"I am not the problem; I am the solution."

One of the things that I have enjoyed studying is population growth, it's impact on poverty, the varying factors that contribute to it, and the subsequent impact on ministry.  Here are some facts:

• The population of the earth is increasing by 1,000,000 people every 4.8 days. 
•  Since the 1960s, the population has doubled, but the world GDP has increased by ten times and life expectancy has increased by twenty years.  That means that there are "twice as many people on the planet, living about 40% longer and each person is consuming many times what the average person in the 1960s did."  (UNEP Global Environmental Alert Services, "One Planet, How many people?  A review of Earth's Carrying Capacity," June 2012).
• Current projections are that the world population will top out at about 9 billion in 2050 and remain that way for the rest of the 21st century.

One statistic about population that does seem conclusive is that as a nation develops economically, it tends to move from high population growth to low population growth.  Birth rates, death rates, and growth rates systematically change through time as societies change relating to modernization, urbanization, and access to technology.  The number of countries that have a negative or zero growth rate as of 2013 are twenty-six, with an additional 62 countries below 1%.  The country with the highest birth rate is Oman, at 9.2%, with only 16 countries over 3%.  For the countries where Discipling Marketplace Leaders (DML) is working:  the US is at 0.7%, Canada is at 1.1%, Egypt is at 2.2%, Ghana is at 2.4%, and Kenya is at 2.6% (http://data.worldbank.org).

The Poverty Cure, a video series made by the Acton Institute, does a great job of showing that people, made in the image of God, are solutions to poverty and not causes of poverty.  People are not just "mouths to feed" and "problems to deal with" but rather solutions to poverty.  The story of Bangladesh is told as a great example of how people are solutions:  Bangladesh was a food insecure country in the mid1970s, with a population of around 75 million. Twenty-five years later, the population of Bangladesh had doubled to just under 150 million and yet the country was now food secure. There was no increase in land (Bangladesh is about the size of Pennsylvania, which has a population of just under 13 million), just an increase in people; creative people, who looked creatively at how to solve problems, how to seek solutions, and how to use available resources. 

So how does this all relate to the ministry of Discipling Marketplace Leaders?  Most of the people who are solving these problems are business people - people who naturally seek solutions to demands and needs of people. Yet many people have not found their calling to do this work "as unto the Lord."  Many people have forgotten that we are made in the image of a creative God, and have been given the mandate to take the resources of this earth and "be fruitful and multiply."  Many people in the majority world have not had the encouragement, the equipping, the backing and the covering by the church to help ground them in doing their business as a mission.  People in the world typically revert back to "business as usual" quite quickly.  These people need discipling by the church to do this work, this calling, in a way that will create goods and services that will allow individuals and communities to flourish.

People are not the problem.  People are the solution.  But transformation is needed for the will of God to be done "on earth as it is in heaven." 

We can't transform others.  We can't even transform ourselves.  But we can be in the business of helping to create an environment in which transformation can take place.  The church can be the place that sets the environment in which people are transformed by the Holy Spirit and make a difference in the world. It's an exciting ministry to be involved in as we see people look inside themselves and begin to also state, "I am not the problem; with God's help, I am the solution."

A Married Widow

Tuesday, October 20, 2015 would have been the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Bob and me.  We had made it nineteen years and five months before he was abruptly and without warning taken from me, Hannah, and Noah, as well as from many of you.  On March 20, 2010, I was given a membership card to what another widow calls one of the world’s “crappiest clubs” – the widow’s club.  And as she writes, “Dear widow police, I won’t return my widow membership card” (www.scarymommy.com/wont-return-widow-membership-card). I agree.

This coming Saturday, October 24, I will speak for the first time at a widow’s conference.  And all of this has me thinking.

You see, I was Bob’s wife for 19.5 years.  I was 21 years old when we married.  I learned much of who I am today through his friendship and partnership.  My faith developed as I lived it out beside Bob.  We had two beautiful children and learned to parent side by side.  We made crazy decisions to move places that people said were crazy; to leave well-paying jobs for next to nothing, giving up life insurance and retirement funds; to sell house, home and possessions to be “Reeds in the wind,” desiring to be more like Christ.  We spent sleepless nights worrying about our decisions; we defended our home together against thieves; we had to trust our children to their Heavenly Father over and over; we coached and loved and encouraged and cried and laughed and argued and debated and worked together to help the other be the person that we were created to be.

I have been Bob’s widow for 5.5 years.  The first six months, I didn’t sleep.  I walked around like a ghost for two years.  I’m amazed that any good work actually came out of the time I spent in Ghana.  I lived in fear of being perceived as a witch in the Ghanaian culture which views wives whose husbands die suddenly as being at fault for the death and therefore a witch.  I continued raising our sixteen-almost-seventeen year old daughter and fifteen year old son as a single parent, striving to navigate teen years as Bob and I had agreed.  I spent a year, after coming out of my stupor, trying to figure out who I was without Bob by my side. 

