A Model Community

One of the greatest gifts we received during our journey of hope was the opportunity to live with and learn from our African sisters and brothers. During our time in Ethiopia, we lived with the Guraghe (a region 190 kilometers southwest of the capital Addis Abbaba) ADP (area development project) staff, a group of 19 sisters and brothers, fully committed to the cause of Christ, and willing to do whatever it takes to bring real help and hope to people in real need. This World Vision team had expertise in education, hydro-engineering, theology, agricultural, business and finance and a host of other disciplines. Above all, they were the finest model of servant leadership I have ever experienced.

As I reflected upon my experience with these amazing people my mind quickly ran to Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica.

“Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…and so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3.7)

Paul commended the people of God for their:

• work produced by faith
• labor prompted by love
• endurance inspired by hope

Our African sisters and brothers modeled for us work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. They are a 21st century model of community from which we learned much.

This past Sunday I shared a message with my congregation about this model community. You can listen here or check out the talk via iTunes.

Dream Venti…