The Associated Press: UN: World hunger reaches 1 billion mark One in six people on planet earth is officially undernourished or suffering from some form of food instability. If you are not involved in helping to bring about a resolution to this crisis, check out afachildren.org. Below is an AFAC update from the village of [...]
Archive for the 'Global Issues' Category
World hunger reaches 1 billion mark
Published by June 19th, 2009 in Global Issues, Justice, Poverty, Swaziland and mission. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
“Hunger will kill me tomorrow but AIDS will kill me in a few years” -Sex for Food in Swaziland
Published by March 11th, 2009 in Global Issues, Justice, Poverty, Social Issues, Swaziland and mission. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
As many of you know, I serve on the BOD for Advocates for Africa’s Children, an organization dedicated to caring for OVC’s and fighting the AIDS pandemic in Swaziland/Southern Africa. One of the organizations goals for 2009 is to raise 300K to help start Africa Works Swaziland which will create tremendous opportunity and food security [...]
The Idea Camp - February 27th -28th Irvine Ca.
Published by December 3rd, 2008 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Leadership, Poverty, Social Issues, Spiritual Dynamics, Spiritual Practices and mission. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
One of the things I am totally looking forward to in 2009 is The Idea Camp hosted by Charles Lee and company. This event has been conceived as an “open source hybrid conference designed to help people move from the realm of ideas to implementation.”
We are gathering some of the most innovative [...]
In the Spirit of (Red) Friday…
Published by December 2nd, 2008 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Justice, Poverty, Social Issues, Spiritual Practices and Western Christianity. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
Shane Claiborne and co. push “buy nothing day” in Philly
Shane Blogs about it here…
Enough to the myth that happiness must be purchased. Enough to an economy that is awarding CEOs salaries 500 times that of their workers and still manages to seduce people in poverty and wealth alike to give more money to these predatorial [...]
China’s Two Faces…
Published by August 15th, 2008 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Justice, Politics and Social Issues. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
Like many of you, I have been enjoying the Olympics this year! Wonderful athletic performances from world athletes on a global stage. It is the ugly backstage realities that bother me as I watch the highly sanitized news coverage provided by Bob Costas and company on NBC. The playful banter about the amazing accomplishments of [...]
Rick Warren “out of context”
Published by October 11th, 2007 in Church, Global Issues, Justice, Poverty, Social Issues and Western Christianity. 4 CommentsiFeedReaders
Out of Context: Rick Warren | Out of Ur | Following Gods Call in a New World
“The American church as a whole needs to move from selfish consumerism to unselfish contribution. Those are poles apart. To start with a woman whos most interested in how many diamonds shes got in her tennis bracelet, and move [...]
The “Social Passion” of the Bible
Published by September 23rd, 2007 in Bible, Global Christianity and Global Issues. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
In ages when the serf and the slave had no spokesman, the Old Testament gave the laws from a God who cared. When women and children were still considered as ‘impedimenta’ in the pilgrimage of the race, in the Bible a tender concern, a growing respect were visible. The prophets thundered for the [...]
Book Review: The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity by Philip Jenkins
Published by August 9th, 2007 in Books, Global Christianity and Global Issues. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
SUMMARY OF INITIAL OBSERVATIONS
Philip Jenkins is Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Pennsylvania State University. He has written over twenty books that deal with various topics in the fields of history, religion and criminal justice. Because of his meticulous research, he has been in demand as a speaker and expert on [...]
Immigration Bill Dies
Published by June 10th, 2007 in Faith and Politics, Global Issues, Immigration, Justice, Politics and Poverty. 3 CommentsiFeedReaders
Interesting article in the NYT describing the grass roots activism that killed the albeit imperfect bipartisan immigration bill. It seems that many Americans actually don’t want lawmakers to attempt to fix the broken system. Give them 90 days to leave and then start deporting them is the only option many will consider. [...]
G8 Africa pledge a smokescreen?
