Tag: Bethany Community Church

  • Water Walk: Taking the Next Steps toward Spilling Hope

    06.09.11 | Comment?

    by Kristina Ponischil

    photos by Matt Gebhart (www.mattgebhart.com)

    How far did you walk to get a drink of water today? For many of us here in Seattle, sources of clean drinking water are so plentiful that we would never even think to ask ourselves this question. Yet when roughly 1 in 8 people throughout the world do not have access to safe, clean drinking water, it truly is a question worth asking. This is exactly what a group from Bethany Community Church did at last Sunday’s Spilling Hope water walk. Together, we carried bright blue jerry cans down to Green Lake, filled them with lake water, and carried them around the lake in order to symbolically walk in the footsteps of those without easy access to clean water. Yet this experience went far beyond mere symbolism. We entered into a story; envisioning ourselves as young children around the age of 6 whose job was to gather water to bring back home to our family.

    Our walk was relatively short, half a mile each way, compared to the average 2 ½ miles many children in Rwanda and Uganda have to endure multiple times a day in order to reach water. What’s worse is that these children are going to such great lengths to bring back unclean, disease-infested water, which often leads to illness and missed school days. I was shocked to hear that fully filled jerry cans can weigh up to 50 pounds, as I began to quickly fatigue after carrying my half-filled jerry can for a few minutes. We were lucky enough to pass along our jerry can to the next water-walker once the weight became too much to bear, and the inevitable question “Should we empty it out a little?” eventually crept into conversation. Out of all the questions we were encouraged to reflect on — What can I do to conserve water? What do I do already? Do I leave the faucet on when I brush my teeth? – it was this question “Should we empty it out a little” that struck my heart. With tired feet and sore arms I thought to myself, this is their lives. When the average household in Uganda spends 660 hours per year collecting water, they don’t have the option of emptying out a little water to make the burden lighter. That burden permeates their lives.

    Taking part in the water walk was incredibly convicting for me as I realized how much I actually take for granted each day. While my daily dilemmas might consist of debating between local coffee shops then deciding between drip coffee or a latte, there are children in Rwanda and Uganda living in constant fear, wondering if the water that they have worked so hard to collect is going to make them sick, or worse. The good news is that there is hope. Spilling Hope is changing lives and through simplifying the ways in which we live, learning about issues surrounding water and poverty, and giving generously, we can help spread this hope to those who need it.

  • Doers of the Word

    06.06.11 | 1 Comment

    by Jim McClurg

    Some of the more challenging parts of scripture point out God’s expectation that we not sit on what we know. James speaks forcefully to the self-deception of faith without action. To paraphrase, “Don’t just listen to the word – do what it says!”

    Turning principle into action isn’t always easy, of course, and this is especially true when it comes to the use of our money. I’m not sure why I feel differently about my financial resources than other gifts from God. Greed? Fear? Maybe because of the quid pro quo of wages. Unlike many of God’s unmerited blessings, I have to work before I get paid, so the money I earn is mine, right?

    How easy to ignore the reality that equally skilled and motivated people didn’t have the chance to work today!

    Sometimes even that realization isn’t enough to awaken me to the true source of wealth, however, and the admonition to share generously falls on deaf ears.

    All of this raises the bar as we approach the final phase of Spilling Hope.  We’ve moved through the first two parts of our three-fold mantra – simplify, learn, give – and I’ve not yet been pulled far from my comfort zone. On the contrary, living more simply soothes my conscience in many ways. And learning, even about troubling subjects, is what college grads have been trained to do.

    No, it’s the “give” part of the Spilling Hope campaign that sheds light on my self-deception – the human temptation to take pride in what we’re doing as a church and, in the end, to celebrate without sacrifice. I think this is what Paul referred to as a clanging cymbal.   

    How reinforcing, therefore, to watch as Bethany attendees have demonstrated increasing generosity each year – not just to Spilling Hope, but to disaster relief worldwide. Ever the pessimist, I had predicted that last year’s giving might not reach 2009 totals. What a shocker as contributions rocketed past that mark to fund almost twice as many wells in our second year.

    Who knows how God will lead people to respond in 2011? But whether totals increase or not, it’s the step of faith represented in contributions of any size that give meaning to our words. 

    That’s why the leadership team at Bethany is praying once again for breadth as much as depth in giving. Because we’re not only investing in water wells and church empowerment, we’re investing in the people of Bethany too, inviting them to experience firsthand the joy of generosity and the blessing of merging word and deed.

  • Gifts and Presence

    06.05.11 | Comment?

    by Stephan Bauman, World Relief

    As yet, none of you know Cyprien from our team in Rwanda. He is self-giving, inspiring, and above all, joyful. I asked him once what he believed to be the greatest impact by those who visit from our partner churches. Without hesitation, he said, “presence.” He explained that his people — whether villagers, HIV/AIDs caregivers, microfinance clients, or World Relief staff — are overwhelmed by those that come from across the world to listen to their story, to smile with their children, to work alongside their family, to pray with them. “It’s their presence,” says Cyprien, “that honors them — that humbles them.”

