make it"
I think their is no greater time in our life time to get behind field missionaries, faith based organizations and efforts to reach the lost with word and deed than ever before.
The other night I listened to President Obama talk about sacrifice. Most Americans, including myself, have no idea what that means.
Maybe our friends around the world , especially ones living in developing countries, can teach us about sacrifice. Maybe we don't need to go out to eat once or twice a month. Maybe we cut back on our recreational activities...
Think twice before you cut off your support and your charitable giving in these tough days...your reward is in heaven.