If you have not checked out the www.graceforasia.org sight in a while I'd encourage you to take a look.
Alina has done some great work for us and is trying to bring some freshness in an effort to help us share the
glocal story in a more effective and enjoyable manner.
I'm especially eage to take out "Provision Financing" opportunities public now. For the past several months we
have been working hard behind to bring our existing files up to where we want them to be. Believe we are 95% where we want to be with those.
With 2.9 billion people living below the poverty line today - that is -living on less than $2.00 per day - it is time to reach out and make a difference. Helping the poor is the responsibillity of all who have been trusted with resources.
I was at a conference in Seattle this past week. I heard much about holistic efforts. Unfortunately some well intentioned friends seem to have a hole in their holistic approaches. People are body, sold and spirit. Unless we address ALL the components we forfeit the right to claim a holistic title.
In the next few blogs I'd like to share how "Provision Financing" is a step beyond micro financing.
Hope you''ll enjoy browsing the new sights
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Glocal World Realities
Interesting to pick up a newspaper throughout travels and see daily evidence of this new glocal world. Basically glocal means we live in a tiny world. The boundaries are breaking down. Please don't dismiss this as "more theory" and philosophizing. It is real --- very real.
The bible indicates we can expect to see two unprecedented changes.
A one world religion. Certainly that is happening. In this age of tolerance it is increasingly unpopular for any belief system to say "they are wrong and we are right." The mood is "we are all right." Not very logical since religions teach diametrically opposite viewpoints. Nonethelss political correctness demands to pretend everyone is agreeing even when we all know that is ridiculous.
A one world government. Now what needs to happen for that to occur? Unified military. When pirates attack a US ship and held a captain hostage the court of world opinion shouted "do not take unilateral action but work through the U.N." Glad we did not listen. That poor man would still be floating on a row boat.
Eventually we must have a one world economy. That likely means a one world currency. Read in the South China Morning Post today (Hong Kong newspaper) that Asian politicians are talking more and more about moving to a new currency called SDA. Basically it would be a composite index of the U.S. dollar, Chinese yen, Euro, and Japanese currency.They would each be assigned a percentage and the universal currency would reflect that.
Guess there is nothing wrong with this but just a few years ago the thought would have been nothing more than meaningless discussion. Prediction. It will happen. Possibly in my life time.
A personal story. Met a man in the restroom of a hotel. Asked where he was fun. He said Inida and asked about me? I said "USA--your good friends." He said "not such good friends! The USA makes us poor."
I had no idea what he was referring to but chose the path of least confrontation. "Oh we like one another in India and USA. The problem is all the politics." This actually brought a knowing smile. He agreed "yes it is just the politicians."
People world wide do want to get along. We realize we cannot build a wall around us any longer. Those days are gone. Therefore the pressure will continue to build to break down all barriers.
We can either run from this glocal movement or embrace the positive aspects it brings. While not willing to change any of my fundamental beliefs I'm choosing to embrace it as an opportunity for effective service. Our backyard is bigger. Our ministry focus expanded. What doors should you be walking through.
Look forward to seeing Stan Smith and his team over here in a couple days.
The bible indicates we can expect to see two unprecedented changes.
A one world religion. Certainly that is happening. In this age of tolerance it is increasingly unpopular for any belief system to say "they are wrong and we are right." The mood is "we are all right." Not very logical since religions teach diametrically opposite viewpoints. Nonethelss political correctness demands to pretend everyone is agreeing even when we all know that is ridiculous.
A one world government. Now what needs to happen for that to occur? Unified military. When pirates attack a US ship and held a captain hostage the court of world opinion shouted "do not take unilateral action but work through the U.N." Glad we did not listen. That poor man would still be floating on a row boat.
Eventually we must have a one world economy. That likely means a one world currency. Read in the South China Morning Post today (Hong Kong newspaper) that Asian politicians are talking more and more about moving to a new currency called SDA. Basically it would be a composite index of the U.S. dollar, Chinese yen, Euro, and Japanese currency.They would each be assigned a percentage and the universal currency would reflect that.
