Individuals and families have resources; churches have resources; communities and villages have resources; county, prefecture, province and national level governments have resources. Some years ago I learned the meaning of raising awareness about resources as an asset for development. One morning a poor village in Yunnan Province in China was gathered for a workshop. The village was nestled high up in the mountains and it was bitterly cold outside. We gathered in a classroom at the local school and used the floor as our blackboard. The topic for the workshop was: “What resources do you have in this village?” I will never forget that morning. In the beginning people were mostly quiet, but after an hour the floor was fully covered with chalk markings as the villagers together started to discover their resources and assets for development.
We all have resources, assets and talents. “Use Your Talents – Asia” is an exemplary book describing how people became aware of their resources, and how individuals, churches and communities participated and led the development of their communities. When people are mobilised to use their talents they can improve their own lives and the lives of those around them.
I therefore recommend this book as an excellent tool for raising awareness about resources and talents, and for encouraging you to use your talents to bring about change and development to your community.
Hjalmar Bø
General Secretary Digni