Blessed to be a witness...

Blessed to be a witness ~ Ben Harper

I am blessed.
I am blessed.
I am blessed.
I am blessed...
I am blessed to be a witness.

So much sorrow.
Sorrow and pain.
Still I will not live in vain.
Like the questions never asked.
Is wisdom wasted on the past.
Only by the grace of God, go I, go I...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vJEfU4qCmM&NR=1

The words “blessed to be a witness” most accurately describe how I feel about my experiences with PRECE this weekend. This morning, while in the country-side I was privileged to attend a meeting between an already existing PRECE school (EPC Ombreira) and a new community hoping to start a school. This new community, Serrote, is located about 7 miles past Ombreira and the people there have a strong desire for the potential the PRECE movement can bring. They have seen the results PRECE produces in other communities- in Pentecoste almost 200 PRECE students have passed the university entrance exam and entered the university and in the small community of Ombreira alone 6 students have entered the university! What community wouldn’t desire to enhance their human capital, develop a stronger economy and bring a brighter future to their youth?

Like all good grassroots movements this meeting took place in the living room of a single family with a few snacks, modest provisions and a great deal of energy and anticipation. After a few hours on of conversation regarding the history of PRECE, the methodology of PRECE and the vision of PRECE the question was posed to the members of the new community- “who is willing to accept the challenge of starting a new PRECE school, of working hard, of meeting challenges head on and of supporting one another throughout the journey?”. Without hesitation every hand in the room went up with enthusiasm. Ana Maria then asked everyone to stand together, hold hands and say aloud words that would describe their journey as a PRECE school. These could be words that describe what PRECE would bring to the community or words that would describe the characteristics the students would need to possess. One by one the students spoke:
- Cooperation
- Human value
- Support
- Resilience
- Perseverance
- Faith
- Partnership
- Friendship
- Optimism
- Collaboration
- Community
- Respect
- Personal worth
- Determination
- Courage
The list went on and on. Each student knew that the path they were to walk would not always be easy. They knew that it was going to take hours of hard work and determination. They knew that they as the leaders would have to be the strength and provide the vision for others. But, they also knew that they would have the support and assistance from other PRECE communities. And, they have the vision knowing that potential PRECE can bring about in them and in their future. Together the group of seasoned PRECE students and the new students prepared to embark on the PRECE journey held hands and closed in prayer- putting their lives, the movement and their future in the hands of God.