Guess there is nothing wrong with this but just a few years ago the thought would have been nothing more than meaningless discussion. Prediction. It will happen. Possibly in my life time.
A personal story. Met a man in the restroom of a hotel. Asked where he was fun. He said Inida and asked about me? I said "USA--your good friends." He said "not such good friends! The USA makes us poor."
I had no idea what he was referring to but chose the path of least confrontation. "Oh we like one another in India and USA. The problem is all the politics." This actually brought a knowing smile. He agreed "yes it is just the politicians."
People world wide do want to get along. We realize we cannot build a wall around us any longer. Those days are gone. Therefore the pressure will continue to build to break down all barriers.
We can either run from this glocal movement or embrace the positive aspects it brings. While not willing to change any of my fundamental beliefs I'm choosing to embrace it as an opportunity for effective service. Our backyard is bigger. Our ministry focus expanded. What doors should you be walking through.
Look forward to seeing Stan Smith and his team over here in a couple days.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Think you have a tough job?
All humans have feelings.
Attended an NBA game a couple nights ago. The woeful Clippers. I've followed this team for many years. I'm numb. There is not much which surprises me. Several years back Sports Illustrated had a cover article entitled "The Worst Team in Professional Sports." You guessed it---our L.A. Clippers.
This is year is no exception. Their won-loss record will be among the lowest three in the NBA and they deserve it. Injuries sure. Players don't want to play hurt so they were down to only two reserves on the bench by the end of this game. Lost to one of the other 3 worst teams. It's bad.
The last quarter the home team fans began to shout in unison "FIRE DUNLEAVEY.' He is the coach of the Clippers.
Mike Dunleavy was a pretty good ball player. Probably not a bad coach. What any long time Clipper fan knows is that it really does not make any difference who coaches the team. Ultimately it matters who owns the team. That would be Donald Sterling. A rich playboy who doesn't show his face much around the arena. To do so might be dangerous.
I sat and listened to the chants and though as frustrated as any fan and wishing at least one season we would not be embarrassed I found my self feeling bad for coach Mike.
He'll probably claim he does not hear the fans. Impossible. He hears them. He'll probably say "I understand their frustration." But can you imagine going to work and having thousands of people shouting for your to be fired. Ouch. Tough job. Sure a few million dollars a year softens the blow but nonetheless that is hard.
What is my point? Guess if I have one here it is to remind myself and all my friends that humans hurt. Had to wonder if Mike Dunleavy's wife was sitting there.
Let's be kind to one another---even public figures. We buy a ticket and reserve the right to express ourselves but good grief. Nothing wrong with being nice.
By the way. Believe it was about this time of year on our calendar a thoughtless group of people shouted "Crucify Him. Crucify Him." Wonder if some of those were thoughtlessly joining in the lynching?
Let's think before we speak or yell. The consequences of not doing so may not only be hurtful but regretful.
Attended an NBA game a couple nights ago. The woeful Clippers. I've followed this team for many years. I'm numb. There is not much which surprises me. Several years back Sports Illustrated had a cover article entitled "The Worst Team in Professional Sports." You guessed it---our L.A. Clippers.
This is year is no exception. Their won-loss record will be among the lowest three in the NBA and they deserve it. Injuries sure. Players don't want to play hurt so they were down to only two reserves on the bench by the end of this game. Lost to one of the other 3 worst teams. It's bad.
The last quarter the home team fans began to shout in unison "FIRE DUNLEAVEY.' He is the coach of the Clippers.
Mike Dunleavy was a pretty good ball player. Probably not a bad coach. What any long time Clipper fan knows is that it really does not make any difference who coaches the team. Ultimately it matters who owns the team. That would be Donald Sterling. A rich playboy who doesn't show his face much around the arena. To do so might be dangerous.
