Moses, what is that in your hand? It’s just a stick!

I am always blessed to hear stories of tentmakers in hard places who seize upon what is already there to improve the lives of those around them. So many stories.

STORY NUMBER 1

PROBLEM: We don’t have houses.
QUESTION: What do you have?
ANSWER: We have dirt, sand and plastic bottles everywhere…
SOLUTION: Let’s build you a house.

STORY NUMBER 2 

A retired construction engineer went to visit a missionary working among a transient tribe far in the jungle. While visiting local people in their mud huts he saw soot on the walls, on the faces of the kids and an open fire inside where all the cooking was being done. This caused lung problems as well. Cooking could not be done outside as the rains would put out the fire.

He decided to see what was available and during a short hike found a riverbank with blue clay deposits.

He built a clay oven outside one of the huts. He made the top hole to match the pot which meant the fire would not get rained on. He built a simple chimney to keep the smoke away from the cook.

PROBLEM: We have to cook inside, smoke gets everywhere.
QUESTION: What do you have?
ANSWER: Lots of wood and clay by the river
SOLUTION: Build an outdoor oven out of clay, keep the smoke out of the hut, burn less wood. Teach people how to make their own stove. 

STORY NUMBER 3

A missionary serving in a hot sunny climate did not have access to hot water for washing. A visiting problem solver immediately walked to the nearest village and bought 100 meters of black coiled hose, put it up on the flat roof, routed the water through the hose and back into the room below.

PROBLEM: No hot water for washing dishes, clothes or showers
QUESTION: What is available?
ANSWER: Lots of hoses for irrigation.
SOLUTION: Put a hose on the roof and let the sun heat the water.

THE TAKEAWAY 

When you see a problem, don’t just ignore it, pray and see if there is a way you can solve it for the glory of God’s Kingdom. Earn the right to be heard by providing something tangible to the community God has placed you in.

By Ari Rocklin