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The Levites lived on it. Jesus had it. Paul asked for it. Countless organizations across the world depend on it. “Financial support.” My grandmother called it “panhandling.”
Our particular organization doesn’t like to call it “raising support.” It’s “ministry partner development” or “support discovery.” I have another name for it – “awkward.”
I mean, I know that scripture says, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” but it’s kind of in the “hard-to-swallow” category for most Christ-followers, right there above “love your enemies” and “whoever wants to save his life will lose it.” Sure, it’s biblical, but in a sort of clichéd unrealistic way. Besides, if it’s more blessed to give than to receive, wouldn’t we see more rap artists handing out the bling in the hood and more millionaire CEOs becoming philanthropy partners with Irish rock stars?
And sure, God tells us pretty clearly that “the earth is His, and everything in it,” but surely that’s some sort of Hebrew poetry and it doesn’t necessarily apply to the hard-earned money that people bring in with their own skills and efforts.
Yet the facts remain, as solidly as every other black and white morsel of God’s truth. It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Just ask Bill and Melinda Gates, who’ve handed out billions of dollars in charitable giving over the last 7 years.) And there is nothing in all creation that doesn’t ultimately belong to Him who created all things. (Including every penny that we have ever “earned” in our lives.)
However, as Kristy and I do “ministry partner development” (or whatever the $#££ you want to call it), we find it difficult not to cower in fear of people’s potential lack of understanding and ill-conceived notions about money and non-profit work. Again, the word “awkward” comes to mind. As do the words “offensive” and “charity case” and “get a real job.”
And yet, it all gets balanced out when we look at our financial ministry team and are overwhelmed with the generous partnerships of so many people who believe in what we are doing and who want to be an indispensable part of it. Have you ever been so grateful to someone that you just didn’t feel like there was anything you could do express your gratitude enough? We have a growing team of approximately 70 families and individuals and 7 churches that we feel that way toward. That’s 70 families and 7 churches who have told us explicitly, “We believe in the work that God has called you to in Europe and we want in on some of the action!”
So there’s a little piece of our experience in “raising support” as missionaries over the last several months. It’s a little uncomfortable at times, but it’s also hugely rewarding and faith-building.
Of course, I can’t end without a word about our current $1k shortfall. We’d love to have you join our team. Whether or not you decide to give, please pray that God would raise up the financial partnerships that we need.
Categories: life, devotional
20.4.06
19.4.06
Prayer for Estonia
In the run up to Easter last week, I was incorporating prayer for Estonia in my Holy Week meditations. As I did a little bit of research into the country, I was fascinated by the cultural history and heritage of this little nation that got bullied by the Soviet Union for so long. In fact, it’s said that Estonians make up 65% of the population in the country while 30% are Russian and the rest Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Finnish. Ethnically and linguistically, Estonia is most similar to Finland (which happens to be the country I'm praying for this week.)
(Click here for more on what God is doing in Estonia through the ministry of Josiah Venture.)
P R A Y E R :
Ancient of Days and God of all nations, we lift up this small nation of Estonia to You. We thank You for the unique language and heritage that You have cultivated in this country, despite the ruthless foreign occupation and oppression from other countries over the years. We pray that You would raise up Your people in Estonia to boldly demonstrate and pronounce Your reigning Kingdom throughout their society. Guide them in addressing the unique issues of their culture in the wake of the fall of communism, in the tension with the remaining Russian population, and with the introduction of democracy and capitalism. We pray that Your Church might have an answer for the economic abuses and extremes of Estonia’s newfound wealth and luxury and that they might provide a voice for those trapped in the destructive cycles of crime and poverty.
Categories: pray, Europe, Estonia
(Click here for more on what God is doing in Estonia through the ministry of Josiah Venture.)
P R A Y E R :
Ancient of Days and God of all nations, we lift up this small nation of Estonia to You. We thank You for the unique language and heritage that You have cultivated in this country, despite the ruthless foreign occupation and oppression from other countries over the years. We pray that You would raise up Your people in Estonia to boldly demonstrate and pronounce Your reigning Kingdom throughout their society. Guide them in addressing the unique issues of their culture in the wake of the fall of communism, in the tension with the remaining Russian population, and with the introduction of democracy and capitalism. We pray that Your Church might have an answer for the economic abuses and extremes of Estonia’s newfound wealth and luxury and that they might provide a voice for those trapped in the destructive cycles of crime and poverty.