I sat and listened to the chants and though as frustrated as any fan and wishing at least one season we would not be embarrassed I found my self feeling bad for coach Mike.
He'll probably claim he does not hear the fans. Impossible. He hears them. He'll probably say "I understand their frustration." But can you imagine going to work and having thousands of people shouting for your to be fired. Ouch. Tough job. Sure a few million dollars a year softens the blow but nonetheless that is hard.
What is my point? Guess if I have one here it is to remind myself and all my friends that humans hurt. Had to wonder if Mike Dunleavy's wife was sitting there.
Let's be kind to one another---even public figures. We buy a ticket and reserve the right to express ourselves but good grief. Nothing wrong with being nice.
By the way. Believe it was about this time of year on our calendar a thoughtless group of people shouted "Crucify Him. Crucify Him." Wonder if some of those were thoughtlessly joining in the lynching?
Let's think before we speak or yell. The consequences of not doing so may not only be hurtful but regretful.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What Unites Us
I am completeing our last leg of this trip here in Shanghai. Staring down at the maze of roofs below stretching as far as the eye can see--at least my eyes. Here in the worlds fourth largest city which boasts 3 million "floating" population. That is not the number of people who live here but the estimated number of visitors and transient people. Truly an amazing mass of bodies.
As we complete another set of projects I find myself most impressed with what all people have in common. We have met the most rural farmers--most who admit to have never seeing a foreigner before forget about a white one. We have worked alongside of ex-pat business men and women earning in excess of $400k per year. We talk with ex-pats working in the country of China. Church leaders, lay-leaders, service people, professional drivers. A pretty good cross section of human beings.
Without commentary let me share a few items which draw all those created in His image together.
1) We hurt when betrayed
2) We all seek to find purpose, significance and meaning
3) We all love our families and seek their security
4) We are all sinful by nature and know we need help to be what God made us to be
5) We are concened about the world's economic shake-up and the threat of loss or unemployment
6) We are usually way too busy but favor that to boredom
7) We are aware of the small world we now live in. Whether this comes by having your first foreign visitor or by the 24 hour a day emails which flud our inbox the world is starting to accept how small the globe is on which we spin.
Looking forward to being back in California tomorrow. Good ole USA.
As we complete another set of projects I find myself most impressed with what all people have in common. We have met the most rural farmers--most who admit to have never seeing a foreigner before forget about a white one. We have worked alongside of ex-pat business men and women earning in excess of $400k per year. We talk with ex-pats working in the country of China. Church leaders, lay-leaders, service people, professional drivers. A pretty good cross section of human beings.
Without commentary let me share a few items which draw all those created in His image together.
1) We hurt when betrayed
2) We all seek to find purpose, significance and meaning
3) We all love our families and seek their security
4) We are all sinful by nature and know we need help to be what God made us to be
5) We are concened about the world's economic shake-up and the threat of loss or unemployment
6) We are usually way too busy but favor that to boredom
7) We are aware of the small world we now live in. Whether this comes by having your first foreign visitor or by the 24 hour a day emails which flud our inbox the world is starting to accept how small the globe is on which we spin.
Looking forward to being back in California tomorrow. Good ole USA.
Monday, March 23, 2009
End of the World
Today I traveled with my son Tony to around 8 sights. Our target is always the most unserved areas. I believe all the places we visited admitted "we have never had a foreign guest here before."
I consider it to be quite an honor to be present in such locations. You might wonder where these places are. I wish I could tell you. Frankly I have no real idea.
One location stands out. we traveled along the side of a mountain for close to 30 minutes on a one lane road. Finally descending into a valley. There was a village with a rushing creek through the middle. We parked and crossed a walking bridge to the "main street' of town. Picture Indiana Jones meets Jackie Chan and you have it.
Narrow street with home on both sides. Doors open. Inside the homes were clean but bare. The group we met was nestled in a small building. A bare light bulb dangled over the middle of the room. On small boards sat around 40 people.
