In a few days I’ll (hopefully) be taking off on my first international trip for work. Now, I’ve actually been several places around the world, including living in both Italy and South Africa. But this will be my first time to Peru, and my first time in South America. For this I am grateful to Mission Viejo Christian Church and to Mike on the Missions Board.
Here’s how it all happened. We had a volunteer phone repair man in our office in the Spring (we use LOTS of volunteers) and he brought someone from MVCC with him. Well, Jim loved what we do and quickly became our friend, advocate, and supporter. One of the best things that MVCC does for us is to pray for us. I so appreciate all of their prayers for us and for our partners around the world.
Well, Jim sent Mike to our office one day to use our Mission Store for one of their missions trips. On that visit Mike learned about our program that ships highly-needed pharmaceuticals to projects around the world in need. He ended up in my office that day to talk about getting medicines to their project in Peru and thus the partnership deepened.
At the end of the summer, I was sharing stories in their church along with a couple other ministries they support. Between the first service and the second service Mike had decided that their project in Peru really needed to partner with Giving Children Hope to start a new medical clinic in the community. The government had given the orphanage/clinic the building and even the medical personnel; the only thing needed was equipment, supplies and medicines. And this is where they could partner with GCH to get all that they need. So the partnership deepened again.
Mike asked me if I ever go to the field projects. Mind you, I sit in countless meetings with countless people from around the world and hear about their communities. My sense of adventure and love of travel has me longing to see each one in person. However, I know that I am best used not out in the field, but rather by working for an organization such as GCH getting resources to those communities. So when Mike heard that I had not been to any of our field projects he felt compelled to bring me along on their next trip to Peru. And with my boss’s permission, I’ll be taking off soon.
I cannot put into words how excited I am to participate in this missions trip. Really, I can’t! You see, God gives me this great privilege to partner on projects all over the world to get medical supplies, equipment and medicines. But I don’t ever get to see any of people that actually benefit. And that’s really fine. I don’t do my job to SEE the benefit. I do it because I am called to it and because I know that the poor DO benefit. That’s all I really need to know.
But you see, to SEE it firsthand. Well, that’s a real blessing. We’re praying that the medicines clear customs in time for us to take them with us from the airport to the rural clinic. This might not sound significant to anyone reading this, but I assure you it is. When you have done countless shipments around the world and only seen the photos of delivery and heard the stories of how the medicines helped, well, to know the communities by name that goes beyond words.
So I am truly grateful that the Lord brought Mission Viejo Christian Church into my life and into partnership with GCH. And I am grateful that MVCC is in partnership with this community in Peru. I can’t wait to hear of all that God is doing in the community and learn first hand. Every trip I take I learn more of the wonder and splendor of God. When I think He can’t possibly get any bigger He does. And I remember that I don’t really know that much at all. For these things I am truly grateful; there is nothing better then to learn about the greatness of God and be all that He has called me to be.
Thanks for your prayers as we travel in hopeful expectation of what God would have us do.
Monday, December 29, 2008
New Year: Goodbye 2008, welcome 2009
This year I’m spending New Year’s in New York City. With all of my adventures in life, spending New Year’s Eve in New York City is not one that I have yet experienced. So I’m excited. But I’m always more excited to see people that I care about. After all, being in a really cool place alone just isn’t the same as being with people that you care about. I’m currently in the airport waiting for my former roommate to arrive. We’re staying with a college friend who I haven’t seen in some time. I’ll also get to catch up with two good friends from when I lived in Milan, one from South Africa and one from Greece. So really the best part of the trip is the people.
Airplane rides for me still do a really wonderful thing in that they allow you uninterrupted time alone (unless you are sitting next to chatty Cathy). So I always have time to read, write, pray, journal, or sometimes work. There are no emails coming in, no one pulling you into a meeting, no phones to ring or texts to read, just time to do whatever you need to. It’s wonderful.
This trip I took with me my new copy of Relevant magazine that just arrived yesterday. Relevant is the only magazine that I currently receive; at least the only one that I receive that I pay for. I subscribe to this magazine because it makes me think, at it lines up with my faith and values in life. I always learn about new things and get educated on the issues I care about. I don’t always agree with everything it says, but I think it’s healthy to be challenged in ideas.
I read the following on the plane today that had me relating and pondering at the same time. The article was entitled The Right View of the Bible by Scot McKnight. Here’s what it had to say:
A student walks from the lunchroom to my office, sits down to chat, looks at me and asks this:
“Why does my pastor ask me all the time if I still believe in the inerrancy of the Bible?” Before I had collected my thoughts enough to being answering such a question he interrupted me with this: “You know, Scot, I don’t really give a damn what my pastor’s view of the Bible is because he doesn’t give one frickin’ dime to the poor and he’s never met a homeless person in his life and he didn’t even know about Darfur when I mentioned it to him at Christmas. At Christmas, Scot. Christmas! And he doesn’t even know about Darfur!” He was obviously setting me up because he asked me this next: “My view of the Bible is this: I read it often – not everyday – and I do what I think God tells me to do. What good is inerrancy, if you don’t do what God says?” Then a kick-you-in-the-face questions: “if I do what God says, doesn’t that show that my view of the Bible is the right one?”
My student might as well have said-to swipe and adapt words from the letter of James-“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have the right view of the Bible but don’t live it out?” (James 2:14)
What St. Francis of Assisi comprehended what Jesus had called His disciples to be and to do, he went for it. He gave up a life of luxury and sensual pleasures to follow Jesus as radically as he possibly could. The brown habit worn to this day by Franciscans embodies the vision of Francis. He reconstructed shabby old churches, he tended to the poor and the lame and the leprous and he established a concern for God’s creation beyond what most had ever seen. Francis set off a revolution. All of this because his view of the Bible was one that went beyond having the right view to having a life that matched it……
I know many Christians who believe the right view of the Bible but don’t seem to live it out. In a day of dramatic poverty, how can one believe the right things about the Bible and not do something for the poor? Too many Christians are satisfied with believing the right things (orthodoxy) and not concerned enough with doing the right things (orthopraxy). Orthodoxy that does not lead to orthropraxy is dead.
This article reminded me of growing up in the church. I grew up in a few different churches right here in Orange County where Giving Children Hope is located. Hardly ever was the poor the central of any sermon and if they were talked about it was in distant far off places and they didn’t push us to do anything. At least that was my experience. I was an adult when I learned that in Orange County there are many homeless families called “motel families” and that OC has the highest rate of homelessness behind Detroit. Really?
I attended Santa Barbara churches when the Rwandan genocide happened but not once did I hear of it. Brothers and sisters being massacred and I never even knew. The orphans and widows, they were from the Bible times, we didn’t care for the orphans around the world and the American foster care system was largely ignored by the church.
So when I read this article I related. The people in the communities I grew up in knew the Bible better than me, and for that I envied them. But I wasn’t sure it ever compelled them to do anything. And how could it when you had a Bible study or accountability group every night of the week?
I think the church has come a long way since I grew up. And I think the Orange County churches have particularly come far. An area that was absent in the social justice movement I think has now taken the lead. Mega churches like Saddleback Church hold conferences on HIV/AIDS and Rock Harbor raises money each summer for local and international charities making a difference. They are encouraging the church to be out in the community and connect with the pain and heartache. Churches like this are growing. People are longing to see the church go back to its roots and care for the poor.
So as we approach the New Year of 2009, if you are a Bible reading person, I encourage you to grapple with the scripture. What does it mean for YOU to serve the poor? Visit those in prison? Care for the orphan? The widow? The sick? What does it REALLY mean and what does it mean in YOUR life? Just think of all of the ways that God has been waiting to use YOU.
Airplane rides for me still do a really wonderful thing in that they allow you uninterrupted time alone (unless you are sitting next to chatty Cathy). So I always have time to read, write, pray, journal, or sometimes work. There are no emails coming in, no one pulling you into a meeting, no phones to ring or texts to read, just time to do whatever you need to. It’s wonderful.
This trip I took with me my new copy of Relevant magazine that just arrived yesterday. Relevant is the only magazine that I currently receive; at least the only one that I receive that I pay for. I subscribe to this magazine because it makes me think, at it lines up with my faith and values in life. I always learn about new things and get educated on the issues I care about. I don’t always agree with everything it says, but I think it’s healthy to be challenged in ideas.
I read the following on the plane today that had me relating and pondering at the same time. The article was entitled The Right View of the Bible by Scot McKnight. Here’s what it had to say:
A student walks from the lunchroom to my office, sits down to chat, looks at me and asks this:
“Why does my pastor ask me all the time if I still believe in the inerrancy of the Bible?” Before I had collected my thoughts enough to being answering such a question he interrupted me with this: “You know, Scot, I don’t really give a damn what my pastor’s view of the Bible is because he doesn’t give one frickin’ dime to the poor and he’s never met a homeless person in his life and he didn’t even know about Darfur when I mentioned it to him at Christmas. At Christmas, Scot. Christmas! And he doesn’t even know about Darfur!” He was obviously setting me up because he asked me this next: “My view of the Bible is this: I read it often – not everyday – and I do what I think God tells me to do. What good is inerrancy, if you don’t do what God says?” Then a kick-you-in-the-face questions: “if I do what God says, doesn’t that show that my view of the Bible is the right one?”
My student might as well have said-to swipe and adapt words from the letter of James-“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have the right view of the Bible but don’t live it out?” (James 2:14)
What St. Francis of Assisi comprehended what Jesus had called His disciples to be and to do, he went for it. He gave up a life of luxury and sensual pleasures to follow Jesus as radically as he possibly could. The brown habit worn to this day by Franciscans embodies the vision of Francis. He reconstructed shabby old churches, he tended to the poor and the lame and the leprous and he established a concern for God’s creation beyond what most had ever seen. Francis set off a revolution. All of this because his view of the Bible was one that went beyond having the right view to having a life that matched it……
I know many Christians who believe the right view of the Bible but don’t seem to live it out. In a day of dramatic poverty, how can one believe the right things about the Bible and not do something for the poor? Too many Christians are satisfied with believing the right things (orthodoxy) and not concerned enough with doing the right things (orthopraxy). Orthodoxy that does not lead to orthropraxy is dead.
This article reminded me of growing up in the church. I grew up in a few different churches right here in Orange County where Giving Children Hope is located. Hardly ever was the poor the central of any sermon and if they were talked about it was in distant far off places and they didn’t push us to do anything. At least that was my experience. I was an adult when I learned that in Orange County there are many homeless families called “motel families” and that OC has the highest rate of homelessness behind Detroit. Really?
I attended Santa Barbara churches when the Rwandan genocide happened but not once did I hear of it. Brothers and sisters being massacred and I never even knew. The orphans and widows, they were from the Bible times, we didn’t care for the orphans around the world and the American foster care system was largely ignored by the church.