Categories: pray, Europe, Estonia
13.4.06
Is Europe Digging its Own Grave?
Accoring to the latest Ambassador's Briefing report from Greater Europe Misssion, Europe is the only continent in which the percentage of Evangelical Christians is shrinking. The report also communicates some of the issues at hand regarding the growing tension between Europe and the Muslim world, via immigration influx. Quoting Bruce Bawer's latest book, While Europe Slept,
It seems that the unbridled philosophy of tolerance in the European zeigeist is dramatically colliding with an influx of predominantly intolerant Muslim culture. Unfortunately, I've had an alarming number of conversations with American Christ-followers, usually steeped in unbalanced American nationalism, who question any ministry involvement of North American Christians in Europe. "It's their own fault" comes the reasoning behind the doubt. It may seem as if the kind of news that we hear from this issue of the Ambassador’s Briefing would only prove to bolster this kind of condescension.
However, in my own estimation, there is no better time than now for the church in the U.S. to come alongside its European counterparts and offer its resources and support, though not from a position of superiority or expertise. Whereas at one time, the American church could claim its superiority in cultural influence and strength, it is now being surpassed by Africa and parts of Asia in terms of its growth and missionary sending.
As James Engel and William Dyrness claim in their groundbreaking book on missions, “Many are shocked to learn that a majority of missionaries in the world now come from the Two-Thirds World. . . . In the very best sense, this is cause for celebration because the baby has now become a vigorous, maturing and responsible adult in many parts of Africa, Asia and South America.” (p. 20)
While the regrettable days of imperialistic missionary activity are gladly coming to an end, opportunity is ripe for churches around the world to link arms in the sharing of resources, experience, perspective, and wisdom. We have much to learn from each other and the future multi-ethnic party in heaven that scripture gives us glimpses of need not wait until our entrance into eternity.
Categories: Europe, mission
"[…] when Christian faith had departed, it had taken with it a sense of ultimate meaning and purpose – and left the Continent vulnerable to conquest by people with deeper faith and stronger convictions. What’s more, no longer able to take religion seriously themselves, many Europeans were unable to believe that other people might take religion very seriously indeed."
It seems that the unbridled philosophy of tolerance in the European zeigeist is dramatically colliding with an influx of predominantly intolerant Muslim culture. Unfortunately, I've had an alarming number of conversations with American Christ-followers, usually steeped in unbalanced American nationalism, who question any ministry involvement of North American Christians in Europe. "It's their own fault" comes the reasoning behind the doubt. It may seem as if the kind of news that we hear from this issue of the Ambassador’s Briefing would only prove to bolster this kind of condescension.
However, in my own estimation, there is no better time than now for the church in the U.S. to come alongside its European counterparts and offer its resources and support, though not from a position of superiority or expertise. Whereas at one time, the American church could claim its superiority in cultural influence and strength, it is now being surpassed by Africa and parts of Asia in terms of its growth and missionary sending.
As James Engel and William Dyrness claim in their groundbreaking book on missions, “Many are shocked to learn that a majority of missionaries in the world now come from the Two-Thirds World. . . . In the very best sense, this is cause for celebration because the baby has now become a vigorous, maturing and responsible adult in many parts of Africa, Asia and South America.” (p. 20)
While the regrettable days of imperialistic missionary activity are gladly coming to an end, opportunity is ripe for churches around the world to link arms in the sharing of resources, experience, perspective, and wisdom. We have much to learn from each other and the future multi-ethnic party in heaven that scripture gives us glimpses of need not wait until our entrance into eternity.
Categories: Europe, mission
11.4.06
The Gospel of Judas Mystery Revealed
Right in time for the Easter holiday season, there's been news about the discovery of the Gospel of Judas manuscripts. This blog post solves all the mystery with news of an even more illuminating ancient manuscript. The Gospel of Judas is soooo yesterday.
A Practical Way to Help in the Darfur/Sudan Crisis
Click here for a very practical way to pressure the U.S. government in taking the lead to provide an answer to the genocide crisis in Sudan.
