DEVELOPING TIMES: Grandma

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.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Grandma

Ever since my first visit into the village in 2002, this woman has been so dear to our hearts. She is the glue of the compound. She continues to nurse children. No, I'm not kidding. She is the enforcer too. She has the respect of all the children.

I'm not sure how old she is and maybe shes not sure either,but with her physical limitations she continues to work hard every day.

She has taught me some language and she is always somebody I look for first on returning, thinking that one day she won't be there.

People like this need to hear and see the gospel...clearly...contextually...