So when I read this article I related. The people in the communities I grew up in knew the Bible better than me, and for that I envied them. But I wasn’t sure it ever compelled them to do anything. And how could it when you had a Bible study or accountability group every night of the week?
I think the church has come a long way since I grew up. And I think the Orange County churches have particularly come far. An area that was absent in the social justice movement I think has now taken the lead. Mega churches like Saddleback Church hold conferences on HIV/AIDS and Rock Harbor raises money each summer for local and international charities making a difference. They are encouraging the church to be out in the community and connect with the pain and heartache. Churches like this are growing. People are longing to see the church go back to its roots and care for the poor.
So as we approach the New Year of 2009, if you are a Bible reading person, I encourage you to grapple with the scripture. What does it mean for YOU to serve the poor? Visit those in prison? Care for the orphan? The widow? The sick? What does it REALLY mean and what does it mean in YOUR life? Just think of all of the ways that God has been waiting to use YOU.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Spirit of Christmas
I just left the office this Christmas Eve and I’m getting ready to go visit with my family for the holiday. I wept today tears of sadness at the dire situation in a nation far away and also tears of joy to be working together with partners who are truly embracing the spirit of Christmas and giving.
Three years ago I spent Christmas in Italy. It was the first time I was away from the States at Christmas and was pleasantly refreshed by the lack of consumerism that surrounded the holiday in this country. Small gifts were given to family members, but there wasn’t a need to go into debt and give everyone that you know a gift. What a concept. Instead the focus was on family; attending church together and family dinners. I stayed with the Celletti family who took me into their home and gave me a very special Christmas.
This Christmas Eve I am humbled to work for Giving Children Hope. Today we sent a shipment to Zimbabwe to treat 40,000 people for the cholera outbreak. On Monday we have another shipment leaving to serve 80,000. This is in addition to what has already been sent. The hospitals there have been empty with no help in sight. And the great thing is churches have come together to serve the need in the real meaning of Christmas. After all, what was Jesus all about? How should be celebrating the birth of Christ and honoring the Father? Is giving expensive gifts to family members who have everything honoring Jesus?
I’m not saying we should not give gifts at all. I have wonderful family memories that come from giving gifts at Christmas. But somewhere along the way the American consumerism robbed us of what Christmas really means and what we should really be giving. So when churches and other organizations come together and on Christmas Eve we are able to ship medicines to treat over 40,000 I think we are delivering the kind of Christmas gift that honors the birth of Jesus.
As I was on the phone with a pastor today, he recounted horrific stories of doctors and nurses working by candlelight and literally dragging dead children to the morgue in darkness. What a dark picture to think about at Christmas. But that dark picture painted gets replaced with great light when medicines arrive to save lives. After all, Jesus came to save life.
So this Christmas I finally feel like I am partaking in the holiday in the way that is honoring. Giving Children Hope isn’t doing this alone by any means. It takes a village to make a project happen. But when we work together to serve peoples basic needs then I think we get what Christmas is all about. This Christmas I hope that you too are enjoying the real reason for the season!
Three years ago I spent Christmas in Italy. It was the first time I was away from the States at Christmas and was pleasantly refreshed by the lack of consumerism that surrounded the holiday in this country. Small gifts were given to family members, but there wasn’t a need to go into debt and give everyone that you know a gift. What a concept. Instead the focus was on family; attending church together and family dinners. I stayed with the Celletti family who took me into their home and gave me a very special Christmas.
This Christmas Eve I am humbled to work for Giving Children Hope. Today we sent a shipment to Zimbabwe to treat 40,000 people for the cholera outbreak. On Monday we have another shipment leaving to serve 80,000. This is in addition to what has already been sent. The hospitals there have been empty with no help in sight. And the great thing is churches have come together to serve the need in the real meaning of Christmas. After all, what was Jesus all about? How should be celebrating the birth of Christ and honoring the Father? Is giving expensive gifts to family members who have everything honoring Jesus?
I’m not saying we should not give gifts at all. I have wonderful family memories that come from giving gifts at Christmas. But somewhere along the way the American consumerism robbed us of what Christmas really means and what we should really be giving. So when churches and other organizations come together and on Christmas Eve we are able to ship medicines to treat over 40,000 I think we are delivering the kind of Christmas gift that honors the birth of Jesus.
As I was on the phone with a pastor today, he recounted horrific stories of doctors and nurses working by candlelight and literally dragging dead children to the morgue in darkness. What a dark picture to think about at Christmas. But that dark picture painted gets replaced with great light when medicines arrive to save lives. After all, Jesus came to save life.
So this Christmas I finally feel like I am partaking in the holiday in the way that is honoring. Giving Children Hope isn’t doing this alone by any means. It takes a village to make a project happen. But when we work together to serve peoples basic needs then I think we get what Christmas is all about. This Christmas I hope that you too are enjoying the real reason for the season!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Cholera in Zimbabwe
Today I talked to a few different people about the crisis in Zimbabwe. As it turns out, we broke down our costs and we are working to fundraise just 22 cents per person to treat for the cholera outbreak. Wow, just 22 cents! That means that if you skipped a grande latte at Starbucks for $4.50 you could send medicines to treat 20 people! Wow!
When I look at the numbers I find it all to be so staggering. It’s hard to not feel guilty when you spend money other ways. I don’t think the point is to feel guilty, or the point is to never drink a coffee at Starbucks. But it certainly puts into perspective how you spend your money when you put things side by side.
I’ve had people ask me how much you should give. I have a hard time answering that question. I guess we should give everything in a way. From a Christian perspective, everything is the Lord’s, I own nothing because I can’t take it with me when I die. So if I’m just a steward of resources then I guess I’ve really giving it all.
Now, that isn’t such a great answer to give people. So I usually say that I think a good level of giving is one where you are making a sacrifice. Meaning, if you are buying yourself everything you want, and you are only giving from your leftovers of disposable income, I don’t think you are giving enough. I think a good sense is tempering your spending, waiting on the iPhone or not going out to dinner some night so that you can give, then I think that’s a good level of giving and gets the focus off of our self and onto others.
Today as I think about my people I know from Zimbabwe, my heart aches. If you have not had a chance to assist in the outbreak but would like to partner together to ship medicines, please visit our website at http://www.gchope.org/cholera-outbreak-in-zimbabwe.html
When I look at the numbers I find it all to be so staggering. It’s hard to not feel guilty when you spend money other ways. I don’t think the point is to feel guilty, or the point is to never drink a coffee at Starbucks. But it certainly puts into perspective how you spend your money when you put things side by side.
I’ve had people ask me how much you should give. I have a hard time answering that question. I guess we should give everything in a way. From a Christian perspective, everything is the Lord’s, I own nothing because I can’t take it with me when I die. So if I’m just a steward of resources then I guess I’ve really giving it all.
Now, that isn’t such a great answer to give people. So I usually say that I think a good level of giving is one where you are making a sacrifice. Meaning, if you are buying yourself everything you want, and you are only giving from your leftovers of disposable income, I don’t think you are giving enough. I think a good sense is tempering your spending, waiting on the iPhone or not going out to dinner some night so that you can give, then I think that’s a good level of giving and gets the focus off of our self and onto others.
Today as I think about my people I know from Zimbabwe, my heart aches. If you have not had a chance to assist in the outbreak but would like to partner together to ship medicines, please visit our website at http://www.gchope.org/cholera-outbreak-in-zimbabwe.html
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Is there anything good about more stuff?
The Christmas season is filled with stuff. And the Christian community more and more is focusing not only on the fact that Christmas has become less about Christ, but what could we do for the Kingdom with all of that money! Today in church my pastor went through a message of how much Americans spend on Christmas each year, and how much it would cost to educate every child in the world or deliver clean water. Pretty staggering numbers and pretty sad about the choices we make as a culture.
So today my mind has been thinking about a few things….because I work around needs….and because I work to ship stuff. What do I think about stuff?
When I look at the life of Jesus I see that He did some stuff with stuff too. Now, in church we would likely hear that Jesus was not about stuff. And that’s true, because Jesus was about relationship. But see, Jesus used stuff to build relationship and we ought to too.
When Jesus was on earth he met people’s physical needs before he met their spiritual needs. It wasn’t that He didn’t care for their spiritual needs, but he listened first. When the people were hungry and the disciples said to send them away, Jesus said, “You feed them”. He didn’t try to preach to the people, he simply cared for their physical needs with stuff: 5,000 loaves and fishes. And because He cared for their physical needs the people were open to have their spiritual needs cared for.
So, amidst all of the bad things out there about stuff, I focus on the good we can do with stuff because we give it away. And when we give it away because we care about others it’s amazing what happens.
I hope that this Christmas you’ll find ways to not only give away your stuff that can hold you hostage, but you can help non-profits give away there stuff too.
So today my mind has been thinking about a few things….because I work around needs….and because I work to ship stuff. What do I think about stuff?
When I look at the life of Jesus I see that He did some stuff with stuff too. Now, in church we would likely hear that Jesus was not about stuff. And that’s true, because Jesus was about relationship. But see, Jesus used stuff to build relationship and we ought to too.
When Jesus was on earth he met people’s physical needs before he met their spiritual needs. It wasn’t that He didn’t care for their spiritual needs, but he listened first. When the people were hungry and the disciples said to send them away, Jesus said, “You feed them”. He didn’t try to preach to the people, he simply cared for their physical needs with stuff: 5,000 loaves and fishes. And because He cared for their physical needs the people were open to have their spiritual needs cared for.
So, amidst all of the bad things out there about stuff, I focus on the good we can do with stuff because we give it away. And when we give it away because we care about others it’s amazing what happens.
I hope that this Christmas you’ll find ways to not only give away your stuff that can hold you hostage, but you can help non-profits give away there stuff too.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sharing Burdens
At Giving Children Hope I truly get great get joy from our partners. They are passionate people who are dedicated to helping others and advancing the cause to bring hope!
Yesterday we had back in our office Brian from Won Generation. We are working together to assist the country of Zimbabwe. Their country director in Zimbabwe is attending a funeral a day with the recent cholera outbreak and food shortage. We’re working together to send medicines, dried fruit, and medical supplies. This family is making great sacrifices so they can get aid to people that are in desperate need. So often I am saddened by circumstances, but inspired by those we work with and together hope is delivered to communities and Brian is an inspiring partner.
Today however, I learned of a tragedy of favorite partners in Houston. This couple is amazing and gives so much to their community as pastors of a church. Just last week their son was killed in a car accident. When I heard the news I cried, because our partners become such dear people in our lives here that together we share each others burdens. I’m not always sure why God has me in the role that He does. Often I am just so inadequate. But for some reason here I am, doing the best that I can, and trusting that God has infinite wisdom to deal with all of the pain in the world.
