Lofty. Used to describe our goals for construction we all hope can take place this fall.
Lofty. Doing work in expectation that it will succeed.
To be lofty is to have faith.
Quite honestly, I am naturally a woman of little faith. If I were a disciple, I would be Thomas, doubting Thomas. I would have gone up to Jesus and asked him to hold out his hands for me to see. The thing is, Jesus did just that. He realized that Thomas had a heart to follow Him, but needed a little help to get him on his way. I have heart, and let's say a mustard seed of faith, but I'm in need of a big, resurrected God who is worth following.
That's what Shomeka is all about. Lofty dreams engined by a big God. Shomeka actually means "faithfulness" or "trusted" in the Tonga language. Its about our faith in God-however small it may be, and his faithfulness to us. So because of those scars in Christ's hands and feet, we do have lofty dreams to serve Him with the talents he gave us. Thus, our vision to go ahead and start a medical ministry for those in need...and, to do it this October.
My friend and Shomeka co-founder, Owen Simwale, just returned from 3 wks in Zambia. He was the leader of a group of 14 physicians, professors, and students from Penn State who brought medical supplies to Kazungula and neighboring villages. In 6 short days, they saw 560 patients, some walking 20 km to see a physician for the first time ever. The group did dentistry, HIV/AIDS testing, delivered babies, and provided other basic medical services. Let me just say right now a heartfelt thank you to all of you who gave of your time and talents to serve these people! (Glad you all got in a little bungi-jumping as well!)
Point being, the need awaits! Even now as I write this, there's some man or woman or child in Kazungula struggling with sickness or perhaps facing death. Building this clinic will unfortunately not save everyone, but it can save some. And it is for those 'some' that we plan to build.
Would you consider stepping out in faith and sharing our lofty dreams?
