12 Free Methodist World Mission People | Oct. Dec. 2012
go.fmwm.org | www.fmcusa.org/fmwm | www.childcareministries.org |
www.SEEDLivelihood.org
As SEED directors Rose and I each spent a month in early 2012
visiting current and potential livelihood groups. Rose traveled in
Africa. I traveled in Asia. We both experienced the cycle of growth
as described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians.
Planting SeedsIn Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, I
planted seeds.
Conversations with Pastors Art and Pat Chutong in Bangkok,
Thailand, for example, revolved around ways for SEED to help
facilitate sustainable income opportunities for people in the
church and community. In Butuan, the Philippines, we brainstormed
with families who live in a landfill. So much energy and
conversation were a part of that session that I had to rush to make
my next appointment.
Rose met with Hope Beyond Circumstance, a recently formed group
of widows in Kenya. The group started for mutual prayer and
encouragement. Group members are now learning or developing sewing
skills. The first products they have made are small gift bags SEED
gives to people when they purchase jewelry. Hope Beyond
Circumstance is now making little girls skirts. In the midst of
very difficult situations, Rose states, these widows come together
to support, pray for, and encourage one another. They are planting
seeds among each other and benefiting their families.
Watering and FertilizingIn Cambodia, I watered and fertilized
already-planted seeds as
God makes things
by David Brewer
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making
it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is
anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants
and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be
rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in
Gods service; you are Gods field (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)
grow
Key ring product carved from coconut shell (Cambodia)
Hope Beyond Circumstance, Nairobi, Kenya (leader Neddy Dingili
pictured first on left)
go.fmwm.org | www.fmcusa.org/fmwm | www.childcareministries.org
| www.SEEDLivelihood.org Oct. Dec. 2012 | Free Methodist World
Mission People 13
SEED is doing home parties! More accurately, SEED is making it
possible and easy for you to do a SEED home party! Will you help
connect holistic livelihood groups from Free Methodist churches
around the world to your friends or people in your workplace or
community? What a great way to share Gods care for the poor and to
enjoy beautiful handicrafts at the same time.
To host a home party, contact SEED Directors David and Rose
Brewer through www.SEEDLivelihood.org.
engage
I met with the Reaksmei artisans to provide encouragement and
discuss product and business improvement possibilities. While
visiting Te Phey (Debbie), who makes popular passport bags, I
noticed her advanced skills. SEED and the Reaksmei Livelihood group
are talking about Te Phey training another needy family to make the
passport bags so she can produce new products and increase her
income.
Rose visited the Faraja Widows, another group in Kenya. These
women choose to live positively in Christ although they are
HIV-affected and live in Kibera Slum. The funds this group earns
from jewelry and bag sales go back into building up their
day-to-day microenterprise businesses, such as selling vegetables
or delicious food theyve cooked. This is fertilization and
growth.
HarvestAfter the planting and watering
comes the harvest. Beads Empowering Uganda, a group based in the
Jinja FMC, creates incredibly beautiful paper beads. In doing so,
the group empowers the artisans to pay for living expenses,
schooling and medical care.
One woman, Nakayima Flossy, used her beading income to pay for
physical therapy that helped her child to sit up, and eventually to
walk. As Nakayima told Rose her story, group members began
applauding even before she reported her child could now walk. What
a wonderful story of shared joy.
I had the great joy of meeting Andi, Wiley and Evelyn, members
of the first families to benefit from the Amparo (Manila,
Philippines) Swine Project, for which SEED raised startup funds
last year. Two pigpens, a sow and four piglets were already
purchased, and shortly after my return to the U.S., the remaining
seed capital provided six more pens and pigs for six more
families.
Rose and I are so excited to know that we (and that includes you
as you pray for, donate to, or represent SEED) are co-workers in
Gods service. Join us in growing local livelihoods through global
partnerships.
growManila siomai food cart expanding SEEDs ministry to other
microenterprises (Philippines)
Te Phey and daughter (Cambodia)
Steps to becoming an FMWM missionary
Candidate works with prospective Area Director (AD) and Missions
Resource Team (MRT) to develop a personal deployment plan specific
to the individual. The plan includes:n standardized employment
practices
application, references, interviews, examinations, etc., and
n standardized menu of options (to be tailored to the candidate)
which may include: assessments, courses, reading, pre-field
preparation and additional training.
During the candidate process, the MRT will:n field questions
from candidates,
churches or conferences,
n help candidate stay on track with personal deployment plan,
and
n appraise the Missions Catalyst Committee (MCC) Chair, Liaison
Bishop and AD of candidates progress.
Once the candidate completes personal deployment plan:n MCC and
Board of Bishops affirm
candidates appointment.
n local church/conference commissions candidate.
To further explore missionary service contact Debra Miller at
[email protected] or 1.800.342.5531, ext. 226.