Sad news often brings me to one of my favorite prayer books by Ted Loder entitled Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle. A prayer that seems fitting in such hard to understand circumstances:
How Shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers?
or groans
or sighs
or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted to you?
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just my pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged
bouquet of words?
Will you accept me Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?
Lord help me!
Help me to trust that you do accept me as I am,
that I may be done with self-condemnation
and self-pit,
and accept myself.
Help me to accept you as you are Lord:
mysterious,
hidden,
strange,
unknowable;
and yet to trust
that your madness is wiser
than my timid, self-seeking sanities,
and that nothing you've ever done
has really been possible,
so that I may dare to be a little mad too.
So today, we lift up our friends in Houston, we lift up our friends in Zimbabwe, and we shed tears in solidarity and listen for direction on how to respond. The only thing we often know is that we are indeed called to respond.
Yesterday we had back in our office Brian from Won Generation. We are working together to assist the country of Zimbabwe. Their country director in Zimbabwe is attending a funeral a day with the recent cholera outbreak and food shortage. We’re working together to send medicines, dried fruit, and medical supplies. This family is making great sacrifices so they can get aid to people that are in desperate need. So often I am saddened by circumstances, but inspired by those we work with and together hope is delivered to communities and Brian is an inspiring partner.
Today however, I learned of a tragedy of favorite partners in Houston. This couple is amazing and gives so much to their community as pastors of a church. Just last week their son was killed in a car accident. When I heard the news I cried, because our partners become such dear people in our lives here that together we share each others burdens. I’m not always sure why God has me in the role that He does. Often I am just so inadequate. But for some reason here I am, doing the best that I can, and trusting that God has infinite wisdom to deal with all of the pain in the world.
Sad news often brings me to one of my favorite prayer books by Ted Loder entitled Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle. A prayer that seems fitting in such hard to understand circumstances:
How Shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers?
or groans
or sighs
or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted to you?
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just my pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged
bouquet of words?
Will you accept me Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?
Lord help me!
Help me to trust that you do accept me as I am,
that I may be done with self-condemnation
and self-pit,
and accept myself.
Help me to accept you as you are Lord:
mysterious,
hidden,
strange,
unknowable;
and yet to trust
that your madness is wiser
than my timid, self-seeking sanities,
and that nothing you've ever done
has really been possible,
so that I may dare to be a little mad too.
So today, we lift up our friends in Houston, we lift up our friends in Zimbabwe, and we shed tears in solidarity and listen for direction on how to respond. The only thing we often know is that we are indeed called to respond.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Journey Towards Hope
I guess it’s fitting that my last blog about death be followed by a blog about hope and certainly thanks as this is Thanksgiving.
This morning at 4:44 AM my grandfather closed his eyes and entered the presence of Jesus. What a joy and a blessing that after almost 91 years he is free from the tent that has been holding him back and is finally rejoicing with the angels. My family was so thankful this morning to see the suffering end and the joy begin.
We were also filled with thanks to be in a home that could have burned to the ground like so many around us, but instead it was filled with love and family…and food. We were so thankful that friends and even strangers came together to give us a home-cooked meal on such a different Thanksgiving. What a blessing to feel the love of Jesus in such a tangible way, through physical provision.
As I also blogged about the situation in Zimbabwe last, and they are still in dire straights with many dying, yesterday I was corresponding with our partners from World Vision. Just a couple weeks ago we did a project together where Giving Children Hope sent medicines to their project in Zimbabwe. Jennifer reported to me on Wednesday that not only did all go well in arrival, but that the medicines literally kept the hospitals doors open. So while we can’t fix the whole country, we find hope in the fact that we CAN do something. And I hope that those that received treatment in Zimbabwe felt the love of Jesus through physical provision the same as my family did today through our physical provision.
Yes indeed, we have much to give thanks for this season as we wait in hopeful expectation for the birth of our Savior.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Journey through Death
It isn’t often one wants to write, or even think about death. But it’s been a little hard for me to escape from these last weeks.
My almost 91 year old grandfather is currently on his death bed. He’s in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and any day now he will pass from this life to one with Jesus. On one hand, it’s an exciting time. But the process of death is difficult to watch, especially if it is a loved one. Watching his body turn frailer and become less of the man I knew pains me.
I am also plagued to think about death with the conversations I’ve been having regarding Zimbabwe. If you don’t know what has been going on in recent years in Zimbabwe just google it. You can read about the land redistribution, the AIDS epidemic, the hyper-inflation, the ruling of Mugabe and the all-out humanitarian crisis happening with a food shortage and lack of any basic medical supplies and medicines.
God has recently been bringing together partners into our facility to talk about Zimbabwe. The requests we have are heart-breaking. When you know that millions of people are suffering and dying because there isn’t any food available to eat, all you can do is cry You try to get your mind around 200 million percent inflation, but you can’t. And well, you can end up feeling a little paralyzed. What can I do?
So I struggle as a person. I’m obviously consumed with my family feeling the pain of losing the only grand-father I ever knew. Watching him forget how to swallow and now gasp for air is a traumatic experience. But I remind myself that my grandfather lived a long and full life and will now enter eternity with Jesus. And as I mourn this death process, I find myself in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who deal with death on a daily basis, only they didn’t have the opportunity to live such long lives. Mothers who are losing their children because of the lack of medicines to treat their children from simple diseases or the inability to gather food pains me greatly. Those in Zimbabwe who have the lowest life expectancy in the world, it is only in the 30’s. When I remind myself of these realities, I feel so grateful to have had so many wonderful years with my Popi.
Knowing of the pain around the world doesn’t lessen the pain of watching my grandfather’s body fail and fade. But it does remind me that I am not alone in my pain. And it does inspire me to continue my work on behalf of the poor. And it inspires me to trust in God’s mysterious wisdom because sometimes you just don’t understand why things are as they are. And in this season of life, I just don’t understand, but I do trust.
My almost 91 year old grandfather is currently on his death bed. He’s in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and any day now he will pass from this life to one with Jesus. On one hand, it’s an exciting time. But the process of death is difficult to watch, especially if it is a loved one. Watching his body turn frailer and become less of the man I knew pains me.
I am also plagued to think about death with the conversations I’ve been having regarding Zimbabwe. If you don’t know what has been going on in recent years in Zimbabwe just google it. You can read about the land redistribution, the AIDS epidemic, the hyper-inflation, the ruling of Mugabe and the all-out humanitarian crisis happening with a food shortage and lack of any basic medical supplies and medicines.
God has recently been bringing together partners into our facility to talk about Zimbabwe. The requests we have are heart-breaking. When you know that millions of people are suffering and dying because there isn’t any food available to eat, all you can do is cry You try to get your mind around 200 million percent inflation, but you can’t. And well, you can end up feeling a little paralyzed. What can I do?
So I struggle as a person. I’m obviously consumed with my family feeling the pain of losing the only grand-father I ever knew. Watching him forget how to swallow and now gasp for air is a traumatic experience. But I remind myself that my grandfather lived a long and full life and will now enter eternity with Jesus. And as I mourn this death process, I find myself in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who deal with death on a daily basis, only they didn’t have the opportunity to live such long lives. Mothers who are losing their children because of the lack of medicines to treat their children from simple diseases or the inability to gather food pains me greatly. Those in Zimbabwe who have the lowest life expectancy in the world, it is only in the 30’s. When I remind myself of these realities, I feel so grateful to have had so many wonderful years with my Popi.
Knowing of the pain around the world doesn’t lessen the pain of watching my grandfather’s body fail and fade. But it does remind me that I am not alone in my pain. And it does inspire me to continue my work on behalf of the poor. And it inspires me to trust in God’s mysterious wisdom because sometimes you just don’t understand why things are as they are. And in this season of life, I just don’t understand, but I do trust.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Top 5 Things to Ensure a Successful Partnership
1) Focus on the cause. When it makes sense for the cause to work together, but necessarily for your own organization, you should still partner (within reason). As others see that you are more committed to the cause above yourself and your organization, it makes you more attractive.
2) Communicate, communicate, communicate. Clearly put in writing the details of the partnership that is equitable to all parties. Outline what responsibilities each of you has, how you will message it, and how it supports the community you serve together. Almost every project we do has an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) which details our responsibilities to one another. When there are no surprises going in, and the outline is fair to everyone, it cuts down on problems.
3) Be ok with sharing the credit. Look, you are partnering for a reason, because each organization has a particular strong suit you want to play to. That’s great, talk about that because it was important to the project. But when your partner has a strong suit, speak to that too. The project is successful because you each did your part. You should be willing to share the credit.
4) Write grant proposals together. Just think about it. What if you wrote grant proposals with another organization. You each talked about what part you would do and outlined each cost but put forward one large budget with who gets what and why. I bet the project would have a greater chance of success and the foundation officer would be more likely to fund. Just a thought.
5) Get over your differences. Too often I see organizations working on the same cause, maybe on the same college campus, but unwilling to work together. They have some fundamental differences that make them different organizations. But to the outsider, it looks like you are more concerned with your own organization than contributing to bringing attention and action to the cause. My advice, get over it. Find out the things you do agree on and do events together around those things. That doesn’t mean you merge into one organization or throw away those differences you find important, but when you focus on the similarities you’ll just get a lot more done.
Basically, if you go into non-profit and you’re doing a good job it means you’re trying to work yourself out of a job. And if you’re not trying to work yourself out of a job, trying to create an environment where the cause you are advocating is no longer a problem, well then I think you need to check your motives. I’m not saying Giving Children Hope is perfect, we are far from it. But as we continue to partner with numerous organizations to make sure joint-projects are successful we’ve learned something about why some partnership work and some that are more challenging. We just want your partnership to be successful too!
2) Communicate, communicate, communicate. Clearly put in writing the details of the partnership that is equitable to all parties. Outline what responsibilities each of you has, how you will message it, and how it supports the community you serve together. Almost every project we do has an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) which details our responsibilities to one another. When there are no surprises going in, and the outline is fair to everyone, it cuts down on problems.
3) Be ok with sharing the credit. Look, you are partnering for a reason, because each organization has a particular strong suit you want to play to. That’s great, talk about that because it was important to the project. But when your partner has a strong suit, speak to that too. The project is successful because you each did your part. You should be willing to share the credit.
4) Write grant proposals together. Just think about it. What if you wrote grant proposals with another organization. You each talked about what part you would do and outlined each cost but put forward one large budget with who gets what and why. I bet the project would have a greater chance of success and the foundation officer would be more likely to fund. Just a thought.
