Developing Individual and Family Resilience Through Community-Based Missions: Three Examples

Abstract

This chapter illustrates how individual resilience can be facilitated by involving the community, and how that, in turn, likely builds a more resilient community. The author argues that by addressing three basic human needs—the need to consume adequate and nutritious food, to occupy safe and decent shelter, and to have reasonable access to basic health care—individuals and families will be allowed to thrive and be resilient, even in the face of sudden or chronic adversity. This chapter describes three projects the author has help spear-head that address these three basic needs locally and abroad: Habitat for Humanity, Our Daily Bread, and Mozambique Development in Motion. The process of establishing these programs is described, and community involvement—including individual volunteers, faith-based groups, advisory boards, social service agencies, and local business and civic organizations—is highlighted. Additionally, the role of attitude and commitment are emphasized as necessary underlying personal qualities needed to affect and sustain community, family, and individual resilience.