A couple years ago, I went to Paraguay with Preston, Brandon
and Preston’s missionary companion, Doug Shumway, to visit Preston’s mission
field. It was a marvelous trip, and I
was struck by the humility and fortitude of many of the people he knew. They are a people of such simple means. But they are so happy, and they carve out a humble
livelihood with so little available to them.
One of Preston’s friends we met was Nedi, who was a woodworker. He made small furniture, chessboards, and
other beautiful like items right in his home.
His backyard behind his home was filled with his products. When I asked him how he learned his craft, he
went into the back of his little house and brought out a little pamphlet. It was reminiscent of one you would get for
free in the mail or a showroom: a
four-page bi-fold with pictures of finished wood products. I glanced though the pamphlet, noting its
many folds and taped edges. I asked him
where he got his other detailed instructions or training. He said that was it. We also met a woman who
did the same thing with weaving and crocheting.
In this case, she had an old, worn bi-fold pamphlet that showed finished
woven products.
LESSON LEARNED: It
was amazing to think what we are each able to accomplish if we put ours minds
to it.
FEEDBACK: WHAT HAS
BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE OF MEETING SOMEONE WHO HAS ACCOMPLISH MUCH WITH THE AID OF
VERY LITTLE?
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