5) Get over your differences. Too often I see organizations working on the same cause, maybe on the same college campus, but unwilling to work together. They have some fundamental differences that make them different organizations. But to the outsider, it looks like you are more concerned with your own organization than contributing to bringing attention and action to the cause. My advice, get over it. Find out the things you do agree on and do events together around those things. That doesn’t mean you merge into one organization or throw away those differences you find important, but when you focus on the similarities you’ll just get a lot more done.
Basically, if you go into non-profit and you’re doing a good job it means you’re trying to work yourself out of a job. And if you’re not trying to work yourself out of a job, trying to create an environment where the cause you are advocating is no longer a problem, well then I think you need to check your motives. I’m not saying Giving Children Hope is perfect, we are far from it. But as we continue to partner with numerous organizations to make sure joint-projects are successful we’ve learned something about why some partnership work and some that are more challenging. We just want your partnership to be successful too!
Top 5 Reasons Non-profits don’t partner together
1) Fear of losing donors to the partner organization. The truth is, people donate on average to 7 organizations. When you promote your partner rather than fear them, chances are that you won’t lose a donor but your partner might gain a donor. And vice versa.
2) Control: who gets the final say when you partner. Too often non-profits don’t work together because it comes down to who gets the final say on things. But if you make things equitable for all, this shouldn’t be an issue.
3) Messaging: how do you communicate the partnership to those outside the organization and who’s name goes first. I propose you mix it up a little.
4) Lack of awareness: not all organizations know who is working on the same issue as them. This is no ones fault, but if you are doing work in just has to do with a little bit of research to find out who is doing what in the community you are serving.
5) Credit: who gets the credit for doing the work? The answer should be that you both do. When you get to the point that you don’t care about credit, it might just be that credit ends up coming to you.
At Giving Children Hope we only work on partnerships. That means that every project is in partnership with another organization and in partnership with those who are helping to fund the project. Bottom line, we’re all in it together. Not every organization wants to partner though and we do run into those that only want to fly solo.
The non-profit community is waking up to the fact that we have to partner because people are holding us accountable to partner together. Hopefully we also realize we’re more effective in our work that way. So, here’s to seeing more non-profits realize that everyone wins when you work together…especially those that you are serving.
2) Control: who gets the final say when you partner. Too often non-profits don’t work together because it comes down to who gets the final say on things. But if you make things equitable for all, this shouldn’t be an issue.
3) Messaging: how do you communicate the partnership to those outside the organization and who’s name goes first. I propose you mix it up a little.
4) Lack of awareness: not all organizations know who is working on the same issue as them. This is no ones fault, but if you are doing work in just has to do with a little bit of research to find out who is doing what in the community you are serving.
5) Credit: who gets the credit for doing the work? The answer should be that you both do. When you get to the point that you don’t care about credit, it might just be that credit ends up coming to you.
At Giving Children Hope we only work on partnerships. That means that every project is in partnership with another organization and in partnership with those who are helping to fund the project. Bottom line, we’re all in it together. Not every organization wants to partner though and we do run into those that only want to fly solo.
The non-profit community is waking up to the fact that we have to partner because people are holding us accountable to partner together. Hopefully we also realize we’re more effective in our work that way. So, here’s to seeing more non-profits realize that everyone wins when you work together…especially those that you are serving.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Fire Update
Giving Children Hope is determining the best way to help our neighbors. On a personal note, I am happy to report that my parent’s home is standing – as is their street thanks in part to police officers and two brave neighbors who put out small fires in back yards while the firemen battled the large flames.
I went into the neighborhood about 3 PM and counted between 20 to 30 of their neighbor’s homes that were completely destroyed. I talked with their neighbors and every recounts the fear of how quickly the flames crossed the hills and all of a sudden 20 foot flames were at their house and everyone was evacuating at the same time. Embers were literally falling upon them as they escaped into their cars to gridlock. One neighbor on our street left his car in the middle of the street fearing his life and fleeing on foot. Most of my parents street left when their yards were on fire – the flames were so high they didn’t dare to battle them but tried to ensure they could get out with their lives…never expecting to come home to a house still standing.
A short time after most people left, one of our neighbors returned, after the large flames were out. He and another neighbor stayed through the night, putting out the small yard fires and protecting the neighborhood from looters. Had it not been for them, likely houses on the street would not have survived.
It’s not often that such a tragedy strikes so close to home. And while you are thankful it didn’t happen to you, or your family, it’s heart-breaking to see it happen to others. Fire has no mercy. Two houses burn to the ground and the next one stands unscathed, with no rhyme or reason.
If you’d like to help families affected by the fires, please visit our website at http://www.gchope.org/.
Thanks for your prayers for Southern California. The fires continue and resources are limited. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wildfires
Normally I write about partnering with others, and it’s a little bit more removed. Today as I write about fires, it strikes a cord close to home….my own family.
This afternoon I helped my family to evacuate from the Southern California wildfires. My grandmother is staying with me and my parents are with others, having helped evacuate my grandfather’s assisted living facility, they are across town and can’t get through with road closures.
It’s pretty scary being on the other end. Flames were feet away from my parents home as they drove away in their cars, with what little they could take, and we pray that their house and others are spared.
Giving Children Hope is mounting our response to see how we can help in the crisis. If you’d like to help, please check our website at http://www.gchope.org/. When we have any information about how we can help and how YOU can help, we’ll post it.
Thanks for your prayers for Southern California!
This afternoon I helped my family to evacuate from the Southern California wildfires. My grandmother is staying with me and my parents are with others, having helped evacuate my grandfather’s assisted living facility, they are across town and can’t get through with road closures.
It’s pretty scary being on the other end. Flames were feet away from my parents home as they drove away in their cars, with what little they could take, and we pray that their house and others are spared.
Giving Children Hope is mounting our response to see how we can help in the crisis. If you’d like to help, please check our website at http://www.gchope.org/. When we have any information about how we can help and how YOU can help, we’ll post it.
Thanks for your prayers for Southern California!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Could building medical clinics be the rebuilding of the Temple?
Today’s message in the church that I attend was on the temple and the fact that Christ dwells among us IN the temple. Meaning that WE are the temple and Christ is dwelling inside of us and the radicalness of this concept. He talked through the Old Testament where people could not catch simply a glimpse of the Presence of God and yet now Christ dwells inside of us.
As I contemplated this message some things about the Church and the rebuilding of the Temple came to mind. Now, I’m not a theologian or a scholar. But in the time of Jesus He talked about how the Temple would be raised in 3 days and the scholars of the day were very focused on the literal infrastructure and missed that Jesus was talking about Himself. Here they were in the very Presence of Christ and yet they missed the mark altogether because they failed to see how God was moving right in front of them.
I hear of many churches that are focused on end time scenarios and they spend much time studying the Words of the scripture and speculating about the physical rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Many even spend great amounts of money to tour their congregation through the land (which is an amazing experience). They watch the political scene between Israel and Palestine and are awaiting the literal rebuilding of the Temple.
So I had this radical idea that perhaps the Church leaders of our day might be missing it too. If indeed WE are the Temple then perhaps it’s really about God building up His people as the Temple as opposed to the literal structure in Israel. Again, I’m not a scholar, but what I am is a quiet observer of watching how the Holy Spirit moves.
In my job as a Distribution Center of aid, we don’t dictate what projects need to be done next, we ask for people from communities to apply to us and we listen to how God is moving in their community. Because of this I meet with people on a regular basis from all over the world. While God does move different in different cultures, I’m actually amazed by some of the similarities. Many of the missionaries and non-profits come to us with stories from their communities about the poor and the meek. I hear stories of children dying at the age of two because they contracted a parasite and there were no medicines available. I hear stories of ten year old girls tricked into sex slavery and later rescued but not having the means to become healthy physically, spiritually and emotionally. I hear stories of twelve year old boys kidnapped at night and forced to kill in rebel armies. And then I hear the stories of the advocates on the front lines, quietly fighting to make things just a little bit better in the place where they live. So while each story is unique, the lack of access to the needed resources is consistent, and the steadfast people working behind the scenes where God has called them is consistent.
So I wonder, is God already building the Temple right now through these people and communities? Is THIS the Temple? Maybe instead of a physical brick being laid that brick is representative of a new school, shelter, or medical clinic that is erected? Maybe God is building His Temple right now with a bunch of ordinary people and the scholars of today are looking and waiting for that physical manifestation that may never be?
I’m not saying this is what is. But I wonder, if this were true, would we live our lives any different? What if instead of being spectators waiting for the Temple, we had an active part in building it? What if going into hard places and spending time in physical labor was an active part of building the Temple? What if every dollar that we spent providing life-saving medicines or every student that we sponsored to have an education meant that the Temple was a little bit further along? Would we live our lives any different as Christians? Would we see that we have a greater responsibility to rebuild the Temple then one of spectator simply awaiting someone else to do the work? I wonder.
Just so I’m clear, I’m not advocating any kind of works-based theology. But what I do try to do is to challenge Christians to take their Bible seriously. Faith without works is dead. So if you are a Christian, as you listen to God and watch the Holy Spirit move, let me know if you see what I see. Is God doing something unique in our time? What is He doing? And what is the part you play? Are we working together towards building the Temple? Or are we simply waiting for the Temple to be built?
As I contemplated this message some things about the Church and the rebuilding of the Temple came to mind. Now, I’m not a theologian or a scholar. But in the time of Jesus He talked about how the Temple would be raised in 3 days and the scholars of the day were very focused on the literal infrastructure and missed that Jesus was talking about Himself. Here they were in the very Presence of Christ and yet they missed the mark altogether because they failed to see how God was moving right in front of them.
I hear of many churches that are focused on end time scenarios and they spend much time studying the Words of the scripture and speculating about the physical rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Many even spend great amounts of money to tour their congregation through the land (which is an amazing experience). They watch the political scene between Israel and Palestine and are awaiting the literal rebuilding of the Temple.
So I had this radical idea that perhaps the Church leaders of our day might be missing it too. If indeed WE are the Temple then perhaps it’s really about God building up His people as the Temple as opposed to the literal structure in Israel. Again, I’m not a scholar, but what I am is a quiet observer of watching how the Holy Spirit moves.
In my job as a Distribution Center of aid, we don’t dictate what projects need to be done next, we ask for people from communities to apply to us and we listen to how God is moving in their community. Because of this I meet with people on a regular basis from all over the world. While God does move different in different cultures, I’m actually amazed by some of the similarities. Many of the missionaries and non-profits come to us with stories from their communities about the poor and the meek. I hear stories of children dying at the age of two because they contracted a parasite and there were no medicines available. I hear stories of ten year old girls tricked into sex slavery and later rescued but not having the means to become healthy physically, spiritually and emotionally. I hear stories of twelve year old boys kidnapped at night and forced to kill in rebel armies. And then I hear the stories of the advocates on the front lines, quietly fighting to make things just a little bit better in the place where they live. So while each story is unique, the lack of access to the needed resources is consistent, and the steadfast people working behind the scenes where God has called them is consistent.