Published by June 8th, 2007 in Global Issues, Poverty and Social Issues. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
I might be be a rock star but I can count.”
Reuters AlertNet - INTERVIEW-G8 Africa pledge is a smokescreen, says Bono
What is Acceptable? What is Possible?
Published by May 24th, 2007 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Justice, Kingdom, Poverty, Social Issues and Spiritual Practices. 10 CommentsiFeedReaders
A great speech about facing global poverty given at the commencement address at Georgetown University by Jim Wallace.
Each new generation has a chance to alter two very basic definitions of reality in our world - what is acceptable and what is possible. First, what is acceptable?There are always great inhumanities that we inflict upon one [...]
Ethnocentric Prayer?
Published by April 27th, 2007 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Prayer and Western Christianity. 3 CommentsiFeedReaders
Last week, I recieved an urgent update from our denomination asking for prayer for our Foursquare work near Virginia Tech, the site of last weeks tragic killing. Many students and university employees attend this church. I was greatful to recieve the update and to be in prayer. As I began to learn [...]
Prayers for my colleagues in Turkey
Published by April 27th, 2007 in Foursquare, Global Christianity, Global Issues, Kingdom, Prayer, Spiritual Dynamics, Spiritual Practices and Western Christianity. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
I have been following with great interest the story of the Christian Church in Turkey as they respond to the brutal torture and murder of three of my colleages there. 5 young turkish nationalists ages 19 to 20 murdered one german missionary and two turkish christians working to distribute Bibles.
WORLD Magazine | [...]
God’s Hands are in the Mud
Published by April 20th, 2007 in Faith and Politics, Global Christianity, Global Issues, Justice, Kingdom, Poverty, Social Issues, Spiritual Dynamics, Spiritual Practices, Theology and Western Christianity. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
The second chapter of Ray Bakke’s “A Theology as Big as the City” is titled “God’s hand are in the mud.” He takes this language from William Temple’s “Christianity and the Social Order” in which Temple unpacks the theological significance of the creation snapshot in which Gods hands form the human out of clay. [...]
A Journey to the City
Published by April 17th, 2007 in Bible, Faith and Politics, Global Issues, Immigration, Justice, Kingdom, Poverty, Scripture, Social Issues, Theology and Western Christianity. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
Chapter One of Ray Bakke’s “A Theology as Big as the City” is titled: “A Journey to the City.” Bakke begins by sharing his own story of “calling” (as a person born and raised in a rural environment) to life as a minister in urban Chicago. He describes the “theological crisis” he experienced [...]
Taxing the Poor for the Right to earn minimum wage
Published by April 15th, 2007 in Faith and Politics, Global Issues, Immigration, Justice, Politics, Poverty, Social Issues and Western Christianity. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
Did God so love the world, or just the ones born within the borders of the U.S.A.? It is always intersting to me that people who are the most likely to appeal to the Bible as a guide to national policy on issues of same sex marriage or abortion are often unlikely to consider [...]
New Monastic Communities
Published by April 6th, 2007 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Justice, Kingdom, Poverty, Social Issues and Spiritual Practices. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
Brief review of Scott Bessenecker’s book, “The New Friars: The Emerging Movement Serving the World’s Poor:The Capital Times
“I predict that the emerging movement to the world’s poor, powered by the new friars, will also bring renewal to the global church of the 21st century.” Bessenecker focuses on five groups that now are the launching pads [...]
Not for Sale - David Batstone
Published by March 16th, 2007 in Books, Faith and Politics, Global Christianity, Global Issues, Immigration, Justice, Politics, Poverty, Social Issues and Western Christianity. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
I just finished Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade–and How We Can Fight It by David Batstone. Batstone (a graduate of Westmont College here in Santa Barbara) does a tremendous job of storytelling through the issue of modern day slavery. Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, Not for Sale exposes [...]
Global Warming, Myth or Reality?
Published by March 7th, 2007 in Global Issues and Social Issues. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
Global Warming - What do you think?