(Related posts from Restless Blogrimage: The Constant Gardner, Continuing Crisis in Sudan)
Categories: justice
(Related posts from Restless Blogrimage: The Constant Gardner, Continuing Crisis in Sudan)
Categories: justice
10.4.06
The Beauty of Creation
On Sunday, Kristy and I took advantage of the great weather here in Colorado Springs and went for a little walk. Pulpit Rock is just minutes down the road from us. You don't see it in these pictures, but the top of Pulpit Rock gives you a great view of the Garden of the Gods as well.
Speaking of God's creation, I recently got wind of a Christian environmental group called Restoring Eden. As I was looking through their site, I noticed that they're located in La Center, Washingon, a little town between Longview, where I graduated from high school, and the Vancouver/Portland area, where I got my college degree and served as a youth pastor.
So aside from the nagging sense of homesickness, I was pretty excited about this group bringing a God-infused perspective to environmentalism. Unfortunately, evanglelical Christians have had an embarrassing history of weak theological treatment in regards to our responsibility to be stewards of creation. As Brandon Rhodes points out in his paper, environmentalism has typically been dominated by secular fundamentalists and, according to a report last year in the Economist, is "politically adrift and dreadfully out of touch."
Categories: life, justice
Speaking of God's creation, I recently got wind of a Christian environmental group called Restoring Eden. As I was looking through their site, I noticed that they're located in La Center, Washingon, a little town between Longview, where I graduated from high school, and the Vancouver/Portland area, where I got my college degree and served as a youth pastor.
So aside from the nagging sense of homesickness, I was pretty excited about this group bringing a God-infused perspective to environmentalism. Unfortunately, evanglelical Christians have had an embarrassing history of weak theological treatment in regards to our responsibility to be stewards of creation. As Brandon Rhodes points out in his paper, environmentalism has typically been dominated by secular fundamentalists and, according to a report last year in the Economist, is "politically adrift and dreadfully out of touch."
Categories: life, justice
Collaborative "Stations of the Cross" Blog
There's an ongoing collaborative blog on the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) this Holy Week. Brilliant idea, although one that seems natural in light of the growing Web 2.0 chatter in the cyber culture. I was pretty excited about it, given that I've done some reflection and meditation online during this Lent season. (Hmmmm . . . maybe Lent 2007 will need to involve a web fast.) It'll be a blessing to ponder and ruminate on the cross of Jesus with these fellow bloggers and spiritual pilgrims.
London's Grace has also done a Lent blog over the last 4 years, which has been ahead of the times and a great example of what creative, participatory meditation can look like in a faith communtiy.
Be sure to catch this multi-media Easter meditation sometime this week as well. There are also plenty of other worthwhile Easter resources on the Lifewords website. (HT: Jonny Baker)
London's Grace has also done a Lent blog over the last 4 years, which has been ahead of the times and a great example of what creative, participatory meditation can look like in a faith communtiy.
Be sure to catch this multi-media Easter meditation sometime this week as well. There are also plenty of other worthwhile Easter resources on the Lifewords website. (HT: Jonny Baker)
9.4.06
Jesus Anointed by Mary
This last week, I was thinking and meditating about some of the events leading up to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. When I came to Mary’s anointing of Jesus the day before, I was struck by Jesus’ claim in Matthew and Mark that “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
As I looked into the passage further, I realized that this Mary who anointed Jesus in this story was the same Mary who washed Jesus’ feet with perfume and with her tears in Luke 7. In Luke’s account of that story, Jesus gave a parable to illustrate the fact that those who have been forgiven the biggest debt are naturally the ones who are most grateful. The parable was directed at Simon the Pharisee who was hosting Jesus and who was offended that Jesus would allow Mary (a known prostitute) to wash his feet.
Which brings us back around again to Mary’s anointing of Jesus, the day before his “triumphal entry into Jerusalem.” Her extravagant display of gratitude and worship didn’t stop at Simon the Pharisee’s home. And it’s no wonder. Just from reading the four Gospels, we can easily observe that prostitutes and tax collectors (who worked for the Roman government) were the worst kinds of sinners, rejects, and failures in society. This was especially true in Roman-occupied Israel, where the Jewish religion played a significant role in the identity of the Israeli people. Those who were most successful in Jewish society were the ones who excelled in meeting the standards of Jewish law.