So I wonder, is God already building the Temple right now through these people and communities? Is THIS the Temple? Maybe instead of a physical brick being laid that brick is representative of a new school, shelter, or medical clinic that is erected? Maybe God is building His Temple right now with a bunch of ordinary people and the scholars of today are looking and waiting for that physical manifestation that may never be?
I’m not saying this is what is. But I wonder, if this were true, would we live our lives any different? What if instead of being spectators waiting for the Temple, we had an active part in building it? What if going into hard places and spending time in physical labor was an active part of building the Temple? What if every dollar that we spent providing life-saving medicines or every student that we sponsored to have an education meant that the Temple was a little bit further along? Would we live our lives any different as Christians? Would we see that we have a greater responsibility to rebuild the Temple then one of spectator simply awaiting someone else to do the work? I wonder.
Just so I’m clear, I’m not advocating any kind of works-based theology. But what I do try to do is to challenge Christians to take their Bible seriously. Faith without works is dead. So if you are a Christian, as you listen to God and watch the Holy Spirit move, let me know if you see what I see. Is God doing something unique in our time? What is He doing? And what is the part you play? Are we working together towards building the Temple? Or are we simply waiting for the Temple to be built?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
More on Human Trafficking
The last two days I’ve had conversations about the issue of human trafficking. If you are not familiar with this issue you will certainly be hearing more and more about it with the different advocacy efforts taking place.
Today I visited with my friend and non-profit partner David Batstone. I’ve known David for about 13 years now I think. Wow, I’m feeling old. I’ve long admired his commitment to teaching ethics and the passion and energy that David brings to solving global problems. David is the ED for the Not For Sale Campaign that is teaching advocacy efforts on the issue of human slavery. But NFS is also carrying out projects around the world. One such project is in partnership with Giving Children Hope to establish a new medical clinic in Northern Thailand to care for children that have been rescued out of slavery.
Yesterday I met with Peter from the Asia Innovative University that is located in Cambodia. Peter came to me looking for medicines for orphans and he’s now in search of funding for this project. When I asked Peter why there were so many orphans in Cambodia he explained to me that because there is a lack of economic opportunities so many of the adults are being tricked into slavery outside of the country. Others are willfully going to Thailand to be sex workers because they have no other choice. Unfortunately this is leaving a large orphaned community in Cambodia. The children are at their most vulnerable as they are picked up by gangsters and forced to work for no wages. Often times these children have no other choices. So AIU is creating safe houses with medical care for these vulnerable children.
An organization like Giving Children Hope can be a hard sell for people. Distribution of product isn’t a sexy thing to fund. But David said it best to me today as he toured our center “It’s amazing that you guys exist. Organizations on the ground need exactly what you do. You are really helping to address global problems in a practical way.” And as we say here at Giving Children Hope, we are only as strong as those who we partner with. We’re in it together. And together we can fight global issues like those of human slavery.
Today I visited with my friend and non-profit partner David Batstone. I’ve known David for about 13 years now I think. Wow, I’m feeling old. I’ve long admired his commitment to teaching ethics and the passion and energy that David brings to solving global problems. David is the ED for the Not For Sale Campaign that is teaching advocacy efforts on the issue of human slavery. But NFS is also carrying out projects around the world. One such project is in partnership with Giving Children Hope to establish a new medical clinic in Northern Thailand to care for children that have been rescued out of slavery.
Yesterday I met with Peter from the Asia Innovative University that is located in Cambodia. Peter came to me looking for medicines for orphans and he’s now in search of funding for this project. When I asked Peter why there were so many orphans in Cambodia he explained to me that because there is a lack of economic opportunities so many of the adults are being tricked into slavery outside of the country. Others are willfully going to Thailand to be sex workers because they have no other choice. Unfortunately this is leaving a large orphaned community in Cambodia. The children are at their most vulnerable as they are picked up by gangsters and forced to work for no wages. Often times these children have no other choices. So AIU is creating safe houses with medical care for these vulnerable children.
An organization like Giving Children Hope can be a hard sell for people. Distribution of product isn’t a sexy thing to fund. But David said it best to me today as he toured our center “It’s amazing that you guys exist. Organizations on the ground need exactly what you do. You are really helping to address global problems in a practical way.” And as we say here at Giving Children Hope, we are only as strong as those who we partner with. We’re in it together. And together we can fight global issues like those of human slavery.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Freedom
Giving Children Hope remains an apolitical organization focusing on directly working with individuals and organizations on the ground and not advocating for political ideologies. That means that our office is composed of people from all walks of life with very different political beliefs, but in the office we work together for a common goal: serving Jesus by serving the poor.
Today there are some who are happy with the election results and some who are sad. But one of the things we are united on here in the office is that voter turnout was up and we all had the chance to make our voices heard. This wasn’t always the case in our own country, and it isn’t the case around the world. So when Americans show up at the polls to vote they are honoring the deaths of many who gave their lives for our freedom. We are thankful for the freedom.
I was recently forwarded an email from a friend I met several years ago while I was attending a wedding in Jerusalem. I stayed with Candice and Erich Strehl in Jerusalem but Candice traveled to the West Bank everyday to work in Bethlehem. Candice and Erich started an organization called Paidia International Development that is doing wonderful work in the West Bank. However, recently they had members accosted by the military at a prayer meeting. They are currently mentioned in a Times article, http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1855914,00.html. It’s a reminder that freedom still does not exist in parts of the world.
So today as a country as we try and unite around a new leader, whether we voted for him or not, we also unite around the fact that being an American implies freedom of expression and freedom in voting. And for that, we are truly proud!
Today there are some who are happy with the election results and some who are sad. But one of the things we are united on here in the office is that voter turnout was up and we all had the chance to make our voices heard. This wasn’t always the case in our own country, and it isn’t the case around the world. So when Americans show up at the polls to vote they are honoring the deaths of many who gave their lives for our freedom. We are thankful for the freedom.
I was recently forwarded an email from a friend I met several years ago while I was attending a wedding in Jerusalem. I stayed with Candice and Erich Strehl in Jerusalem but Candice traveled to the West Bank everyday to work in Bethlehem. Candice and Erich started an organization called Paidia International Development that is doing wonderful work in the West Bank. However, recently they had members accosted by the military at a prayer meeting. They are currently mentioned in a Times article, http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1855914,00.html. It’s a reminder that freedom still does not exist in parts of the world.
So today as a country as we try and unite around a new leader, whether we voted for him or not, we also unite around the fact that being an American implies freedom of expression and freedom in voting. And for that, we are truly proud!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Who are the Poor?
My blog that I promised my friend and web developer Brett (although the title web developer doesn’t do him justice but I don’t know what else to call him) is about partnering in non-profits. All of the organizations we work with come together to serve the poor in one way or another, whatever that means to their specific mission.
This morning in my daily devotionals by a favorite author and dare I even call him a “friend” Henry Nouwen, I was reminded that all of our partners also need care and that many of them are the poor, even if they might be financially rich.
I was particularly reminded of this with our volunteers. We get all kinds of volunteers in our office. They might be the stable individuals who are so filled up they are over-flowing to give back. But people volunteer for a number of reasons and our Volunteer Coordinator can tell you about the people that come through her office.
We have people who volunteer with us because they are developmentally disabled and unable to perform other types of work, so they become a part of our fabric sorting through items into categories. We have the people who are socially awkward and have a hard time making friends. We have the community service workers, many who really do not want to be there, volunteering their time. We have the elderly who used to have thriving careers and now are longing to find ways to spend their time. We have young people who are required by the high schools to come in. In other words, many of the people who come through our doors to give of their time are often in need of receiving; even if all they are receiving is acceptance and belonging to a cause greater than themselves.
One of the things I love about working for Giving Children Hope is that we make space for people from all walks of live to be cared for in our facility and to me this is part of the essence of the Church. And we love it when we can mix it up. You know, have the high school service club serve alongside the developmentally disabled volunteers together. In this way, they are each crossing the other side of the aisle and “serving the poor” that is right next to them while together serving the financially poor.
Read today’s devotional from Henry Nouwen about the poor:
The poor are the center of the Church. But who are the poor? At first we might think of people who are not like us: people who live in slums, people who go to soup kitchens, people who sleep on the streets, people in prisons, mental hospitals, and nursing homes. But the poor can be very close. They can be in our own families, churches or workplaces. Even closer, the poor can be ourselves, who feel unloved, rejected, ignored, or abused.
It is precisely when we see and experience poverty - whether far away, close by, or in our own hearts - that we need to become the Church; that is hold hands as brothers and sisters, confess our own brokenness and need, forgive one another, heal one another's wounds, and gather around the table of Jesus for the breaking of the bread. Thus, as the poor we recognize Jesus, who became poor for us.
So the next time think about volunteering I encourage you to not volunteer with just your large group of friends or Bible Study as a service project, but go rather with one or two and meet some new people. As you work together to serve the financially poor, meet some new people that might be poor in spirit and serve them as well. You might find that as you serve those people that they will in turn serve deep needs within you and you might in turn be richly blessed.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Human Slavery
My favorite part about working for Giving Children Hope is all of the really cool people we get to meet and partner with to bring about positive change in the world.
Last night I was invited to the Hollywood premiere of Call + Response. Please, if you are going to see a movie this month, go see this film! Justin Dillon is a musician turned filmmaker to bring awareness of the issue of human slavery. He has a star-studded cast of activists, celebrities and bands. The best part, Justin made a film to not only bring awareness but funding to projects. What a concept.
I’ve blogged about the film before and I know Justin for some years now. The film is being released this weekend in limited release and the first project they are going to fund is a clinic in Thailand in partnership with Giving Children Hope and the Not for Sale Fund. We are excited to have product that comes in our facility in Buena Park travel to Thailand to make a practical difference against human slavery!
See a special thank you from Justin himself to Giving Children Hope http://www.gchope.org/the-power-of-you20.html. And be sure and buy tickets to the film if it is playing in your area!
Last night I was invited to the Hollywood premiere of Call + Response. Please, if you are going to see a movie this month, go see this film! Justin Dillon is a musician turned filmmaker to bring awareness of the issue of human slavery. He has a star-studded cast of activists, celebrities and bands. The best part, Justin made a film to not only bring awareness but funding to projects. What a concept.
