The first time I met Dr. Sid Webb was while we were in grad school. We explored New York City together, taking the Staten Island Ferry and walking around the city late into the night. On another trip, we explored Atlantic City, deepening our friendship and discovering the Boardwalk. Years later we would travel to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand together.
Sid has always been an explorer. Or, as he puts it, a “nomad.” But even nomads have stuff. We all own possessions. What would it look like if we lost everything we owned?
On June 11th, 2013, Sid left his home in Black Forest, Colorado, only to discover later that day that the entire home had been destroyed by a massive wildfire. Everything he owned was melted and gone, including his office and life’s work.
This disaster prompted him to begin asking, “What really counts in life?” Sid eventually started an organization called “Build What Counts”(Learn more at www.buildwhatcounts.com).
In his latest book, “Nomad’s Fire,” Sid reflects on relationships and the importance of investing in the people around us, not accumulating more stuff.
That is one of my favorite parts of serving at Hope Haven Rwanda. We are intentionally digging deeply into relationships while delivering hope. It is all about relationships! For us, this means designing initiatives aimed at inviting people deeper into community, encouraging them to grow together, through basic education, employment opportunities and discipleship.
Let’s make sure that we work together to build what counts!