As the biggest failures in the Jewish nation, the prostitutes and tax collectors had the biggest debt before God. At least, that’s what was communicated to them by the religious establishment. That establishment, the Pharisees and teachers of the law, were the religiously successful and didn’t see much need in themselves for forgiveness, for they were the architects of a man-made religious system. (Granted, the Law of Moses itself was given by God, but the Pharisees had added to it so much that it had become a controllable religious system.)
It’s no wonder then, that we see Jesus constantly surrounded by people in that society, like Mary, who had the greatest need for forgiveness of their sin. The reality was that their need for forgiveness wasn’t any greater than that of the religious authorities. They just didn’t have any religious pretence to hide their sin behind.
Mary’s affectionate outpouring is a glorious story in the run-up to the passion week of Jesus. And one that reminds us of the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection. As much as not-yet-Christians need to take in the message of the cross and embrace it in order to be restored to their Creator, Christ-followers must remember the reality of their own debt that was cancelled at the cross. The temptation for Christ-followers to lose sight of their cancelled debt is just as great today as it was for the religious establishment of Jesus’ day. In this way, we have a lot more in common with the homosexuals and the pornographers and the terrorists than we’d like to admit. Without the blood of Jesus, our piety and religious activities wouldn’t put us on any greater spiritual level.
So the questions are before us. Do we hide our sin behind religious pretence, all the while failing to recognize the equality of our debt with the worst of sinners today? Could it be that the measure of our gratitude and worship to God is equal to the measure of our perceived need for forgiveness?
Categories: transformation, God
As I looked into the passage further, I realized that this Mary who anointed Jesus in this story was the same Mary who washed Jesus’ feet with perfume and with her tears in Luke 7. In Luke’s account of that story, Jesus gave a parable to illustrate the fact that those who have been forgiven the biggest debt are naturally the ones who are most grateful. The parable was directed at Simon the Pharisee who was hosting Jesus and who was offended that Jesus would allow Mary (a known prostitute) to wash his feet.
Which brings us back around again to Mary’s anointing of Jesus, the day before his “triumphal entry into Jerusalem.” Her extravagant display of gratitude and worship didn’t stop at Simon the Pharisee’s home. And it’s no wonder. Just from reading the four Gospels, we can easily observe that prostitutes and tax collectors (who worked for the Roman government) were the worst kinds of sinners, rejects, and failures in society. This was especially true in Roman-occupied Israel, where the Jewish religion played a significant role in the identity of the Israeli people. Those who were most successful in Jewish society were the ones who excelled in meeting the standards of Jewish law.
As the biggest failures in the Jewish nation, the prostitutes and tax collectors had the biggest debt before God. At least, that’s what was communicated to them by the religious establishment. That establishment, the Pharisees and teachers of the law, were the religiously successful and didn’t see much need in themselves for forgiveness, for they were the architects of a man-made religious system. (Granted, the Law of Moses itself was given by God, but the Pharisees had added to it so much that it had become a controllable religious system.)
It’s no wonder then, that we see Jesus constantly surrounded by people in that society, like Mary, who had the greatest need for forgiveness of their sin. The reality was that their need for forgiveness wasn’t any greater than that of the religious authorities. They just didn’t have any religious pretence to hide their sin behind.
Mary’s affectionate outpouring is a glorious story in the run-up to the passion week of Jesus. And one that reminds us of the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection. As much as not-yet-Christians need to take in the message of the cross and embrace it in order to be restored to their Creator, Christ-followers must remember the reality of their own debt that was cancelled at the cross. The temptation for Christ-followers to lose sight of their cancelled debt is just as great today as it was for the religious establishment of Jesus’ day. In this way, we have a lot more in common with the homosexuals and the pornographers and the terrorists than we’d like to admit. Without the blood of Jesus, our piety and religious activities wouldn’t put us on any greater spiritual level.
So the questions are before us. Do we hide our sin behind religious pretence, all the while failing to recognize the equality of our debt with the worst of sinners today? Could it be that the measure of our gratitude and worship to God is equal to the measure of our perceived need for forgiveness?
Categories: transformation, God
6.4.06
Lent Meditation
This week, I’ve found my thinking and meditation drifting toward expectation. It’s the week before Palm Sunday, the day we typically set aside in the Christian faith to commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey with symbolic fanfare and celebration. So, what were the disciples thinking? What were their expectations?