I’ve blogged about the film before and I know Justin for some years now. The film is being released this weekend in limited release and the first project they are going to fund is a clinic in Thailand in partnership with Giving Children Hope and the Not for Sale Fund. We are excited to have product that comes in our facility in Buena Park travel to Thailand to make a practical difference against human slavery!
See a special thank you from Justin himself to Giving Children Hope http://www.gchope.org/the-power-of-you20.html. And be sure and buy tickets to the film if it is playing in your area!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Church Partnerships
One of the things I love about working at a faith-based non-profit is that we can work with all different churches, and they can work together with us and with one another.
On Saturday we had a big work day at our facility. Four different churches came together to serve us and others. They met new people as they served alongside one another. We had people sorting medical supplies to be shipped to Dominican Republic and Houston, people painting some rooms under construction and people doing yard work on our campus. Wow, what a day!
And as we gear up for our big Gala event on October 10th, we hope all kinds of people from the community, from different churches, and different service groups will attend and network with one another around a cause. We’re excited to have our amazing partners from Houston be the featured guest speakers at our event. If we had tried to plan the program we couldn’t have planned to have them speak right after such amazing events as what they have done in Hurricane Ike. It’s a good thing God was in charge of the program. So we are hopeful for a full room with lots of great people to have fun and find new ways to collaborate together.
If you have a church or service group that would like to collaborate, please call our office. And if you haven’t made your reservations for Voyage of Hope, please register on-line or call our office to book your seat today!
On Saturday we had a big work day at our facility. Four different churches came together to serve us and others. They met new people as they served alongside one another. We had people sorting medical supplies to be shipped to Dominican Republic and Houston, people painting some rooms under construction and people doing yard work on our campus. Wow, what a day!
And as we gear up for our big Gala event on October 10th, we hope all kinds of people from the community, from different churches, and different service groups will attend and network with one another around a cause. We’re excited to have our amazing partners from Houston be the featured guest speakers at our event. If we had tried to plan the program we couldn’t have planned to have them speak right after such amazing events as what they have done in Hurricane Ike. It’s a good thing God was in charge of the program. So we are hopeful for a full room with lots of great people to have fun and find new ways to collaborate together.
If you have a church or service group that would like to collaborate, please call our office. And if you haven’t made your reservations for Voyage of Hope, please register on-line or call our office to book your seat today!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Being Used in Spite of Ourselves
I’m always humbled by how product that leaves our facility is used. And I’m always humbled by the hard work of our partners on the other end. Every shipment has a story. When you do large and small shipments, you become an organization filled with stories. More than you could ever tell.
This week was no different.
I have to admit though; I’m pretty stressed right now. We have a lot of things going on in our offices. We work on development projects, but re-focus in times of relief. This week when Ike hit, I admit, I thought, “I just can’t handle another disaster.” Here I am, at my office in Orange County, safe and sound, and I’M thinking, “God, there is just too much going on to deal with this!”
Truth be told, events are stressful. We have our big event in just 3 weeks now, October 10th. And Randy and Jana from Houston are the scheduled guest speakers. Here I am worrying about our event for weeks with logistics and promotions. I haven’t been able to focus enough on promotions because of all of the activities. Disasters take away from event promotion time as you focus on press releases, media, volunteer efforts, and everything else that goes along with raising funds to cover the costs of relief that you immediately respond to.
Today God flattened me. Who I am to be worrying about an event that God is in charge of? How could I be so concerned over the details of linens while doing the Lord’s work in the face of the real needs in front of me? It’s the Mary and Martha story. Finding the balance between the two isn’t always easy. You need both, my heart is more Mary, but my actions and nature are more Martha. This week the Martha in me had really taken over.
So when I received Jana and Randy’s email today I was struck by Jana’s comment that said, “O, I forgot, the Lord directs your steps”. Wow, that’s right! How could I have forgotten! This is God’s event and He is absolutely going to bring the right people to it and he will use me in spite of myself!
Don’t worry, I’ll keep promoting the event; it’s going to be wonderful! And with guest speakers like these, how could it not! But I’m also going to do a better job at focusing on what God would have me do instead of focusing on all of the things yet to be done. With all of the distractions I was humbled that God would use me in a tiny way to minister to others in spite of my wrong attitude.
Now I must share with you the email I received. Jana reminded me today of why I choose to do what I do:
J, Just in the nick of time!!! The truck came and I did the happy dance! Every pallet contained some kind of answer to prayer. We are so overwhelmed with gratitude for the thoughtfulness of what you sent, Beans, spaghetti, cake mixes, stuffing, cans of vegetables, etc.......I can do so much with these presents. The shampoo was so needed as were the sanitary products and shoes. We had NO blankets....just sheets and not enough of them. And pillows!!!!! How did you know? O, I forgot, the Lord directs your steps. For the first time in days, I feel a huge relief from the constant burden of producing meals from nothing. Tomorrow I will go thru the boxes and make gift boxes for each shelter resident and then we will begin the process of distributing some of the shipment to our neighbors who are still without power. We will probably take some to a couple of other local shelters if they actually get up and running. Right now, Red Cross tells us we are the only church shelter in the city. Surely more will come when they get power. Houston has taken a very hard hit, but we have much to be grateful for. We are not destroyed, just bruised and battered. We are blessed to have people like GIVING CHILDREN HOPE and all of your awesome partners to turn to in our time of crisis. You are truly hands of God. Thank you, from the depth of our hearts. With Sincere Gratitude, Randy and Jana Meeks
This week was no different.
I have to admit though; I’m pretty stressed right now. We have a lot of things going on in our offices. We work on development projects, but re-focus in times of relief. This week when Ike hit, I admit, I thought, “I just can’t handle another disaster.” Here I am, at my office in Orange County, safe and sound, and I’M thinking, “God, there is just too much going on to deal with this!”
Truth be told, events are stressful. We have our big event in just 3 weeks now, October 10th. And Randy and Jana from Houston are the scheduled guest speakers. Here I am worrying about our event for weeks with logistics and promotions. I haven’t been able to focus enough on promotions because of all of the activities. Disasters take away from event promotion time as you focus on press releases, media, volunteer efforts, and everything else that goes along with raising funds to cover the costs of relief that you immediately respond to.
Today God flattened me. Who I am to be worrying about an event that God is in charge of? How could I be so concerned over the details of linens while doing the Lord’s work in the face of the real needs in front of me? It’s the Mary and Martha story. Finding the balance between the two isn’t always easy. You need both, my heart is more Mary, but my actions and nature are more Martha. This week the Martha in me had really taken over.
So when I received Jana and Randy’s email today I was struck by Jana’s comment that said, “O, I forgot, the Lord directs your steps”. Wow, that’s right! How could I have forgotten! This is God’s event and He is absolutely going to bring the right people to it and he will use me in spite of myself!
Don’t worry, I’ll keep promoting the event; it’s going to be wonderful! And with guest speakers like these, how could it not! But I’m also going to do a better job at focusing on what God would have me do instead of focusing on all of the things yet to be done. With all of the distractions I was humbled that God would use me in a tiny way to minister to others in spite of my wrong attitude.
Now I must share with you the email I received. Jana reminded me today of why I choose to do what I do:
J, Just in the nick of time!!! The truck came and I did the happy dance! Every pallet contained some kind of answer to prayer. We are so overwhelmed with gratitude for the thoughtfulness of what you sent, Beans, spaghetti, cake mixes, stuffing, cans of vegetables, etc.......I can do so much with these presents. The shampoo was so needed as were the sanitary products and shoes. We had NO blankets....just sheets and not enough of them. And pillows!!!!! How did you know? O, I forgot, the Lord directs your steps. For the first time in days, I feel a huge relief from the constant burden of producing meals from nothing. Tomorrow I will go thru the boxes and make gift boxes for each shelter resident and then we will begin the process of distributing some of the shipment to our neighbors who are still without power. We will probably take some to a couple of other local shelters if they actually get up and running. Right now, Red Cross tells us we are the only church shelter in the city. Surely more will come when they get power. Houston has taken a very hard hit, but we have much to be grateful for. We are not destroyed, just bruised and battered. We are blessed to have people like GIVING CHILDREN HOPE and all of your awesome partners to turn to in our time of crisis. You are truly hands of God. Thank you, from the depth of our hearts. With Sincere Gratitude, Randy and Jana Meeks
Monday, September 15, 2008
Partnering in Relief
Working in my field, often you have to switch gears between relief and development. This summer we’ve had to switch more often then I’d like.
Relief work means that you have to quickly adapt and rearrange your schedule to respond to the immediate need. Today we switched gears to Houston. Randy and Jana Meeks are pastors at Lindale Assembly God Church in Houston and have been our partners for over 3 years now distributing aid to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Jana and I have had many conversations on the phone over the months. As a matter of fact, they are flying out soon to be the guest speakers at our Voyage of Hope event on October 10th. I have been really looking forward to meeting Jana. I don’t think you’ll find anyone with a bigger heart. They have been amazing distribution partners!
Today Jana and I spoke for the first time since Ike hit. While she had hope, she sounded tired. But the thing about Jana is she never complained. She said God won’t give her more than she can handle and she loves these people so much she looks forward to caring for them.
My heart breaks so often talking to our partners knowing the hard work they have in the field. Jana is an amazing leader. She and the entire staff at Lindale are giving 24/7 right now as they minister to people who have lost everything and have no where else to turn. The city is in desperate need. They are one of only 4 shelters currently open in Houston.
Sometimes devastation like this is so big it’s paralyzing. Fortunately there are things we can physically do to assist Randy and Jana. This afternoon the first truck of aid rolled from our facility providing them the items they need to care for the displaced. That truck will arrive on Wednesday. In this way we are providing hope to Jana and Randy. They can focus on ministering to the people knowing that food, water and hygiene items are on their way.
I realize that to work at an organization like Giving Children Hope it is going to require many tears. I don’t ever want to be so used to dealing with disasters that I am calloused and do not feel emotion at such loss. However, instead of focusing on the devastation, I will continue to focus on giving hope. Today I prayed on the phone with Jana, so often there aren’t many words that could be said in these situations and the most I can do is to simply turn to Jesus. Yet I know that this is truly the most powerful thing we can do.
So today, with all that goes on in our office anyways, we switched gears into relief mode. And it isn’t just sending aid to Houston; it’s sending aid to our friends and neighbors Randy and Jana. We’re trusting God for all that is ahead and we lift up Randy, Jana, Houston and the entire region as it begins to move on the slow road to recovery.
Relief work means that you have to quickly adapt and rearrange your schedule to respond to the immediate need. Today we switched gears to Houston. Randy and Jana Meeks are pastors at Lindale Assembly God Church in Houston and have been our partners for over 3 years now distributing aid to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Jana and I have had many conversations on the phone over the months. As a matter of fact, they are flying out soon to be the guest speakers at our Voyage of Hope event on October 10th. I have been really looking forward to meeting Jana. I don’t think you’ll find anyone with a bigger heart. They have been amazing distribution partners!