    Soon, I understand, some of you will meet Cyprien as you minister on behalf of Bethany Community Church in Rwanda with the purpose of establishing and building relationships. So, it is with that theme that I wish to write, but not only to those who will travel to Rwanda as relational ambassadors from Bethany Community Church. It is also to the many who will not be there in-country, but who will still benefit by the experiences of those who go on your behalf once they return. You will benefit as you enter into the relationships they bring back and share, as you tap their own levels of transformation, and as you offer your own “presence” through prayer, learning, and financial support.

    Whether you are one of a couple handful who go to Rwanda or one of the couple thousand who remain in Seattle, most importantly, you are ambassadors for Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:21), God-authorized representatives bearing His name. You carry His presence, and the presence of His body, as you give your lives. You are “Spilling Hope” holistically by your presence, your priorities, your sacrifices, gifts, and talents. You make a difference.

    During World War II, Christians in Princeton, New Jersey, held a prayer meeting to intercede for Jews in Germany. Albert Einstein heard about the prayer meeting, left his house at 112 Mercer Street, walked to the meeting, and asked if he could join them. He brought his violin with him, and wondered if he might “pray” with his instrument. He offered his presence during a critical time in history.

    My wife, Belinda, and I were born about 11 hours apart in the same hospital in a small town in Wisconsin. We didn’t meet until age 16, but have celebrated our birthdays together since. One year our two sons, Joshua, age 7, and Caleb, age 5 at that time, woke us by singing “Happy Birthday.” “Now, for the greatest gift,” they said, in unison. . . . “Tada . . . we give you, us!” We all melted together in hugs and kisses and told them they were “the greatest gifts we could ever want!” All of you agree, there is nothing like the unabashed presence of a child, especially your own.

    Agnes Mukashinjo (pictured) fled to the Congo during the genocide after her husband was killed. Sometime later, she returned to Rwanda with only her daughter. In her own words, she was lonely and without hope. Agnes was eventually introduced to a few women from an association of farmers called Twizamura (meaning, “let’s grow together”). Twizamura was founded by World Relief to bring together widows, orphans, and others in order to work and fellowship. The association grows geranium plants that are harvested, distilled into oil, and then sold locally and internationally. Members of Twizamura gave Agnes a few iron sheets and she was able to build a simple house. In time, Agnes was invited to join and, today, Agnes is the president of the association. Each week, she leads the members in scripture reading, worship, and prayer, and, together, they plan for harvest.

    I wonder if the body of Christ is like Twizamura where all of us, orphaned and widowed through the struggles of life, are arm-lifted by the Father into a community of hope, a community where His presence and the presence of our brothers and sisters gives us hope and sustains us.

    Mother Theresa said, “To love, it is necessary to give.”  Ultimately, the greatest gift we offer is our very life. Indeed, Christ asks for nothing less — our life in exchange for His. And then, quite beautifully, he asks us to freely give our lives away — his life in us, a gift for others. You are giving to Rwanda just like those from Twizamura gave to Agnes. I am humbled by your gift, I commend your commitment, and I applaud your humility. On behalf of those you serve in Rwanda — all my brothers and sisters there — thank you.

    (Stephan Bauman is the president and CEO of World Relief — and the former country director of Rwanda.)

  • No “Thank You”: A Sign of Empowerment

    05.23.11 | Comment?

    by Elli Oswald

    Empowerment. It seems to be one of the biggest buzz words in the non-profit/NGO world these days, found in the goals and objectives of almost every organization out there. Don’t get me wrong — it’s an important word with important implications. However, its popularity has caused it to be vaguely and sometimes pretentiously applied by people who have very little understanding of its actual meaning. And, I must admit, I’ve misused the term myself.

    So, what does the term really mean? The dictionary definition of empower is “to give power or authority”— simple enough. But putting the word into context makes it more complex. For now, let’s focus on the context of a foreign organization with money, resources, and expertise, entering into a “poor” community with the hope of improving the lives of the people. In this situation, all the elements of power (money, resources, and expertise) reside in the hands of the foreign organization. Therefore, organizations, however well-meaning, can easily come into communities and inadvertently overpower the locals. In some cases, community members start to believe that they have little to contribute to their own development; all they need to do is be “needy” in order to receive the benefits offered, and there is a subsequent danger of becoming dependent on hand-outs from the organizations.

    Sub-Saharan Africa is a case-study of the effects of this dis-empowerment. Aid money from Western countries and organizations has been pouring into Africa for decades, but most measures of poverty have not improved, and some things have even gotten worse, including the percentage of people living below the international poverty line of $1 a day (http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2006).

    What I have discovered in my experience is that one of the easiest ways to measure empowerment happens the moment you are introduced to a community leader or volunteer. Almost every time I have gone to visit a program in a developing country I have heard, “Thank you for everything you have done.”  The assumption is often that because I am white and American, I am a donor and deserving of thanks. While this comment may be attributed to general hospitality and politeness, I also believe it also indicates dis-empowerment. 

