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At first glance, it may be hard to recognize the two objects in this picture. But they are poised to change the world.
On the left is a solar energy panel. On the right is the small electric lamp (made of durable plastic) that it charges.
When the sun goes down every day on Developing World countries, darkness descends. Electrical power grids may be unreliable or may not exist at all. Typically, impoverished families have to rely on wax candles or kerosene lamps for light.
Candles don’t last long. And kerosene lamps are both expensive and dangerous. Their toxic fumes and open flames, incredibly, take an estimated two million lives a year, mostly of women seeking nighttime illumination.
It just so happens, however, that Developing World countries are among the sunniest places on earth.
The charger, when exposed to 8 hours of direct sunshine, can provide 100 hours of bright light – the stored-up power of the sun.
And just like that, night becomes day.
Children can now study after dusk. Homes can become cleaner, safer, greener, and cheaper. Towns and villages can “stay awake” for more hours, and workers can be considerably more productive.
What’s even more revolutionary is that each portable light has a phone jack. People who have generally been cut off from the world can now dream about using a mobile phone that will bring them news, commerce, and contact with neighboring villages.
The initial cost of the charger and lamp is comparatively high for a poor family. But by eliminating kerosene as an ongoing expense, the debt can rapidly be paid off.
And then the technology is free. It requires nothing but a sunny day.
Sociologists are already calling this the low-carbon industrial revolution. While the industrial world has struggled to figure out how to make solar power reliable and affordable for sprawling metro areas, this simple technology is already becoming a game-changer for one third of the earth’s population.
The sun – an inexhaustible resource – is turning darkness into light, one humble power pack at a time.
Jesus made a similar observation concerning spiritual life: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept… If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand… [Therefore] shine!” (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message).
God – an inexhaustible resource – is turning spiritual darkness into light, one humble heart at a time.
And you’re called to shine brightly in the darkness this autumn weekend.