Today Jana and I spoke for the first time since Ike hit. While she had hope, she sounded tired. But the thing about Jana is she never complained. She said God won’t give her more than she can handle and she loves these people so much she looks forward to caring for them.
My heart breaks so often talking to our partners knowing the hard work they have in the field. Jana is an amazing leader. She and the entire staff at Lindale are giving 24/7 right now as they minister to people who have lost everything and have no where else to turn. The city is in desperate need. They are one of only 4 shelters currently open in Houston.
Sometimes devastation like this is so big it’s paralyzing. Fortunately there are things we can physically do to assist Randy and Jana. This afternoon the first truck of aid rolled from our facility providing them the items they need to care for the displaced. That truck will arrive on Wednesday. In this way we are providing hope to Jana and Randy. They can focus on ministering to the people knowing that food, water and hygiene items are on their way.
I realize that to work at an organization like Giving Children Hope it is going to require many tears. I don’t ever want to be so used to dealing with disasters that I am calloused and do not feel emotion at such loss. However, instead of focusing on the devastation, I will continue to focus on giving hope. Today I prayed on the phone with Jana, so often there aren’t many words that could be said in these situations and the most I can do is to simply turn to Jesus. Yet I know that this is truly the most powerful thing we can do.
So today, with all that goes on in our office anyways, we switched gears into relief mode. And it isn’t just sending aid to Houston; it’s sending aid to our friends and neighbors Randy and Jana. We’re trusting God for all that is ahead and we lift up Randy, Jana, Houston and the entire region as it begins to move on the slow road to recovery.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Giving it all to God
Today in church I had a good reminder to STOP and pray!
The church I am attending asked the congregation to show up morning, noon, and night this week to pray and on Friday to fast for the direction of the next year. It’s encouraging to see churches taking prayer seriously, and such a reminder to ME to be giving everything to God in prayer.
At Giving Children Hope, we also take prayer seriously. We don’t require donors, volunteers and those we serve to be Christians, but we are Christians and we do what we do because Jesus told us to feed the poor and care for the sick. And from 9:30 -10 AM every morning we pray for our shipments and our partners around the world. We know that getting medicines into places like Myanmar is difficult, and WE can’t do it. So we ask God to provide a way when we see no way.
Sometimes I’m overwhelmed in my work here at Giving Children Hope. Requests for assistance of product come up simultaneously like when a cyclone in Myanmar happens at the same time as an earthquake in China. Or a hurricane hits several places just after several other disasters. I wonder, how can I send out another request for financial help when I sent out one last week? Aren’t people tired of hearing from me asking me for their help? And yet, if we can help, we know we must help. We know that when disasters happen children around the world are at a higher risk to being kidnapped into slavery. We know that medicines arriving in time save lives. And, after all, isn’t this our job? And when we serve those in the field who are under dire circumstances, that their favor in the community they have been working in is greatly increased.
However, it can lead to a feeling of responsibility to care for the entire world, a burden I can’t bear and one that as an organization we simply cannot bear. But when you get emails like I received yesterday, it’s hard to sleep at night unless you know you are going to do something. It’s the times like this that I am most reminded that the work that we do is really the work that God does. I can’t do it and we cannot provide on our own. It’s at these times that I must do as I was instructed in church today, STOP and pray. God will provide for all of our needs.
So this week, as we work on the up-coming community development projects, the continued relief to Iraq, relief to Georgia and relief to New Orleans and Haiti, I’m stopping and praying for God to provide the necessary resources. I know how much I care. And He cares infinitely more than me. I’m so glad that God is at the head of our organization and I pray that I do better at giving it all to God.
The church I am attending asked the congregation to show up morning, noon, and night this week to pray and on Friday to fast for the direction of the next year. It’s encouraging to see churches taking prayer seriously, and such a reminder to ME to be giving everything to God in prayer.
At Giving Children Hope, we also take prayer seriously. We don’t require donors, volunteers and those we serve to be Christians, but we are Christians and we do what we do because Jesus told us to feed the poor and care for the sick. And from 9:30 -10 AM every morning we pray for our shipments and our partners around the world. We know that getting medicines into places like Myanmar is difficult, and WE can’t do it. So we ask God to provide a way when we see no way.
Sometimes I’m overwhelmed in my work here at Giving Children Hope. Requests for assistance of product come up simultaneously like when a cyclone in Myanmar happens at the same time as an earthquake in China. Or a hurricane hits several places just after several other disasters. I wonder, how can I send out another request for financial help when I sent out one last week? Aren’t people tired of hearing from me asking me for their help? And yet, if we can help, we know we must help. We know that when disasters happen children around the world are at a higher risk to being kidnapped into slavery. We know that medicines arriving in time save lives. And, after all, isn’t this our job? And when we serve those in the field who are under dire circumstances, that their favor in the community they have been working in is greatly increased.
However, it can lead to a feeling of responsibility to care for the entire world, a burden I can’t bear and one that as an organization we simply cannot bear. But when you get emails like I received yesterday, it’s hard to sleep at night unless you know you are going to do something. It’s the times like this that I am most reminded that the work that we do is really the work that God does. I can’t do it and we cannot provide on our own. It’s at these times that I must do as I was instructed in church today, STOP and pray. God will provide for all of our needs.
So this week, as we work on the up-coming community development projects, the continued relief to Iraq, relief to Georgia and relief to New Orleans and Haiti, I’m stopping and praying for God to provide the necessary resources. I know how much I care. And He cares infinitely more than me. I’m so glad that God is at the head of our organization and I pray that I do better at giving it all to God.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Non-Profit and Church Collaborations in Orange County
One of the great things about my job at Giving Children Hope is that we are an organization built on collaborations. And one of the great things about this time in history is that collaborations over competition are highly valued.
I attended two collaborative meetings outside of the office today.
The first was the Quarterly Mission’s Pastor’s meeting I attend at Saddleback Church. Saddleback has done a great job at engaging their congregation in missions and giving them ownership. Ten years ago they began these network sessions to share information and foster collaboration. Today’s meeting was focused on disaster response and even included a fireman who talked about church collaborations with the fire department. Wow, how great to see everyone working together.
The next meeting was at the Orange County Register. They are our local newspaper and have created a section called TouchOC. This is a philanthropy section that comes out every November (and now on-line) that allows for non-profits to tell their stories and encourage philanthropy and giving in the county. Isn’t that great! The local paper is fostering us to work together and fostering an environment to encourage every day citizens to give back to the local community workers.
Orange County, leading the way in collaborations!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Gulf Coast Relief
So, working in disaster relief can be exhausting and you realize just how many man-made and natural disasters there are in the world. However, it can also be exciting. Exciting in the way that you have the ability to meet some real tangible needs of individuals.
Today I spoke on the phone to our friends at the Dream Center in New Orleans.
When Katrina hit the Dream Center did not exist. The New Orleans Dream center comes from the communities need to be prepared. These guys are awesome building a place for the community in the center of downtown.
I was informed that most people have not returned, they are one of a few at the moment. However, they expect people to begin returning tomorrow and through the weekend. The power is out in most places and people left in a rush when the evacuation notice left. Some had time to collect medicines and important belongings, but some scrambled to get themselves out.
They were pleased that they are so much more prepared then they were just three years ago. The building fared well and even though most don't have power, the Dream Center is up and running. Actually, they are opening up a relief center to assist the many who left in a hurry.
They sent over a needs list to Giving Children Hope and we are working to send them what they need to meet the basic needs of Gulf Coast residents.
Like I said, disaster relief can be an amazing place to work when you have the ability to talk to leaders like Doreen who have the hard work of caring for many who are displaced.
When you join with Giving Children Hope, you join with leaders like Doreen from the New Orleans Dream Center.
Today I spoke on the phone to our friends at the Dream Center in New Orleans.
When Katrina hit the Dream Center did not exist. The New Orleans Dream center comes from the communities need to be prepared. These guys are awesome building a place for the community in the center of downtown.
I was informed that most people have not returned, they are one of a few at the moment. However, they expect people to begin returning tomorrow and through the weekend. The power is out in most places and people left in a rush when the evacuation notice left. Some had time to collect medicines and important belongings, but some scrambled to get themselves out.
They were pleased that they are so much more prepared then they were just three years ago. The building fared well and even though most don't have power, the Dream Center is up and running. Actually, they are opening up a relief center to assist the many who left in a hurry.
They sent over a needs list to Giving Children Hope and we are working to send them what they need to meet the basic needs of Gulf Coast residents.
Like I said, disaster relief can be an amazing place to work when you have the ability to talk to leaders like Doreen who have the hard work of caring for many who are displaced.
When you join with Giving Children Hope, you join with leaders like Doreen from the New Orleans Dream Center.
Monday, September 1, 2008
South African clinic
Saturday night I was visiting with my family celebrating my Aunt’s birthday in Thousand Oaks. We were out at a restaurant when we bumped into a couple that I had originally met in South Africa and was my initial connection to the South African clinic Giving Children Hope established in partnership with the CareNow Foundation.
In 2006, just before I would be moving from Johannesburg to Orange County I was introduced via my aunt to Steve and Linda while we were both in Cape Town. Steve and Linda would be making a visit to the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa to visit the Lily of the Valley Orphanage of which they support.
A few months later when I came to work at GCH we re-connected and in partnership with the CareNow Foundation, GCH supplied the medical supplies, equipment and medicines to care for the many orphans in this community. The shipment arrived in November 2007.
When I bumped into Steve at the restaurant he announced with great joy that the orphanage has not lost a single child since the clinic was established.
Wow! That’s a testament to what happens when individuals get outside of their self interest and they choose to invest in something bigger than themselves. An entire community in South Africa is receiving health care where none existed. The community is able to become self-sustaining and begin to care for themselves as they have the tools they need.
I’m continually humbled that God allows me to be a tiny part of the process of seeing communities become sustainable and children being cared for. So while every truck that leaves our distribution center looks the same, each has a unique story. The story of that truck was that South African children would have healthcare. I am privileged to be a part of an organization that has such amazing stories!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Africa
Today I met with a partner, Mildred. Mildred is from Zambia. We have been trying to partner for 15 months now. She's been here obtaining her nursing degree so her and her husband can open a teaching clinic in Zambia.
Giving Children Hope does our best to try and bring resources into our organization so we can serve many different projects with the product we receive. That means we try and bring in funding to the organization, but we can't fundraise for each individual project that we want to take on.