Global Warming is a Myth
It is happening but humans aren’t contributing to it
Humans are contributing some
It is a serious issue that demands that we change our habits.
View Results
Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Global Warming, and Why I Believe Flossing is a Tool of Satan
Published by March 5th, 2007 in Global Issues, Social Issues and Western Christianity. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
I hate flossing. It’s tedious, time consuming and very inconvenient. There are so many other things I would rather do with the time it would take me to floss. Besides, I’m pretty sure my dentist is just a liberal alarmist when he says things like “tooth decay” blah, blah, and “gingivitis” blah, [...]
Critical Disease and Poverty Assistance Funding Approved
Published by February 20th, 2007 in Global Issues, Justice, Politics, Poverty and Social Issues. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
This is a follow up on a previous post. Thanks to all of you (U.S. readers) who notified your congressperson. AIDS: Critical Disease and Poverty Assistance Funding Approved
At the urging of World Vision and other nongovernmental organizations and their supporters, the United States Congress approved a $1.3 billion increase in funding [...]
Amazing Grace: The Movie, The Movement…
Published by February 11th, 2007 in Global Issues, Movies and Social Issues. 2 CommentsiFeedReaders
On Sunday February 18th, my church will be participating in Amazing Grace Sunday (Since we meet on Saturday, it will actually be the 17th at 6pm). For those of you in the U.K., this event will be held on March 25. The film portrays the life and work of abolitionist [...]
New Advocacy Group Aims To Point Up Atrocities in Africa
Published by February 9th, 2007 in Faith and Politics, Global Christianity, Global Issues, Islam, Justice and Poverty. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
Advocacy group is headed by leaders with experience in African humanitarian work and aims to shape U.S. foriegn policy, capitalizing on growing national awareness. New Advocacy Group Aims To Point Up Atrocities in Africa - washingtonpost.com
Veteran Africa activists, frustrated by the slow response from Sudan’s government to international demands to ease the plight of [...]
FREEDOM DAY • MARCH 25, 2007
Published by February 3rd, 2007 in Global Issues, Immigration, Justice, Social Issues and Spiritual Dynamics. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
Many believe slavery ended in the 1800s, but the face of slavery has simply changed. There are an estimated 27 million slaves in our world today. They are enslaved in every nation of the world, including our own neighborhoods. The US State Department estimates that at least 17,500 people are trafficked against their will into [...]
Aids Funding Response
Published by February 2nd, 2007 in Faith and Politics, Global Issues, Justice, Politics and Social Issues. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
I recently signed this World Vision Petition asking United States Goverment officials to reinstate funding previously earmarked for fighting AIDS. I recieved responses back from the offices of Congresswoman Lois Capps, and, the following email from Senator Dianne Feinstein. It’s always nice to discover that your elected representatives are actually listening!
February 1, 2007
Dear [...]
Amazing Grace at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Published by February 1st, 2007 in Faith and Politics, Global Issues, History, Justice, Movies, Politics and Social Issues. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
This film premiered downtown last night and I wish I could have been there. The director, Micheal Apted, is being interviewed tonight at Victoria Hall. (Sadly, I don’t have tickets for this event…) Really looking forward to seeing this movie!
Santa Barbara Edhat - Amazing Grace
The film tells the story of [...]
Implicated by priviledge
Published by January 29th, 2007 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Kingdom, Poverty and Western Christianity. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
If the statistic quoted in the previous post doesn’t stir you, take this test an see if you are implicated at all. For those of us among the wealthiest in the world who also call ourselves Christian, what must we do with our wealth, status and privilege? Perspective is powerful. I am richer [...]
Advocacy for Economic Equality - What does it look like?
