Our third day here in Mendenhall was spent outside, cleaning and sealing a large deck which is used by the school for classes outside (weather permitting). 

It was good to work in the fresh air, chatting with the people here in town and enjoying the Mississippi heat. In the afternoon, the rest of our team from Minnesota arrived, so we’re now a group of nine. 

In the evening, we all went to Wednesday night service at Mendenhall Bible Church. I hadn’t been in the church building before, and was taken aback when I saw it: it was beautiful! Care is clearly taken to make this building all that it can be.

Compared to any other Mendenhall building – the school, offices, rec center, etc – it was far and away in the best condition. There were no cracked ceilings, dented walls, chipped paint or even smudges on any surface. Clearly this is the building that takes priority over anything else that needs attention in this organization.

Now, one could argue whether this is an appropriate allocation of resources. However, I think the greater lesson here is what’s possible when an entire community – any community – comes together and agrees to make one thing the best it can be. I’m sure there have been arguments and spirited discussions along the way but, even with the severely limited resources available, this group has managed to build and maintain an immaculate church. Inside this building, it’s easy to forget that I’m not in Edina, MN, or Pasadena, CA.

So once again, I’m witness to the power that comes from a group of people, aligned toward a common vision. A vision that was clear from its beginning, and its clarity remains over time.

When a community bands together like this -whether driven by one visionary leader or a collaboration of many – the impossible becomes possible. Our power truly multiples when we stand strong around one vision. 

Imagine what that could mean to our department, our company, our world. Suddenly, overwhelming challenges seem within our reach. Problems seems addressable. Goals seem attainable. 

Because we no longer have subversive behavior. We no longer watch from the sidelines. We can all participate because there is no fear – the goal is clear and we know how each of us can contribute. 

And then, the impossible may not be so far beyond us.