DEVELOPING TIMES: On the Road Again...Goin places I've never been

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.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

On the Road Again...Goin places I've never been

On February 14, I embark on a 23 day three country trip, to West Africa. Landing in Accra , Ghana on the 15th , I will spend 2.5 days with the Reeds in the capitol city. Renita Reed of Partners Worldwide will be my host and 'tour guide'. The Reeds spent around four years in Liberia and have now settled in Ghana. I am so thankful for this opportunity.
I have spent a considerable amount of time communicating with Renita in preparation for this trip. I will also be with some North Americans from Michigan and Indiana while In Monrovia.

We will visit a few organizations and villages while in Ghana and then take off for Monrovia, Liberia. I will be spending around three days in Monrovia, which is the capitol of this war torn country. I then will proceed to venture out into the bush, Nimba county for about one week. There I will have the opportunity to see the work that Equip Liberia and L.E.A.D are doing in these farming communities.
Then its off to Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for around five days. Here, I will visit with a pastor who has incorporated a demonstration farm and training center into his ministry. Because of the looting by rebels around 2003, it has to be reestablished.

So whats the point?
As we are beginning a new season of life with Equip International, we are looking at plugging into an opportunity for ministry and development.
I am interested in what these organizations are doing, and seeking God's plan for our lives.
Exciting times!

And I'm sure I will be ready to go home again...after visiting places that I've never been...