Unequivocally, I am a widow.  Being a widow has shaped who I am today.  And it is one of the world’s crappiest clubs.  Grief teaches you many things but it comes at a great price.  As the author of this blog writes, “I would not wish my pain on my worst enemy but I’d wish my perspective on the world.”

And I have remarried.  I am now Michael’s wife and have been for one year and four months.  But being Michael’s wife does not cancel out being Bob’s widow.  Bob was not replaceable.  Michael is not trying to replace Bob as my husband or as my children’s father.  It can’t be done.  People cannot be replaced.  People are unique.  Our love to different individuals is unique.  And so, I am Michael’s wife.  And I am Bob’s widow.

And this week would have been our 25^th wedding anniversary.  And as I watch many of my peers celebrate their milestone anniversaries, I feel sadness, even though I am happy. 

It is complex. 

It is messy. 

It is life.

If you know a widow who would benefit from the widow's retreat this weekend, please pass this on.

"This is a Revolution!"

The graduating business class

This was the comment of one of the students of the Discipling Marketplace Leaders class held in Kitale, Kenya last week.  A trainer with the CMS Kenya (Church Mission Society, associated with the Anglican Church of Kenya), it was her first exposure to the work of Church-based Business as Mission.  The comment came after attending a graduation and commissioning service at Faith Tabernacle Church, and witnessing the presence of a number of pastors from other churches as well as a choir from a church across town.  "How did all these churches come together to do this?" she asked.  "And what did you do to get this to move so quickly and organically to involve so many churches?  This is a revolution!"

Sign in Ghana

I smiled as I listened to the DML Kenya staff and the pastor of that church respond to her comments and questions.  I smiled because of her comments, and I smiled because of the fact that I didn't need to respond - others were responding more articulately and more passionately than I could.  Additionally, I had been able to enjoy the graduation and commissioning without having to sit in the front, do any planning, or any speaking (other than a greeting).  I smiled because of what I was seeing happening; what this lady was witnessing was a result of the passion of others for this ministry, backed by the Holy Spirit.

You see, over and over again, I am told that the ministry of Discipling Marketplace Leaders is not a new concept.  It is a forgotten truth in need of rediscovery.  It is Biblical.  It is so evident throughout the Old and New Testament when we look closely and study the Word.  And when people see that, the light bulb goes on and they can run with it.  And they are!

And now DML is beginning to learn more from those who are implementing.  I sat in the Advisory Council meeting in Kitale for DML Kenya and listened with amazement at the learning that was happening on the ground of what works and what doesn't, and the creative ideas to be more effective, especially as it relates to ongoing discipleship.  The churches involved understand that this is not a program - it needs to be an ongoing ministry so that "business as mission" doesn't revert back to "business as usual."  And I thanked God to be a small part of this work.

Church-based Business as Mission class

This past week I had thirty pastors and trainers take the Church-based Business as Mission class.  Two were from Cairo, Egypt.  Two were from Tororo, Uganda.  Two were from CMS in Nairobi (Rev. Tongoi's organization).  Five were from Kisumu, Kenya, having just completed the twelve week class and ready to launch as a center in that city.  A number were pastors from area churches who had a member go through the training at another church, and who are now interested in starting this in their own church.  It was a beautiful, global class with rich and deep discussions.  It was a joy to be a part of this passionate and dynamic group.

Maged and Paula, from Egypt, sharing with the church.

For many in Western Kenya, it was their first time to see Egyptians.  It was very cute to see at the graduation that everyone had to have their picture taken with Maged and Paula.  I think they enjoyed the attention and the many references to them being a "Pharaoh." 

I close today with the following prayer from one of my favorite prayer books Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder. The prayer is called "I Claim Your Power to Create" which reminds me of the creativity in each of us, made in the image of God.  People in poverty often find it difficult to release their potential.  People in business often get sucked into working only for profit, and miss the opportunity to release their potential and see the image of God in themselves through their work.  Yet this is a powerful gift designed to bless this world and help people to flourish. 

O Ingenious One,
it is not only creation,
but creativity that awes me.
It is a wondrous, fearsome thing that you share your power to create.

O Mysterious One,
I shrink from your power, yet I claim it;
and it is mine by your genius or madness,
this power to speak and have light burst upon a mind or darkness descend upon a heart;
this power to make music to which souls dance or armies march;
this power to mold and paint and carve and so spin out the stars by which I plot my course to heaven or to hell;
this power to hear and touch and taste the love and truth by which life itself is birthed and built, or the hate and lies by which it shrivels and dies

O Daring One,
it is an awesome power you've shared; 
and I rejoice in the artists who dare to use their gift to create the beauty which casts this world into a more whole and holy dimension,
who dare to breathe visions and vibrations into dullness,
as you breathed life into dust.

