Community Change
It’s often been said that the word “community” is over used and border line cliché. However, “community” in action is powerful and life changing for all who contribute.
“Jesus did not write a book but formed a community.” – Lesslie Newbigin
Community, it’s a word that encompasses a vast and vibrant array of cultures, languages, people groups and lifestyles, but unless the spirit of the word is lived out than it’s just that…a word. Some call the world a global community and Jesus called his disciples to gather a mixed multitude in His name for the sake of others.
Individualism counters what Christ came to declare. I’m not saying that having alone time or quiet time is anti-Christ or that having personal goals is wrong. What I am saying is that in order to be a part of Christ’s kingdom we can’t work tirelessly to provide and accumulate for ourselves, but instead for the good and wellbeing of others.
A community is a group of people in pursuit of a common purpose.
Our creator is a relational God that lives in community with himself (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). He’s a triune being that created us in the same image. We were created to be in relationship with one another and with our creator. In fact, the same relational God took on human flesh to have community with his creation (His children) and fulfill the truth…reconciled back into relationship with God and His people.
LIKE-MINDED
I’ve been dwelling on how I came to be in Uganda and after years of an individual perspective I finally broke free and remember the community I was a part of.
Three of my closest friends, Matt, Justin and Nick, gathered as different, but like-minded individuals and said let’s do something about the horrific situation in northern Uganda. They had no idea what they were going to do and who would ultimately be a part of it, but they knew that if they worked together and pursued right living (so much harder than having right beliefs) for the sake of others in the name of Jesus…well then they would succeed in some way or another. They didn’t have answers, but rather they showed up and paid attention to what Jesus was already doing in Uganda, so that they could be a part of it.
They gave themselves away. They gave themselves to a situation and people they had never met, but did it with a common purpose. If it wasn’t for this community that God gathered I wouldn’t be in Uganda living a dream bigger than any I could have ever had.
And more importantly…
590 students wouldn’t be in high school.
85 Ugandans wouldn’t be employed.
180 students wouldn’t be in University.
200 displaced wouldn’t be back home running small businesses.
11 schools wouldn’t have the capacity to provide quality education to thousands of students
It wasn’t an individual that made a difference, but a group of individuals that didn’t care who received the credit for their efforts.
The world is being affected by the current financial climate, which is naturally forcing all of us to look out for ourselves. The last year has been difficult financially for so many and Ka Lubanga Oyee (if God allows) we’ll pull out of it together.
Unfortunately, our natural reaction has affected our giving. The community I’m a part of has seen a massive decrease in donations and it could potentially force us to make some difficult decisions and reduce the number of scholarships we’ve awarded to University and high school students in Uganda
If you are one to give, know that $25 a month will provide a scholarship to a student in need and empower him or her to achieve their academic potential.
I was blown away when I learned that 7.5% of Ugandans population (30+ million) graduate from high school.
Give a recurring gift: https://secure.invisiblechildren.com/donate/recurring.php
Contribute to the scholarship program.
Support a mentor.
Partner with us.
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A huge thank you to everyone who’s supporting me through prayer and finances. Your direct support is contributing to the community I’m a part of and the changes taking place in Uganda.
Nothing but Love [God]
Jared
