Friday, May 15, 2015

Liberty: an advantage of knowing


Liberty: an advantage of knowing. 

Over a year ago I copied those words in my journal.  My time serving in a developing nation proves their accuracy. I realize the liberty that shaped my life experiences opened doors of opportunity, assets and connections. I received advantage beyond those who can't eat so generously of liberty’s fruit.  

As I interact with the widowed and single mamas from Kisumu’s slums and rural villages, some older than myself, there is a marked difference in how I understand problem solving.  My education and exposure to diversity within a well-structured, safe environment enables me to make suggestions where they stare in disbelief and question, “Is that possible?” 

Yes, it is possible.

But only with their help, motivation and implementation; they are necessary to make solutions become realities. 

My large “advantage of knowing” is very restricted without the mamas’ inputting their “limited liberty” of cultural nuances, which escape my western perspective. Many of these women have only had bits of formal education in run down schools.  Inadequate access to information, nutrition and health care built small spaces for their scope of life. Yet, what they do know, I do not; and it’s their “missing piece” that creates complete answers to complex questions like…
  • How do we maneuver projects to avoid corruption and benefit vulnerable children?
  • How do we introduce resources so they are utilized to improve everyone’s situations and not just a select few?
  • How do we work among the least and not be viewed as the leader?
My liberty. My “advantage of knowing” only works well when it’s couple with another’s, and together we make it available to more.

With your prayers, support and encouragement, we have worked along side our Kenyan friends to develop biblical development programs.  This ministry is moving to a Resource Center being built on property the local church has provided.  This new location will enable more desperate women to obtain Christian-based services. 

If you’d like to help complete this structure, please make a donation through paypal on the sidebar of this blog or send your gift to:
Among the Least  PO Box 3543  Pagosa Springs, CO  81147
Please include note: For Resource Center.
Let’s spread  liberty!
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. 
That’s an act of true freedom."
Galatians 5:13-15