Why aren't you signed up for SAT Talks?
How do we achieve sustainable community and economic development? A little study makes it easy to appreciate the need for sustainable community and economic development. It is also easy to identify countless models that are ineffective at best and harmful at worst. But identifying models that actually work … that is another story, especially discerning the role of faith-based organizations.
I've been writing and talking about these issues for years. As I have found stories with promise, I have shared them here at the Kruse Kronicle and on Facebook. I have hoped to inspire people with a new way of thinking, to see examples of things that work, and to give hope about ultimately addressing poverty. It is time to take things to another level.
I invite you to an event called SAT Talks in Olathe, Kansas (suburban Kansas City), on October 29 and 30. The event is structured like the TEDS Talks, with six experienced practitioners giving short thought-provoking presentations followed by lively questions and debates. It is all centered on one big idea:
How can churches and other faith-based organizations pursue their missional goals in ways that lead to self-sustaining solutions where needs are being met without relying on charitable resources and where the person or community has the ability to provide the ongoing means and opportunities to achieve their full potential?
Sponsors include the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Soleran, McDaniel-Knutson Financial Partners, and Inhance Leadership. This inaugural event will feature:
- John Quinn of Sinapi Foundation: "The Sinapi Foundation's purpose is to create sustainable paths out of poverty for women and their families in rural Guatemala…."
- Gaston Warner of ZOE: "A Christian ministry helping orphans and vulnerable children to help themselves. …"
- Steve Weber of Heart to Heart International: "Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a nonprofit international health organization that is committed to improving global health & expanding access to healthcare for those in need. …"
- Cayce Stapp of Church of the Resurrection: "The purpose of Church of the Resurrection is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians. …"
- Tom Bassford & James DeLisle of The Co-Op: "The Co-Op is an initiative of Kansas City area churches willing to move beyond the four walls of the church to be a part of the long-term work of community development. …"
Please help spread the word. Tell businesspeople you know who may be looking for ways to employ their gifts for helping the least of these. Tell your pastor and mission leaders. Tell anyone with a heart for seeing sustainable faith-based community and economic development take root. This is only the beginning of better things to come.
Click here for more: SAT Talks.
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