Let me take a few moments to reflect on this recent trip and the progress we are making in Arua generally.
We clearly look at each visit as another step in a long journey. This reflects both the time that it takes to see real change happen , but also the commitment that I feel to Arua – to keep going back until I’m called to stop, or am unable to travel.
Our role is to “come alongside” our friends in Uganda and help them move forward with their plans and their ideas. The last thing we want to do is impose our ideas upon them. By definition, this is a “two steps forward, one back” kind of process, but I’m not sure I know another way that can effect real and lasting change. There are so many evidences of “imposed” solutions that have not been successful. The coffee processing plant would be a good example. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of investment and not one coffee bean processed!
Ultimately we have to be faithful in our work, but let the Holy Spirit be responsible for the outcome. This teaches us more about faith, but also allows us to be a little more relaxed as we see things unfold – or not.
Having said all of this, George and I both agree that this was one of the most productive trips that we have had to date. Why?
First, we are seeing good progress with the entrepreneurs that we are working with. In general their businesses are growing and they are increasingly open to plans for more rapid expansion. There is a slow but steady increase in their understanding of business practice and finally a desire to know more. The “Expert Seminar” we conducted this trip was a strategic decision on our part to take the top 12 or 15 people and really try to move them forward and focus on them, rather than trying to work with a larger group . To use an agricultural analogy: in the last few years we have planted many seedlings, now we are taking those that have grown more rapidly and are transplanting them to help them grow more quickly still. To pick and accelerate the winners.
Second, we are being invited in to a broader conversation about the development of Arua. This trip saw us meeting with the Mayor and Member of Parliament for Arua, the Church of Uganda diocese, the Executive Directors of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute and the Uganda Coffee Development Association and an English agricultural consultant newly moved to Arua with almost 30 years experience in Africa. We recognize that significant societal change can only take place when all the relevant constituencies are working together. We are beginning to have those higher level conversations and are open to using whatever influence we have to shape investments and policy that will be beneficial to the Aruan community.
Third, it seems that the business people themselves are increasingly prepared to take responsibility for the development of a vibrant economic community. The BVA Board under the leadership of Moses Obeta is taking steps to build itself into a real community. Time will tell!
Finally, I can’t say enough about how welcomed we both feel as we visit Arua. The general view of outsiders to people from the West Nile region is quite negative – violent and warlike. We find instead a group of warm and affectionate people who exhibit great joy regardless of their circumstances. It is a joy to be with them and serve them.
We still have a great deal to learn: about Africa, its peoples and customs, and about the peoples of West Nile in particular. We used to have so little knowledge that we couldn’t be dangerous, even if we wanted to be! Now we have that little knowledge and we recognize that we are now in a position to be dangerous. We pray that God will give us discernment and we will be able to blend the best of Africa and the West.
Please pray for George. He plans to return to Africa three times more before the end of 2011! Pray for travelling mercies, for health and for the opportunity to meet people in whom he can make life and community transforming investments.
Our next trip together will probably be in January 2012.
In the meantime, let me thanks you all once again for reading the blog and for praying for us. Without God’s direction and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. It is our privilege to serve Him in this way. To God be all the glory and praise!
Blessings
A
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