I recently came across the latest stories "from the field" on the Outreach International website and got hooked. It felt so good to hear about the many successes around the globe because of the work OI is doing. I couldn't help but smile when reading about Fulgence and Marcel working together to build a well in their community; I silently celebrated when I read about Flank (from Zambia) and Ana (from the Phillipines) who worked with Outreach International and raised their voices to their government leaders in order to receive their fair due -- parcels of land where they now make their living; I read with relief about Vilma's work to start up a local pharmacy; and I smiled as I imagined the life of Chiwa, a 7 year old girl who used to spend her days walking to gather water for the family and now spends her days going to school. Ahhh... it's nice to sense some hope in the lives of real people.
I noticed that all of these stories emphasized one thing -- one integral factor that brought them their success -- community. They all worked to gather the support of the community before they did anything else. They knew that without the strength of a multitude of voices -- their power, their momentum for change -- would be too weak to make a difference. They depended on community, they worked together, and the result? They made changes to their community and their lives.
Speaking as an American, I think we have much to learn from these folks. I often wonder if we had to face tough odds to make a big difference in our own lives -- would we be able to gather the same community support? So many of us don't even know our neighbors, much less speak to them about ways to work together in order to improve our life circumstances or the circumstances of others.
But we should. We should be meeting with the people within our neighborhood -- finding ways that the community can deal with the current economic recession (share cars, lawn mowers, babysitters) and then find ways to support those who could use the money more -- people who work with Outreach International for instance.
Let's start building community again. It makes a difference.
-Karyn Wingard-Manuel
Comments