My hunch is that the disciples didn’t suffer from low expectations. They seemed to be expecting Jesus to usher in a kingdom to replace the current Israeli captivity under the Romans – a physical kingdom that would be similar to King David and Solomon, only greater. (Check out these links HERE and HERE for some information on the apocalyptic literature, both OT and inter-testamental, that may have helped shape these expectations.)
So . . . . what expectations do you bring into your relationship with God? Sometimes we can have an expectation that if we do everything right and hold up our end of the bargain in the Christian life, God will pour out his blessings on us. So we establish a kind of “if/then” relationship with God.
And then tragedy strikes. A child that we raised in a Christian environment rebels and walks away from all that we taught her. A spouse suddenly turns his back on the marriage and walks away from the faith and out of the family. Life doesn’t seem to be working for us after we’ve worked so hard to be faithful to Him and do all the things that good Christians do.
Therein lies the problem. Our expectations are misinformed. God never promises that if we follow the formula, life will work. He promises us Himself. And He promises to change us, from the inside out. To make us more like His Son. He doesn’t promise to change the circumstances around us and to shield us from the effects of a fallen world. He promises us His peace in the midst of it.
The disciples were perplexed when Jesus insisted on talking about being arrested and killed. On the very night he was taken by the soldiers, Peter lopped off a servant’s ear and the rest of the disciples scattered, like weak animals in response to a stocking predator.
Their expectations were misinformed. And as a result, their world was thrown into chaos. Everything they’d hoped for in the last 3+ years of following their Rabbi who was to re-establish the Jewish nation. Gone. Taken away from them. From their perspective (at least for the next few days), they had been wrong to trust in this miracle-worker, this self-proclaimed Messiah.
As Palm Sunday approaches, I think it’s a good opportunity to evaluate the expectations that we have in following the ways of Jesus. They may need to be adjusted. Indeed, they may need to be abandoned. If anything else, we need to be honest with ourselves about our expectations and open to the idea that maybe they're misinformed.
Categories: God, transformation
My hunch is that the disciples didn’t suffer from low expectations. They seemed to be expecting Jesus to usher in a kingdom to replace the current Israeli captivity under the Romans – a physical kingdom that would be similar to King David and Solomon, only greater. (Check out these links HERE and HERE for some information on the apocalyptic literature, both OT and inter-testamental, that may have helped shape these expectations.)
So . . . . what expectations do you bring into your relationship with God? Sometimes we can have an expectation that if we do everything right and hold up our end of the bargain in the Christian life, God will pour out his blessings on us. So we establish a kind of “if/then” relationship with God.
And then tragedy strikes. A child that we raised in a Christian environment rebels and walks away from all that we taught her. A spouse suddenly turns his back on the marriage and walks away from the faith and out of the family. Life doesn’t seem to be working for us after we’ve worked so hard to be faithful to Him and do all the things that good Christians do.
Therein lies the problem. Our expectations are misinformed. God never promises that if we follow the formula, life will work. He promises us Himself. And He promises to change us, from the inside out. To make us more like His Son. He doesn’t promise to change the circumstances around us and to shield us from the effects of a fallen world. He promises us His peace in the midst of it.
The disciples were perplexed when Jesus insisted on talking about being arrested and killed. On the very night he was taken by the soldiers, Peter lopped off a servant’s ear and the rest of the disciples scattered, like weak animals in response to a stocking predator.
Their expectations were misinformed. And as a result, their world was thrown into chaos. Everything they’d hoped for in the last 3+ years of following their Rabbi who was to re-establish the Jewish nation. Gone. Taken away from them. From their perspective (at least for the next few days), they had been wrong to trust in this miracle-worker, this self-proclaimed Messiah.
As Palm Sunday approaches, I think it’s a good opportunity to evaluate the expectations that we have in following the ways of Jesus. They may need to be adjusted. Indeed, they may need to be abandoned. If anything else, we need to be honest with ourselves about our expectations and open to the idea that maybe they're misinformed.
Categories: God, transformation
5.4.06
Driscoll Apology
Back in January, I posted some comments about Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill in Seattle, regarding his rather brash style of dialogue and debate. Just this morning, I came across an apology from Mark that I really appreciated. He's a good example to all of us.
06/04 update: There's some great discussion over at the Out of Ur blog regarding Mark's apology. If, as Jesus said, the world will know we are His disciples by the love we have for one another, sometimes I think we're in trouble.
