Ubuntu: A Collective Journey Towards Shared Prosperity (03/29/'24) -Statement

Ubuntu: A Collective Journey Towards Shared Prosperity Embracing Ubuntu: A Call to Unity and Shared Happiness In an enlightening moment within an African village, a group of children were presented with a challenge that would unveil a profound lesson in unity and mutual care. An anthropologist placed a basket full of fruits near a tree, declaring that the first to reach it would claim all the fruits. However, these children, bound by the spirit of "Ubuntu," chose to run hand in hand, ensuring that they all arrived together to share the bounty equally. When questioned about their collective decision, their response was a testament to a deeply ingrained communal philosophy: "How can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?" This incident is not merely a story; it is a vivid illustration of the biblical principle to "love your neighbor as yourself," mirroring teachings found across various cultures that emphasize compassion, unity, and mutual support. It echoes the scriptural calls to carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), to look not only to our interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4), and to experience joy and suffering together as one community (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). The principle of Ubuntu, exemplified by the actions of these children, serves as a beacon, urging us to recognize our shared humanity and the strength inherent in our unity. It challenges us to extend beyond our individual pursuits and to foster an environment where communal well-being and shared happiness are paramount. Let this narrative inspire us to embody the essence of Ubuntu in our daily lives, encouraging a world where we, too, choose to run together, sharing the fruits of our collective labor with joy and gratitude. This statement serves as a reminder and a call to action: to live out the values of unity, love, and mutual care, ensuring a future where no one is left behind, and happiness is a shared treasure. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 29, 2024)