OK...GO GO GO!

Go into the wilderness and learn who you are. Go into the darkness and learn to love the light. Go amongst people and learn how to help. The main thing about foreign and/or local missions is to LEARN first, second, and third. Why The Woods went into Wadupe with a plan based on what we had previously learned about the village. But if learning never stops, then vision always grows, and plans are constantly improved. As we get deeper and deeper into the community (Wadupe) through personal interaction we learn more about the people and what they really need. In my last blog I talked about how the community didn't understand the project (primary school construction) and that they had largely rejected the task ahead. Surprised by this, Derrick and I hit our knees asking for direction and wisdom. What we learned is that we had overlooked the basic need of every human, thus we had overlooked the primary need for this project. We had assumed they already knew that all life, hope, and strength is from GOD and not from this world. But, Wadupe is human. They want money. They fear failure. They want to live well. Sounds a lot like me. But what I learned about myself on this trip...I need GOD first; so does Wadupe. "Seek and you will find."

Over time the volunteers dwindled down to five men. Refusing to give up, I focused my attention on these faithful five and we refocused our plan. We put the school construction on hold and focused on developing the Wadupe Development Committee. First we learned how to start and run a CBO (Community Based Organization). I worked with Rufus Anyibu, teaching him how to be a chairman for this community organization. I taught him how to plan and run a board meeting; how to make connections in town that may help develop and implement future projects; and how to mobilize the community. I worked with Michael Wake, Joseph Sebit, John Longutu, and Marchello Lugala, teaching them the duties of secretary, treasurer, vice chairman, and community relations. We all went through the book of Nehemiah and Matthew 4,5,6,7 to learn what GOD's word says about character, conduct, and work ethic. We were always reminded that faith in GOD is the life force of this project.

Second, we began assessing the needs of Wadupe in the realms of Spirit, Mind, and Body(physical). Through teachings about the basic, secondary, and advanced needs of humans, and some basic teachings about sustainability, the WDC began to think more realistically and showed maturity. For example: They started the lessons by asking me to buy them a tractor (the solution to all their problems, they thought). At the end of the trip they were asking for agricultural training instead. I was able to explain that for a community to get the point that it can operate and sustain something like a tractor there has to be a large foundation of knowledge and development. In other words,I told them, you don't need me to give you a tractor, you need to learn to survive on your own, to be educated on your own, and to develop yourselves economically to the point of obtaining and sustaining your own tractor. That is the story of every successful nation. How long was America a nation before it's people developed into tractor drivers, and how many foreigners came and built our nation for us? Answer: We built America ourselves, and it took a long time, but that is why we stand tall and strong. Every structure begins with a foundation. A tree begins with roots. Without roots it dries up and topples over. So many African aid projects have done just that. I want to develop the root system in this community. That may mean, as I learned on this trip, I have to work with five people and not the mass community. It may mean the school building will take years rather than weeks. I can see now why Jesus worked with 12. The masses just won't get it...yet. Just like the 12 changed the world, I believe over time these five will change their community.

The WDC was given a budget of 3000$ for 2011. With that they have selected and developed 7 community projects. They have also taken over the mobilization and construction of the primary school. Why The Woods is providing the construction materials and the Sudanese engineer for oversight. The WDC is mobilizing the community to either come and build or to pay for builders through taxation. Either way the school will be built by each member of that community, not by a white guy from the sky. In the end Why The Woods is developing five men. That may seem disappointing to donors. But in the end, five men can change eternity. A brick building will never do that.

My next trip to Wadupe will be to assess the WDC, their progress, and the school. Pray that they will have strength and wisdom to stay the course. Pray that they will see the Light of Jesus and run towards it heart, soul, and mind. Pray that GOD will bless their faithfulness and diligence. Pray especially for the upcoming referendum that could bring more war and killing.

Thanks for Reading. Much Love