HT: Rhett Smith
Categories: transformation, church, emerging
06/04 update: There's some great discussion over at the Out of Ur blog regarding Mark's apology. If, as Jesus said, the world will know we are His disciples by the love we have for one another, sometimes I think we're in trouble.
HT: Rhett Smith
Categories: transformation, church, emerging
4.4.06
Cyber Art
I've come across some refreshingly creative and innovative art on the web recenlty.
Categories: culture, music, art
- Rebekah Cummings has some beautiful art work on her website. Apparently, she's writing some music as well, but there doesn't seem to be any music files to download or sample.
- The guys at ThinkerLabs are doing some cool things with short films and lots of other creative ministry ideas to spark the imagination in spiritual meditation.
- These electronic engineering students in Zurich use their laptop computers to print artwork from their computer onto a large canvas - using a can of spray paint! (HT: John Hamm at Digg.com)
- The brilliantly creative band from Bellingham (WA), Death Cab for Cutie, have gathered a collection of short films inspired by their latest album, Plans. Currently, they are showcasing each short film (new premiere each Monday) on their website with plans (ha ha) to release a DVD version of the different pieces. Anybody else out there love it when talented muscians and song writers gather other forms of art around their music?
Categories: culture, music, art
The Conscious Consumer
Found out about a nice little educational resource on fair trade. It's a booklet from the Fair Trade Resource Network entitled "The Conscious Consumer." I'm planning on ordering an copy myself for just 4 bucks. Here's a little review of the booklet from the folks at Relevant Magazine.
Categories: justice
Categories: justice
3.4.06
An Uncle Again
Last week, I became an uncle again! Pria Marie Wellcome was born last Tuesday night, March 28th and was 7 lbs., 3 oz. They kept Iris in the hospital until Thursday to rest up and recoup. When they got home, they were able to e-mail pics to family.
Congratulations, Tyson and Iris!
Categories: life
Congratulations, Tyson and Iris!
Categories: life
2.4.06
Prayer for Denmark
Denmark has been in the news quite a bit over the last several months. It's next in the queue for prayer over the nations of Europe. (Click here for more information on this relatively small, yet powerful and culturally rich Scandinavian nation.)
P R A Y E R:
God of all nations, our ultimate source of comfort and well-being, we lift up this small yet powerful nation to you. We pray that in the midst of a robust economy and high standard of living that You would open the eyes of not-yet-Christian Danes to the emptiness of materialism and to the peace that can only be found in You. We boldly ask You to raise up churches committed to actively participating with You in Your mission to make Yourself known. Cause Your people to be an integral part of the solution to the unique issues that Danish society faces, such as the ethnic tensions arising from Muslim immigration. Fill your people in Denmark to overflowing with supernatural love and acceptance, truth and light.
Categories: pray, Europe
P R A Y E R:
God of all nations, our ultimate source of comfort and well-being, we lift up this small yet powerful nation to you. We pray that in the midst of a robust economy and high standard of living that You would open the eyes of not-yet-Christian Danes to the emptiness of materialism and to the peace that can only be found in You. We boldly ask You to raise up churches committed to actively participating with You in Your mission to make Yourself known. Cause Your people to be an integral part of the solution to the unique issues that Danish society faces, such as the ethnic tensions arising from Muslim immigration. Fill your people in Denmark to overflowing with supernatural love and acceptance, truth and light.
Categories: pray, Europe
31.3.06
Recent Events in Belarus
About a month ago, I dedicated some prayer space to Belarus here on the blog. I just realized today, that Belarus had some elections last week, followed by quite a bit of protesting and demonstrations. In all likelihood the elections were rigged. So here's the question: As an authoritarian dictator, why hold elections when you have no intention of doing it correctly in the first place? Apparently dictators like Lukashenko have a tendency to think that nobody sees through their lies and corruption.
Be sure to check out this blogger for more on life in Belarus.
Keep praying for Belarus. Unless something drastic happens, it's going to be at least another 7 years of dictatorship.
Categories: Europe
Be sure to check out this blogger for more on life in Belarus.
Keep praying for Belarus. Unless something drastic happens, it's going to be at least another 7 years of dictatorship.
