Going Deeper to Go Higher

Several years ago, we built a home addition, doing most of the work ourselves. We spent weeks digging trenches, removing roots, leveling, spreading gravel, building forms, installing drains and plastic, and pouring concrete. At the end of that time we were finally...slightly above ground level!

Looking back, I came away with the realization that a good foundation is laborious, expensive, and slow -- and completely worth it for future stability, drainage, and comfort. I also learned that one of the most important tools an inspector uses is a simple length of rebar. You see, anyone can make a footing trench look good, but probing with a piece of rebar instantly reveals whether you've backfilled with loose soil and put the whole building at risk. 

So, what does that have to do with the work with the blind?

We've been quiet this summer, because we've been building a foundation. Here are some of the parts:

• A new website that better reflects our direction.
• Renewed ECFA accreditation. This is a lot of work for a tiny organization, but ECFA helps non-profits do things appropriately, in accountable ways.
• We are beginning to reap the benefits of the integrated database we've been building -- letting us see who is doing what, and where. More on this another time.
• We think an ultra-low-cost audio player will be a game changer for the work with the blind -- distributed like tracts, and filled with Scripture, worship music, and/or testimonies. So, we are trying to put a coalition together to produce that.
• Such a player needs readily-available Scripture-based content in many, many languages. We are working with others to create that resource on the web. 
• In September, I attended the International Orality Network (ION) conference in Orlando. It was a wonderful time with other believers focused on delivering Scripture content to oral learners (perhaps 2/3 of the world!). It strongly confirmed our direction with the player and content.
• The ION conference went so well partly due to targeted prayer from our dedicated prayer team. If you are a pray-er, would you consider joining in? 
• As the African proverb says: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." We need volunteers to help with all this. If that might be you, take a look here.