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Here is a cause we at Rescue Response Gear believe in. Agros International is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for rural families in Central America and Mexico by enabling landless communities to achieve land ownership and economic stability.
Right now you can support this cause by giving a gift with meaning. Follow this link to see how the One Seed Campaign can change lives. http://oneseed.agros.org/
Just returned from another Nicaraguan trip; my wife (Monika), son (Torrey), and dear friend Natalie. From the get go, things were not going to be the same as before; that said, God’s roads are never clear and often hidden from plain sight. The plight here is not on the scope of Haiti (at this time), but being the second most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere, there is certainly plenty to do. The coast lines are still in tact (unlike that of Chile), but water contamination continues to shorten life spans at an alarming rate. Nicaragua has suffered from a massive earthquake in 1972 that leveled Managua and Category 5 Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The effects are still seen after many years… as will Haiti and Chile.
Every time I get the opportunity to visit Nicaragua, my heart is torn… this time however, I was struck at how “slow” things are. For the first time (in six trips), we actually “resided” in the area as a short term “live in”. Numerous times, we laughed at the “time warp” effect and that time may actually slow down here.
We visited Luz de Manana and San Marco de Belen as our first order of business; two sustainable Agros International farms Rescue Response Gear helps to support. We were not only blown away by the progress of building a sustainable farm of over 200 manzanas, but the fact that in 6-7 years, over $400,000 of debit will be paid off and the land will be shared by 30 families for generations to come. Most of these beautiful people can not read or write, but will work their tails off to be entirely debt free (something our government and many citizens of this nation do not understand).
The next item on the agenda was to purchase and drop off ceramic water filters to the neighboring town of El Astillero. The filters were purchase through Potters For Peace out of San Marcos Nicaragua. PFP or Potters For Peace, produces over 150,000 filters in typical year and began in 1998 to deal with the well water contamination issues resulting from Hurricane Mitch. Because of time constraints and normal Nicaraguan travel hiccups, we were only able to drop the filters off. The presentations and in-services will happen in a few days. Two schools and two churches were the recipients of the filters. We are excited about bringing more in a few more months.
For me, a gut check is always the result of coming back to the States; whether Nicaragua, Mexico (any part), Philippines or where ever. The result is humbleness and a truer sense of what is at stake in our lives. What we all hold on to will be ripped from us at some point; count on it. The strange thing is that we think the tighter we hold, the surer the grip… the reality is that the opposite is true. Friends, open your hands and behold the truth of life. Reality is stranger than fiction.
Jan 18
Rescue Response Gear supports Luz del Manana in Nicaragua.
We are pleased to share with you the Autumn 2009 Village Update from the Agros community of Luz del Mañana, Nicaragua.
In this report, you’ll find the latest information about the village’s progress, recent accomplishments and future plans for the community. You can view and download the report from our website at: http://www.agros.org/ag/villagepdfs/LuzDelManana.pdf
Oct 23
Many have asked me what the purpose of the Rescue Response Team (RRT) videos. The answer is quite simple; community. Having been with an active SAR team for many years and associated with others for as long, it struck me that are a ton of stories to be told; some from the technicians and members of the team, and others from the patient or injured person themselves.
My core heart is to see transformation in the hearts of men and women all over the world. Transformation of our hearts, our culture… our lives. Jesus said the Truth will set you free. Serving and transformation go hand in hand. Changing lives only occur when our lives our put on the firing line of community with others. A perfect example of this is a Search-and-Rescue team.
I put my vision out there and spoke with a friend of mine (Eli Pyke of Zion Pictures) and the same hope of freedom was heard from him. Thus, the first project of hope began and the Rescue Response Team had it’s first call out. The bulk of the projects are given to the members of RRT, to have them place their heart, emotions and energies out there. Matt, the Team Leader, is perfect example of strength, honor and service. This is why he is Team Leader, respect and honor is given him, because he whole heartedly gives to others without asking for anything in return.
True community that expects transformation, must give first. This giving must cost them something; a sacrifice if you will. Putting the patient first must mean everything else done from that point on is to serve that one person. A community of service is not one person or idea, but many working together to perform and give blessings. Yes, a leader is needed, but only as far as to cultivate the makings of a vision and that vision is performed by many. Narcissism has no place in community.
I wanted the heart and sound of service; thus communication, patient treatment, rigging for the rescue and transporting of the patient for medical help is all part of the scope. Music, light, angles, and sometimes… the quietness of just listening to the wind through the trees are enough to tell the tale. Love, Light and Melody.
I hope this helps. In short, God transforms our lives, but He needs vessels of clay, willing to perform tasks others are not willing to do. Thus, the projects are “dedicated to everyone who risks their lives to rescue those in need”. And this my friends, can be anywhere and everywhere; inspire and implement solutions.
Lance
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