    Many argue, and I would agree, that empowerment is the key to long-term sustainable development of a community. When those who seem to hold all the power humble themselves and submit authority to those who previously were powerless, amazing things can happen. However, true empowerment is not easy — and until my recent trip to Rwanda, I was skeptical anyone was doing it.

    In January, I went with a small group of leaders from Bethany Community Church to Rwanda and Uganda to visit the projects Spilling Hope has supported in the past, and to look at some potential new projects that we could support in the future. On this trip we visited a Church Empowerment Zone in Rwanda with World Relief. As we rolled into a small village in our SUVs (a tell-tale sign that the donors are in town) there was a group of people hard at work on the side of a church. Hardly anyone even looked up to notice us. When we walked over to them, the leader of the group began to tell us about their project, all that they had accomplished and what they were planning for the future. No “thank you” to World Relief. No “thank you” to the American church that has financed the project. No “thank you” at all. These local people had complete ownership over this project, and it was beautiful. A sign of true empowerment. 

    I am so excited for Spilling Hope to be supporting World Relief in Rwanda this year — an organization that truly understands and embodies the word empowerment.

  • The Iceberg

    05.21.11 | Comment?

    by Beau Abdulla, Living Water International

    When we humble ourselves and seek God’s will, I believe our actions in obedience can reach farther and impact in ways we can’t imagine. After all, it is all for His glory and not ours. Many times in a ministry like LWI it is easy to focus on the water projects. These are tangible things. I don’t want to diminish the value of the water project but I find myself reflecting on the impact outside the water projects the LWI Uganda ministry is having. I want to share with you how Bethany Community Church’s support of this program has reached beyond the borehole.

    1. The LWI mission is to provide a cup of water in Jesus’ name. I want to you know that the projects you have supported have opened doors we never could have anticipated. An example of this was when the First Lady of Uganda dedicated a number of water projects in Ntungamo directly. When she does, it is not a political show. Imagine your First Lady coming to your community, sharing her testimony, and telling you the only reason a new project has come is because Christ answered her prayers. It is awesome!
    2. Bethany Community Church has financially supported 33 water projects in Uganda. The LWI ministry has completed over 60 projects in Ntungamo and over 90 in the entire country. Bethany’s support has enabled the LWI Uganda to grow. You are a part of over 90 projects here. 
    3. For my wife and I, the LWI Uganda staff is also our ministry. LWI Uganda currently employs 15 people (12 Ugandans, 2 Kenyans and 1 Indian). Jobs are not easy to find here. Your love and support is helping to provide jobs. The effect one working person has in their family can easily reach 15-20 people.  We are planning to add more staff in the coming months. By the end of 2011 we hope to employ over 20 people locally.
    4. Your support has helped the LWI Uganda program learn and grow in Ntungamo. Because of this program, LWI has received interest in starting new zones using Ntungamo as a model. Rest assured the Ntungamo program will not be compromised by this. But I just want you to know that the love you have shown to the people of Ntungamo has captured the attention of other people and they want to replicate the model in an area they feel called to. How amazing is that? It is possible that by 2012 LWI Uganda will have expanded to 2 zones, doubling our impact for God’s kingdom.
    5. Clean, safe water sources in open areas may lessen AIDS. When I first heard this, I had to make sure I heard correctly. It’s something I never thought about. During many dedication ceremonies the local officials make this remark. They say that previous water sources deep in valleys or surrounded by thick bush were places young girls would be attacked. They say that these new water sources will lessen the incidence of rape and AIDS. 
    6. I’m sure you thought that your gift of clean safe water would help save lives. Did you ever think it was because a child wouldn’t be eaten by a crocodile while fetching water from a river or lake? We hear people say “thank you, now we won’t lose our children to crocodiles.” It’s hard to even imagine.
    7. These projects can help communities gain self-esteem. 
    8. These projects can be the beginning of a revenue generating point for future community development.
    9. The support programs targeting youth can greatly impact the future as these young men and women become leaders in their communities.
    10. The largest impact is one that we can’t measure. It is the impact the LWI ministry makes on someone’s heart. You can be sure that all LWI Uganda project are done boldly in the name of Christ through an indigenous staff. It is our prayer that people’s hearts turn toward Christ. We have to lift this up to God.

    The list could go on and on, but I’ll stop here. I’m sure there are many impacts that we don’t even know about. That is OK. Maybe sometimes when we know too much about the impact we have, we tend to own the impact and diminish God’s glory. Perhaps it is best for us not to know all the answers. Maybe it is best for us not to understand how everything interconnects and links. At that point all we can do is stand in awe and praise God. He is an awesome God!

    We give all the glory to Him and thank you for the support of His ministry here in Uganda.

    Beau and Staci Abdulla

« Previous Entries