Categories: Europe
Thoughts on Prayer
Our new website is going up pretty soon. It will better reflect Kristy and I as a couple, as well as our upcoming life and service together in Ireland. The site is actually already online, but has yet to be made official. The other day, I posted an article on prayer, which you can read by clicking here.
When the site goes up, the address will be www.brandonandkristy.net. (At the moment, this URL just takes you to my old site.) Once the site goes "live," we'll send an e-mail to everyone on the newsletter list and probably post it here on the blog.
Categories: pray
When the site goes up, the address will be www.brandonandkristy.net. (At the moment, this URL just takes you to my old site.) Once the site goes "live," we'll send an e-mail to everyone on the newsletter list and probably post it here on the blog.
Categories: pray
30.3.06
The Constant Gardner
Last night, Kristy and I saw “The Constant Gardner,” which was an absolutely brilliant film. The remarkable cinematography is reminiscent of other films like "Traffic," though more varied and artistic. The unfolding of the story was also excellently done, but at times, it’s difficult to catch what the characters are saying. (We had to turn the volume up and “rewind” several times.) It's a similar plot to movies such as "The Insider," and the current world events/issues that are thrown into the mix (Iraq, African AIDS crisis, Sudanese state-sanctioned violence) strike an all-too familiar chord in the hearts and minds of any viewers with a TV or internet connection.
Kristy and I were particularly impacted when the main character found himself in the middle of a Janjaweed raid on a Sudanese village. It was the maddening awareness that these raids are still happening in Sudan that made it such a difficult scene.
For whatever reason, that scene stuck with me. I found myself pondering the dilemma that the U.S. and other Western governments face in their dealings with Sudan: take leadership in pressuring the Sudanese government to call off the ethnic cleansing BUT don't make an enemy of the Islamic government lest they revert back to harboring terrorists and we endanger our own people.
My only conclusion was that sometimes good leadership must take risks. In this case, I think (at least I think I think) it's very necessary for the democratic, Western world to uphold the cause of justice and human rights for all people - not just their own. The U.S. in particular is much worse off if the rest of the world sees the hypocrisy of using it's power solely for the purpose of protecting it's own interests.
At the risk of sounding overly critical about an international crisis that I'm not fully educated on, I have read reports that the Bush administration is taking action. The question remains, will it be enough to stop the bloodshed?
So anyway . . . The Constant Gardner . . . great film.
(Click here for more on the crisis in Sudan and how you can be involved.)
Categories: film, justice
Kristy and I were particularly impacted when the main character found himself in the middle of a Janjaweed raid on a Sudanese village. It was the maddening awareness that these raids are still happening in Sudan that made it such a difficult scene.
For whatever reason, that scene stuck with me. I found myself pondering the dilemma that the U.S. and other Western governments face in their dealings with Sudan: take leadership in pressuring the Sudanese government to call off the ethnic cleansing BUT don't make an enemy of the Islamic government lest they revert back to harboring terrorists and we endanger our own people.
My only conclusion was that sometimes good leadership must take risks. In this case, I think (at least I think I think) it's very necessary for the democratic, Western world to uphold the cause of justice and human rights for all people - not just their own. The U.S. in particular is much worse off if the rest of the world sees the hypocrisy of using it's power solely for the purpose of protecting it's own interests.
At the risk of sounding overly critical about an international crisis that I'm not fully educated on, I have read reports that the Bush administration is taking action. The question remains, will it be enough to stop the bloodshed?
So anyway . . . The Constant Gardner . . . great film.
(Click here for more on the crisis in Sudan and how you can be involved.)
Categories: film, justice
29.3.06
Qumana Experiment
Just trying out a blog editor that was recommended by Andrew Jones (who got the recommendation from one of our GEM Ireland colleagues and friends, Matt Kingsley).
While I'm at it, check out this article about socially conscious teenagers and their consumer habits. And who says youth ministry can't change the world?? Jr. Highers, unite! (See if you can spot the word "ameliorate" in the article. That's my Word of the Month.)
Now, let's see how this Qumana thing really works.
Categories: blog, justice
While I'm at it, check out this article about socially conscious teenagers and their consumer habits. And who says youth ministry can't change the world?? Jr. Highers, unite! (See if you can spot the word "ameliorate" in the article. That's my Word of the Month.)
Now, let's see how this Qumana thing really works.
Categories: blog, justice
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