Vine International

The value of the moment, the one, & the many.

When we get honest, working in developing countries often feels like trying to empty the ocean with a bucket.  The need can seem overwhelming.  In wrestling with this on a personal level, there is a solution – understanding the infinite worth of one person to God.  It moves us from the tyranny of numbers – to seeing the value of one person in need.

Here’s a story from Woody Woodson, Vine’s founder.  It might encourage you.

“About four decades ago, I wandered into Boulder, Colorado – frankly, a lost ball in high weeds.  Being a southern boy, it was a little overwhelming as I made my way through an explosion of this “flower child” culture.  Minding my own business, I caught the eye of a fellow just talking calmly to people outside a Christian coffee-house.  Little did he know – that God had been preparing my heart for this encounter.  We talked for maybe ten minutes, & what I heard was the kindest, most sincere, & clear presentation of the Gospel I had ever heard.  And then…well, I told him good-bye & left.  Yep, just walked away.

Later that day, I stood on the continental divide & this was my moment when I saw the greatness of God – the smallness of myself – & grasped what the fellow had shared with me earlier.  It was my re-birth in Christ.  I never saw him again, but his face is etched in my mind.  I’ve always guessed that he probably told his friends that it had been an uneventful day.  You know…he probably never had a clue what that one moment meant in eternity.”

“One day, he will.”

So…what about the corporate level?  Again, there is a solution – the Body of Christ – God’s children working together – fulfilling a work to a greater level than what one member can do alone.  Vine is a testament to this – with God building a network of co-workers & partners, in both the US & in Central America.

• Without resources that come from U.S. organizations, businesses, & people…

…there would be no aid in the Pipeline.

• Without U.S. donations to cover operating expenses & some aid purchases…

…there would be no Pipeline.

• Without folks in Central America who serve the poor…

…there would be no way to distribute the aid from the Pipeline.