O Gracious One,
it is an awesome power you've shared;
and I honor your power
not only in pianist, poet, and painter,
but in those whose encouragement ignites my heart,
whose laughter lights up a room,
whose touch fills a void,
whose integrity inspires my will,
whose commitments build a church,
whose compassion builds a community,
whose demands stretch my soul,
and whose love makes my day;

and I honor your power in those artists of kitchen and office and shop,
of courtroom and classroom and sickroom;
in those crazy people who somehow know the world is always unfinished, 
and who happily risk pushing and shoving and tugging and pounding and making love to it
until it and all of us come out in more glorious shape.

O Ingenious One,
it is not only creation, but creativity that awes me.
It is a wondrous, fearsome thing that you share your power to create.

Hiatus

Dear Friends and Family,

I have had a chance to have some fasting and prayer time in Ghana, and I have decided to take a short hiatus from the blog while I consider some personal and professional challenges.  Prayers are appreciated. 

Blessings,
Renita

"Why Missionaries are childish and ask for so much"

[I am leaving today for Ghana and then Kenya.  I am not sure of my internet connection in Ghana so this is a special Friday edition.]

I posted a position some time ago for an Assistant Coordinator for Discipling Marketplace Leaders. It's an exciting ministry and an interesting position, involving travel to various countries, as well as within North America.  The only catch is that the person has to raise all of their own support.  I received some quick and very interesting resumes and CVs, from people much more qualified than me, as well as people who had shown serious commitment to their faith by the looks of their work experience.  However, when we narrowed the candidates to the top three, and confirmed that the candidates understood that this was a position that required fund-raising, two quickly withdrew and the third has not responded yet. 

I have to admit that my heart fell.  I don't blame them.  I really don't.  The work that we do is crazy enough, going into places that many consider unsafe, working in challenging conditions, working to shift paradigms and move toward long-term sustainable changes.  To add having to raise all the funds for yourself, your family, your health care, your retirement, as well as all ministry costs, seems too much to ask, even for the strongest of Christians. 

I recently read this article which resonated with me strongly, especially as I continue to be quite weary with asking of late.  Especially these lines:  Others must get tired of our petitions, because we get tired of asking. It’s embarrassing. It’s humbling. It makes us feel like a needy child instead of a responsible adult. We feel like the persistent toddler asking for a glass of juice—we keep asking until the glass gets filled. And before you know it, we have another empty glass to fill.

 I know that I have withdrawn from interacting with many people because of this issue.  This article was a good reminder for me that when I grow weary, I limit God's work and His reach.  

[From:  http://francesanngreen.com/2015/08/18/why-missionaries-are-childish-and-ask-for-so-much/]


“Do you think I can ask someone to take Jack to the airport?”

A ride to the airport is usually no imposition because everything is close in Abilene, Texas. But a ride to the international airport is another story, because it means nearly 3 hours to the DFW airport. That’s about a 6 hour round trip.

And Jack, he’s a dog. It’s one thing to ask someone to bring your family to Dallas, but to ask someone to bring your dog to Dallas on a separate day, is that asking too much?

That’s what Tia was wondering when we recently took an early morning walk before the summer sun made it too unbearable. Her family was making plans for their approaching move to Costa Rica and they’ve been asking for a lot lately.

She’s not the only missionary who wonders if she’s asking for too much. If it’s not a ride to the airport then it’s something else.

When our family lived in Venezuela it felt like we were asking all the time:

Would my brother drive us to the New Orleans airport at 3:30 in the morning? Can someone lend us car seats for the twins while we’re visiting the states? Can we stay with you–all six of us!–while Gary takes a class? Could Mom send us some chocolate chips? Does anyone have a car—a big one– we can use for 2 months? Will someone hand deliver a notarized copy to the consulate? Will you do a campaign with us? Will you send us some interns? Will you reconsider our salary—the exchange rate changed? Will you contribute to our travel fund? Dad had a heart attack, can I travel home? Will you help the church buy some property?

Others must get tired of our petitions, because we get tired of asking. It’s embarrassing. It’s humbling. It makes us feel like a needy child instead of a responsible adult. We feel like the persistent toddler asking for a glass of juice—we keep asking until the glass gets filled. And before you know it, we have another empty glass to fill.

But missionaries ask.

Just because we do it, it doesn’t mean we enjoy it. It’s easier for some than others, but most of us dread it to some degree. But whether we like it or not, we keep asking.

It’s part of our job description. We ask because…

• this job we’ve chosen is way bigger than us. So we ask you to join us. Join us in prayer, in dreaming, in completing the mission.
• working overseas strips us of the usual framework that allows us to be independent. So we ask you to support us.
• we commit to a mission without available resources to complete it. So we ask you to contribute.
• our kids love chocolate chip cookies, so we ask you to treat us–this one pushes the limit, but my mom was great to let us ask for those extras.