Behind the meeting room was another room. It was piled high with bags of husks for fuel and carefully cut sticks stacked to the ceiling.
We were invited to stay for lunch at the local restaurant. A bare concrete floor with a table prepared with the finest foods available. The owner sat with us. He graciously stated it was a privilege to serve the only foreign guests they had ever received.
Finishing our work we left. Reminded once again there are wonderful Christian people all over God's world. One of the hosts who lives in China casually quipped 'this is the end of the world.'
I was reminded of what was written 2000 years ago. Take my good news "to the ends of the world."
This is not literally it but I believe the mandate will and can be literally filled --- if we all work together.
I consider it to be quite an honor to be present in such locations. You might wonder where these places are. I wish I could tell you. Frankly I have no real idea.
One location stands out. we traveled along the side of a mountain for close to 30 minutes on a one lane road. Finally descending into a valley. There was a village with a rushing creek through the middle. We parked and crossed a walking bridge to the "main street' of town. Picture Indiana Jones meets Jackie Chan and you have it.
Narrow street with home on both sides. Doors open. Inside the homes were clean but bare. The group we met was nestled in a small building. A bare light bulb dangled over the middle of the room. On small boards sat around 40 people.
Behind the meeting room was another room. It was piled high with bags of husks for fuel and carefully cut sticks stacked to the ceiling.
We were invited to stay for lunch at the local restaurant. A bare concrete floor with a table prepared with the finest foods available. The owner sat with us. He graciously stated it was a privilege to serve the only foreign guests they had ever received.
Finishing our work we left. Reminded once again there are wonderful Christian people all over God's world. One of the hosts who lives in China casually quipped 'this is the end of the world.'
I was reminded of what was written 2000 years ago. Take my good news "to the ends of the world."
This is not literally it but I believe the mandate will and can be literally filled --- if we all work together.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Just Keeping in Touch
Today began in Jinan. Met up with five good friends at the airport. The Watkins are doing fine here as they work on literacy research for a minority group. Found Nate sitting in the hotel coffee shop strumming a guitar. Then met Eric Lansford from California who flew in with the Martins from Shanghai.
Great time of chatting. What a neat group. They are off on a four hour drive to continue the work nearby.
Then flew to Shanghai to meet with my son, Tony. His first trip to China. We took a short fight to meet our local hosts.
At the Shanghai airport I ran into Rev. Cao Shengie, recently retired President of the National CCC. We were privileged to work together in 2006 to bring the first ever Chinese Bible Exhibition to the USA. She looked as vivrant and energetic as ever. Was a delight to see her once again.
Deboarding from our final flight we were greeted by a Provincial CCC president and the City Religious Affairs leader here in the city where we plan to spend the next three days. Chatted and got better acquainted for a while.
Tomorrow we'll be guests in the largest church here in this major city. Once done the projects will begin for three days.
Weary of traveling but good to be a part in good things which happen when friends gather from around the world.
For those of you who are following our work for many years--just wanted to say "goodnight" before turning in.
Great time of chatting. What a neat group. They are off on a four hour drive to continue the work nearby.
Then flew to Shanghai to meet with my son, Tony. His first trip to China. We took a short fight to meet our local hosts.
At the Shanghai airport I ran into Rev. Cao Shengie, recently retired President of the National CCC. We were privileged to work together in 2006 to bring the first ever Chinese Bible Exhibition to the USA. She looked as vivrant and energetic as ever. Was a delight to see her once again.
Deboarding from our final flight we were greeted by a Provincial CCC president and the City Religious Affairs leader here in the city where we plan to spend the next three days. Chatted and got better acquainted for a while.
Tomorrow we'll be guests in the largest church here in this major city. Once done the projects will begin for three days.
Weary of traveling but good to be a part in good things which happen when friends gather from around the world.
For those of you who are following our work for many years--just wanted to say "goodnight" before turning in.
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