DEVELOPING TIMES: Ministry to share smiles

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 13, 2009

Ministry to share smiles

Ministry to share smiles
12 March, 2009

Senegal (PSI) -- Bartimee Medical Center, a hospital created and managed by ministry partner Inter-Senegal Mission, has been elected to host a cleft lip surgery program for several children. Approximately 20-25 children will receive the operation.

In January, government health authorities elected Bartimee Medical Center (BMC) to host a cleft lip surgery program for children in the surrounding area. Funds were granted for patients needing these services but whose families have no money to pay for it. The cleft lip operation, including a minimum of two days hospitalization, costs US$300.

BMC has already begun screening candidates. Dr. Adamson, the head doctor at BMC, estimates that there are 40-50 potential candidates. The program will grant approximately half of the candidates with the surgery. The other children will be placed on a waiting list for another program or will be recommended to other hospitals in Dakar.

"We are both surprised and honored," said Willy, BMC's administrative assistant. "This will echo our testimony throughout the surrounding area."

BMC was chosen over two other hospitals because of the quality of care their hospital provides. Health authorities said that BMC is better equipped to handle these surgeries than the other hospitals in the area.

ISM has started a program called Operation Bartimaeus, a community development program integrating health care and education, micro-loans, literacy, and agriculture projects.

In 1999, a small medical center in a rented house was opened for patients in a poor section of a major city. Today the medical work has grown, and so has the need, especially in the villages where people have no access to medical care.

Please pray for the surgeons and quick healing for the children. Pray for BMC staff to demonstrate God's perfect love through their words and deeds. Pray that many parents and their children will be touched by God's love through this surgery.