It’s when missionaries quit asking that others should be concerned. It happened to us when we grew weary of feeling like the needy child. The problem was that when we quit asking, it meant that we quit dreaming. We limited the reach of God’s work through us to our own resources. And the kingdom of God is too big for that.

When it comes to kingdom work, maybe it shouldn’t surprise us that we feel more like a child than an adult. Jesus talked about it when he said,

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3-5

So if you are a missionary, and feeling a little too much like a child lately, it may be a good thing.

• Humble yourself.
• Keep asking.

If you know missionaries, remember that it’s not always easy to ask.

• Welcome him or her tenderly.
• Surprise them. Ask them first how you can join them before they ask you.
• Do some asking for them–when you know their needs, ask your circle of friends if they will join the missionary in some way. Maybe you can’t help, but you know someone else who can.

I don't want to keep dreaming.  I know that we have come this far by faith, and that God has done some truly great things in this work.  I know that there is much yet to be done.  So I ask you to continue to join with me, to allow me to keep asking, and to remember that God's Kingdom is very big and needs many people.  I, too, have committed "to a mission without the available funds to complete it."  Please continue to pray with me for the funds needed for these new expansions into Ghana and Egypt; the letters that went out this past summer to more than 6000+ people cost us $2000 but netted very little in response.  It could be that people are getting tired of being asked.  Please also pray with me for a DML Coordinator to help out with the growing work load.  

To God be the glory, great things He has done - and will continue to do! 

Scattered: A Reed Family Update

It's time for a Reed family update and our renewed love affair with Skype.

Grenoble, France

On Wednesday I dropped Hannah off in Chicago as she left for four months to Grenoble, France on a last semester with Calvin College to finish her third major.  She will be staying with a host family, taking five classes, learning French, and hopefully enjoying the culture and the environment.  The biggest challenge for Hannah is to not try to over-achieve and to enjoy herself!  We are very excited about this opportunity that she has and hope this will be a good transitional time between a very busy four years of college to the next phase of life!  Skype will continue to play an important role in our lives as we learn to touch base with each other frequently through Skype!

Hannah leading worship on her last Sunday in town at Madison North.  They gathered around her, prayed for her, and sent her off!

Noah and his Hannah

 Noah will be starting his senior year at Calvin (!!!) and will be moving into the Knollcrest East apartments with four other guys.  Last year he as a Resident Assistant; the year before he was a Barnabas (floor chaplain), and this year he gets to just be a student!  I'm happy about that.  He has learned and developed great leadership skills, but there are times when my kids need to learn to just be!  He will be finishing his degree in International Relations and is starting to think about what happens after college.  His love is peace and reconciliation and would love to work with the UN in some way, or maybe Amnesty International or something like that.  He spent this past summer working fulltime on Calvin grounds, working with heavy machines and coming home very dirty every day!  He has a girlfriend whose name is also Hannah, which we are figuring out (mostly by "your Hannah" or "sister Hannah").  She happens to be in Honduras for this fall semester (also in her senior year) and so Noah also will be on Skype a lot!

Michael posing with a philosopher at Kings College London.

Michael continues to do his good work at Eerdman's publishing.  After watching him work for a couple of years now, I am beginning to understand the language of the authors with whom he meets, most of whom are so passionate about various and obscure aspects of the Bible and bringing new light and perspectives on the Word.  The recent time that I spent with Michael in the UK, I heard authors tell Michael how much they appreciate him - he doesn't just "want their books" but he cares about the subject and speaks very intelligently about what is needed on so many different Biblical topics.  He really helps them to shape their books and the direction to meet what Michael sees and hears is needed by the Church.  I was so proud of him as I listened and watched him interact with both well-known and lesser-known authors.  He is passionate about his work and brings that passion to each and every meeting.

As for me, I am heading out to Ghana and then to Kenya again, leaving on September 11.  (I tend to fly out on September 11 - it must be that there are cheap flights that day for some reason!)   I will be teaching Church-based Business as Mission for one week at the Presbyterian Training Center for about 75 pastors and church leaders; then I will be teaching one week in Accra with ICM Ghana for about 35 pastors.  After that, I will be flying to Kenya for a few days of meetings, and then starting an eight day Training of Trainers, with trainers coming from Egypt, Uganda, and of course Kenya.

Michael and I will also be back to Skyping for the five weeks that I'm gone; it's true that much of our relationship was built on Skype and we are happy to have it - but of course we prefer being together in person!

Update:  Our prayer partner, Mary Springer, focused in last week's blog, did pass away on Saturday, August 29.  Thanks to all of you who prayed.  We are thankful that her pain is now over and we are thankful to God for a life well lived.  We will miss her.