running with a bucket

Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to You

With my empty cup.

Uncertain, but asking any small drop of refreshment.

If only I had known You better,

I'd have come running with a bucket.

- anonymous

Even now, 3 days after our time with the two pastors from Saddleback Church (7 hours together, 7 pages of notes, and a fist full of handouts), I am still reeling from all I learned. And I use the word "learned" loosely, because the actual learning of the wisdom that was passed on to us about doing development work in Rwanda will probably not take place truly until I get there. In 18 days.

Simply put, and profoundly taught, the difference between development and relief is being fleshed out by the P.E.A.C.E. plan. For years people have been doing much good in relief work: feeding the poor, nurturing those who are sick and dying, and providing economic assistance in many of Africa's nations. But, the work of development can only happen when local people through the many churches there are taught to create health, economic balance, literacy, and spiritual growth that is sustainable. There are 3 hospitals in the western province and 26 clinics, but there are more than 700 churches. The church is the greatest distribution channel in the world.

At our church there is an oft-reitterated catch-phrase: "the church is the hope of the world". I had a limitted understanding of that concept, but the house of knowledge in my head now has a full basement, if you get my drift. Now that people are linking economic, medical, education, and spiritual aid together through the kinds of projects planned for us and 1000's of others like us, it is all making sense. This is why a few weeks in Rwanda will be able to make a difference. It makes so much sense, I am tempted to think (with you) - naturally people have been doing this already right? Classic no-brainer! This is actually a pretty new development for "mission work", which has classically been relief and evangelism based. The revolutionary change is that in this millennium, the church is finally doing the gospel, and not just talking about it. Phew. God must be psyched :)

Are you praying for me? Cuz, I am feeling it.

Personal update:

• Dave is interviewing and things are moving forward with him accessing his vast network professionally.
  
• The kiddos are having a great summer: my brilliant, healthy, strong daughters are continuing to enjoy life, thank God.
  
• My support to fund the trip to Rwanda is almost fully achieved. ALMOST! What did I say at the start of my fundraising? (Besides, really God? Are you kidding me?) I was excited to see how God would do this rabbit-out-of-hat trick. It has been nothing short of miraculous to be sent by you. My support team will be getting something in the mail in a blue envelope soon, so watch for it!

More updates to follow! Thanks for following the blog!