Now this model works well in many instances. For instance, when the Rotary group comes and wants to do a project I give them a fundraising goal and they make it happen. The same happens with a church or other non-profit. But how do you help the national/indigenous group who has no assistance?
This is often my pain. So today, I sat with Mildred. I prayed with her and we cried together. This is a women who can be a leader in her community the way I could never be. She can implement change because of who she is and where she is from. But how do I expect her to fundraise in America? How do I help Mildred from Zambia raise the funds she needs to build the medical clinic and teach her community how to prevent HIV/AIDS, how to fight malaria, and the have the equipment and medicine to treat those whom already have these diseases?
That's a question that keeps me up at night.
Giving Children Hope does our best to try and bring resources into our organization so we can serve many different projects with the product we receive. That means we try and bring in funding to the organization, but we can't fundraise for each individual project that we want to take on.
Now this model works well in many instances. For instance, when the Rotary group comes and wants to do a project I give them a fundraising goal and they make it happen. The same happens with a church or other non-profit. But how do you help the national/indigenous group who has no assistance?
This is often my pain. So today, I sat with Mildred. I prayed with her and we cried together. This is a women who can be a leader in her community the way I could never be. She can implement change because of who she is and where she is from. But how do I expect her to fundraise in America? How do I help Mildred from Zambia raise the funds she needs to build the medical clinic and teach her community how to prevent HIV/AIDS, how to fight malaria, and the have the equipment and medicine to treat those whom already have these diseases?
That's a question that keeps me up at night.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Politics
So, we have this rule at work - check your politics at the door.
This is hard for me. I'm political. My faith dictates my politics. But my faith dictates it in a different way than other people in my office. We happen to all be faith people. We happen to all be action people who care about humanity. But we think different. Funny.
One of the few magazines I receive is Relevant. I happen to love this magazine. Today I received my new addition and read Cameron Strang's First Word all about politics and taking action.
Cameron urges us to vote - we live in a democracy. But he does more than that. He says whatever you believe, don't leave it just to politicians. He says to do what you believe with EVERYTHING. That means "our lives, our finances and our actions every day. Not just Nov. 4." I say, "Go Cameron!"
I believe in the political process. Plus, I'm an American. People died so I could vote and I don't want their death to be in vain. I have a responsibility to vote.
But I agree with Cameron. Vote. But also DO something. Working with so many non-profit leaders around the world and seeing them do it alone breaks my heart. I hear countless stories of leaders, HEROES, changing their communities....alone.
So I am with Cameron. Let's all do something. My friend Bernard in Uganda handles more than his fair share of the burden caring for 1,500 orphans alone. And he doesn't complain. But when he asks for a little help and partnership. Well. We have a responsibility. Don't we?
This is hard for me. I'm political. My faith dictates my politics. But my faith dictates it in a different way than other people in my office. We happen to all be faith people. We happen to all be action people who care about humanity. But we think different. Funny.
One of the few magazines I receive is Relevant. I happen to love this magazine. Today I received my new addition and read Cameron Strang's First Word all about politics and taking action.
Cameron urges us to vote - we live in a democracy. But he does more than that. He says whatever you believe, don't leave it just to politicians. He says to do what you believe with EVERYTHING. That means "our lives, our finances and our actions every day. Not just Nov. 4." I say, "Go Cameron!"
I believe in the political process. Plus, I'm an American. People died so I could vote and I don't want their death to be in vain. I have a responsibility to vote.
But I agree with Cameron. Vote. But also DO something. Working with so many non-profit leaders around the world and seeing them do it alone breaks my heart. I hear countless stories of leaders, HEROES, changing their communities....alone.
So I am with Cameron. Let's all do something. My friend Bernard in Uganda handles more than his fair share of the burden caring for 1,500 orphans alone. And he doesn't complain. But when he asks for a little help and partnership. Well. We have a responsibility. Don't we?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Human Slavery
Last night I was able to watch the film, Call + Respond which will come in theaters in October. My friend of 5 years Justin Dillion is the director and has partnered with another friend, David Batstone of the Not for Sale Campaign. I have been well aware of the issue for years now, and known both of these gentleman apart from each other. It's funny how small and connected the non-profit sector is. We all know each other. But we need more people getting involved to make a difference.
If you don't know, there are over 27 million slaves in the world today - more than any other time in history. Wow, really! Did you think slavery is an issue from the past? Well, it is isn't! And you probably support the $32 billion industry without even knowing it. Justin is a doer and he's bringing awareness to this issue to say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And at Giving Children Hope we agree!
So we hope you'll see the film when it goes into theaters soon. And we hope you'll do something you are passionate about in this world to make a difference.
As we say at Giving Children Hope - this is YOUR world and we are YOUR organization. Don't just be educated - do something!
If you don't know, there are over 27 million slaves in the world today - more than any other time in history. Wow, really! Did you think slavery is an issue from the past? Well, it is isn't! And you probably support the $32 billion industry without even knowing it. Justin is a doer and he's bringing awareness to this issue to say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And at Giving Children Hope we agree!
So we hope you'll see the film when it goes into theaters soon. And we hope you'll do something you are passionate about in this world to make a difference.
As we say at Giving Children Hope - this is YOUR world and we are YOUR organization. Don't just be educated - do something!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Partners even in competition
I'm watching the Olympics with so much joy this year! I'm not the biggest sports fan, but the Olympics are something of their own.
Of course, all eyes are on Michael Phelps. I had no idea who he was, and he is really amazing! I watched tonight as he barely won his 7th gold. Wow! I also watched the ladies gymnastics that took place last night, but I opted not to stay up until 3 am. Watching Nastia and Shawn compete, but in a spirit of collaboration as fellow teammates, I think is a wonderful display of sportsmanship.
However, one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship I watched was when Dara Torres went to tell an official that another swimmer had a torn swimsuit and asked to please hold the race. This is amazing for 2 reasons. First, if you can knock a competitor out of the race, even on a technicality, most people do. Why would you help a competitor who could overtake you? Second, spending the extra time waiting on the block can throw off your psyche. It is better for the athletes not to delay. So Dara really went out of the way to ensure that another person's opportunity was not spoiled for a silly reason. I thought it was wonderful when she then came in first in the race. Go Dara!
What can I say, I love watching people working together and looking out for one another!
Of course, all eyes are on Michael Phelps. I had no idea who he was, and he is really amazing! I watched tonight as he barely won his 7th gold. Wow! I also watched the ladies gymnastics that took place last night, but I opted not to stay up until 3 am. Watching Nastia and Shawn compete, but in a spirit of collaboration as fellow teammates, I think is a wonderful display of sportsmanship.
However, one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship I watched was when Dara Torres went to tell an official that another swimmer had a torn swimsuit and asked to please hold the race. This is amazing for 2 reasons. First, if you can knock a competitor out of the race, even on a technicality, most people do. Why would you help a competitor who could overtake you? Second, spending the extra time waiting on the block can throw off your psyche. It is better for the athletes not to delay. So Dara really went out of the way to ensure that another person's opportunity was not spoiled for a silly reason. I thought it was wonderful when she then came in first in the race. Go Dara!
What can I say, I love watching people working together and looking out for one another!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Community Partners
Some of my favorite partners in doing community development are the partners out in the private sector. Of course, I LOVE our field partners - that is why I love doing my job - but I am continually inspired by the people OUTSIDE of my org who want to do something. So inspired that last year we created an entire space on the front page of our website where we wanted to bring attention and inspire others - it is called the Power of YOU!
At the moment, our good friend Jessica Haley is up there. You can read her story at http://www.gchope.org/the-power-of-you12.html. Jessica is affectionately known around our office as the "bootie lady". The reason is, Jessica, owner of Mia Joie, makes the most adorable baby booties you'll ever find. I've never actually met Jessica, but she is a cool lady and I know that if we lived near to each other we'd be great friends.
Let me tell you about Jessica. She's someone who wants to use her God-given talents to make a difference in the lives of others and she gets to do that by making baby booties. How is that possible you might ask? Well, Jessica decided when she was starting her biz that she wanted to donate part of the profits to a non-profit. She selected Giving Children Hope and decided to give 10% of the profits away. Wow - that's amazing!! Jessica is using her talents in the private marketplace but also using her gifts to bring awareness and needed funding to provide for kids all over the world! She's just getting started, but my guess is that because Jessica has made the decision to give this chunk of money away, that her business will flourish all the more.
Now, if her shoes were ugly, just because she is engaging in cause-marketing, it wouldn't work. However, when you have a good product AND you decide to make a difference, it attracts many people (and often many sales).
So people like Jessica are as much of a partner to Giving Children Hope as are our field partners around the world. It takes so many partners to make projects happen. I am thankful that my job allows me to interact with so many passionate and inspiring people! If YOU have ideas on how others can partner leave a comment. At GCH we just love new ideas.
At the moment, our good friend Jessica Haley is up there. You can read her story at http://www.gchope.org/the-power-of-you12.html. Jessica is affectionately known around our office as the "bootie lady". The reason is, Jessica, owner of Mia Joie, makes the most adorable baby booties you'll ever find. I've never actually met Jessica, but she is a cool lady and I know that if we lived near to each other we'd be great friends.
Let me tell you about Jessica. She's someone who wants to use her God-given talents to make a difference in the lives of others and she gets to do that by making baby booties. How is that possible you might ask? Well, Jessica decided when she was starting her biz that she wanted to donate part of the profits to a non-profit. She selected Giving Children Hope and decided to give 10% of the profits away. Wow - that's amazing!! Jessica is using her talents in the private marketplace but also using her gifts to bring awareness and needed funding to provide for kids all over the world! She's just getting started, but my guess is that because Jessica has made the decision to give this chunk of money away, that her business will flourish all the more.
Now, if her shoes were ugly, just because she is engaging in cause-marketing, it wouldn't work. However, when you have a good product AND you decide to make a difference, it attracts many people (and often many sales).
So people like Jessica are as much of a partner to Giving Children Hope as are our field partners around the world. It takes so many partners to make projects happen. I am thankful that my job allows me to interact with so many passionate and inspiring people! If YOU have ideas on how others can partner leave a comment. At GCH we just love new ideas.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Non-Profit Partnering
So, at Giving Children Hope http://www.gchope.org/, we exist on non-profit partnerships. As a matter of fact, we almost never do a project that isn't a partnership. Basically, we want to work ourselves out of a job. If we aren't doing that, well, we just aren't doing our jobs. I appreciate this about my workplace. Sometimes it scary, especially in a weakened economy where we should be fearing other non-profits since they are "competitors" for donor dollars. But in reality, I don't want to compete for donor dollars, I just want to make a difference. When you don't fear others as a competitor but rather see them as a partner, well, you just might make a real difference!
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