Published by January 29th, 2007 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Kingdom, Philosophy, Poverty, Social Issues, Spiritual Dynamics and Western Christianity. 3 CommentsiFeedReaders
Rose Marie Berger, Davos Meet Nairobi:
“God weeps,” Archbishop Tutu told participants in the ecumenical gathering near the conclusion of the World Social Forum in Nairobi, “and says, ‘Who will help me so we can have a different kind of world, one in which the rich know they have been given much so they can share [...]
An Alternative to the E-Word? -Red Letter Christians
Published by January 26th, 2007 in Global Issues, Politics, Social Issues and Western Christianity. 3 CommentsiFeedReaders
SojoNet: Faith, Politics, and Culture Great article by Tony Campolo (with links to other articles) about a group of Evangelicals that are having a hard time with the “E-word” and are now self identifying as “Red Letter Christians.”
Because being evangelical is usually synonymous with being Republican in the popular mind, and calling [...]
Her name is Srey. She is a six years old.
Published by January 24th, 2007 in Global Issues, Poverty and Social Issues. 7 CommentsiFeedReaders
I have a six year old daughter. Her name is Emma. Emma is the same age as Srey, the girl whose story is told in this article. Devestatingly heartbreaking are the only words I can think of. I am thankful that more features are being written about the rising global problem [...]
Carter, Clinton Seek To Bring Together Moderate Baptists
Published by January 22nd, 2007 in Global Issues, Politics, Poverty, Social Issues and Western Christianity. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
Carter, Clinton Seek To Bring Together Moderate Baptists - washingtonpost.com
Shaw said broadcast evangelists such as the Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Rev. Pat Robertson, along with the Southern Baptist Convention, have “downsized the moral message” of the Bible “so that the dominant question has to do with sexuality.”Black Baptist churches, he said, are saying that [...]
Refugees Find Hostility and Hope on Soccer Field
Published by January 21st, 2007 in Global Issues, Immigration and Social Issues. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
Powerful article about a soccer team in Clarkson Georgia made up entirely of refugee children who have been relocated in the U.S. Unfortunately, their troubles are far from over. Refugees Find Hostility and Hope on Soccer Field - New York Times
AIDS: $1 Billion up in Smoke?
Published by January 17th, 2007 in Global Issues and Politics. 1 CommentiFeedReaders
It appears that our new congress is not inclined to keep promises made in 2006 for funding to fight AIDS. You can make your voice heard on this issue! AIDS: $1 Billion up in Smoke?
Shane Claiborne on the Saddam Execution: “It is hard to communicate love through a noose”
Published by January 5th, 2007 in Global Issues, Social Issues and Spiritual Practices. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
Communicating Through a Noose
…The gospels tell the story of a group of people who have dragged forward an adulteress and are ready to stone her (this was the legal consequence). Jesus is asked for his support of this death penalty case. His response is this… “You are all adulterers. If you have [...]
Uniting over Jesus ChristÂ
Published by December 12th, 2006 in Global Christianity, Global Issues, Islam and Western Christianity. 0 CommentsiFeedReaders
Uniting over Jesus Christ - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America’s Newspaper
With the advent of the Christmas season we two friends — a Christian and a Muslim — find our thoughts turning to the relationship between Christianity and Islam, which looms so fatefully on the global stage.
Irony… Augusto Pinochet dies on Human Rights Day.
Published by December 11th, 2006 in Global Issues, History, Politics and Social Issues. 3 CommentsiFeedReaders
It appears that history may sometimes offers its own verdict. Notorious Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet passed away yesterday, December 10, Human Rights Day. It is estimated that Pinochet’s regime,
A blog about present and future church, contemporary culture, intercultural dynamics, and the implications of Jesus' Gospel of the Kingdom in today's context. 
Recent Comments:
PlanosLie, PlanosLie, billy, Ryan, Cole Davis [...]
Sam Andress, Julie Bradshaw, billy, George P. Wood
Amy Downey, nicholas armitage
billy, nate, billy, George P. Wood
Joseph Carnes
billy, Dave K
billy, Josiah Trandahl, Andy Sudhoff, Barret, LeRon [...]
Susan