The Strangers in our Midst

I'm having hard time with the press coverage of the debate and the bills being proposed before the American Congress on immigration, especially in this season of Lent. In this season, it is about remembering what Christ did and does for us -- and His call to the marginalized in society. No one represents that more than the refugee or the displaced. They are forced to leave their home because of war, political upheaval, or natural disasters. And they deserve our help. That is why I've been so involved in the Refugee Highway Partnership which seeks to serve refugees and the ministries who provide for them. This is a picture of children from when I was in one of the camps in Indonesia.

In the discussions over borders, immigration challenges, etc. much of the proposals seeking to address those issues here in the US will have huge implications for others, including those legally resettled refugees from places like Sudan. How are we to respond? Obviously, one's "status" of legality that should not take away any responsibility we have to help their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The key is not letting the emotion connected to politics overly influence our compassion. I will not allow the anger and hostility that some in America are displaying toward immigrants be a part of my Lent. Will you?

In out church, we are currently going through the Gospel of Luke. Last week and this one coming we are looking at the the story of the Good Samaritian. In the story, the answer to the question: "Who is my neighbor?" is clear -- isn't it? Why do we then hesitate so?

Here's a quote from a message Cardinal Roger Mahony, Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles.

"As his disciples, we are called to attend to the last, littlest, lowest and least in our society. This Lenten season, consider making room for the stranger in your midst, praying for the courage and strength to offer spiritual and pastoral ministry to all who come to you, offering prayer and support for the ones in your midst who, like Jesus, have no place to rest their heads."

Ethnê to Ethnê

Some of you know that I was in Indonesia earlier this month participating in a conference addressing unreached peoples of the world. Called Ethnê to Ethnê (the greek word for peoples), its emphasis was on seeing the peoples from all of the world reach out to the peoples of the world who haven't heard about Jesus. It was a very cool event that had over 370 church leaders from every continent attending and it was an honot to be part of the Steering Committee that put it all together. Check out the www.ethne.net website as we begin to upload the presentations and outcomes from the event.

Status of World Outreach

Though I am not a big fan of statistics and number when related to the Kingdom, you can check out the current status of what's happening in world outreach today -- instantly updated.

http://ied.gospelcom.net/worldpopulation.php

March Madness

Yes, it is March and the annual madness has begun. Since the early 1970s, I've been a hardcore college basketball fan. My team from the beginning? The University of North Carolina TarHeels, who won the championship just last year. Fortunately, my boys have adopted the same and we enjoy watching and rooting them on to victory -- which happens most of the time. Here's a picture of their great freshman star, Tyler Hansbrough, going to the hoop!

They opened the big tournament this year on Saint Patrick's day and, with the luck of the Irsh won. Needless to say, the household was in a joyous celebration. Of course they were expected to win this game (and likely the next), it will be later when they play tougher teams that we might be in a more somber mood.

Prayer of Jabez Meets Reality

I was never a big fan of the book The Prayer of Jabez, thinking it as simplistic, reductionist and naive (but what do you really think, Brian?). When author Bruce Wilkerson moved to Africa (Swaziland to be exact) to try and basically land the principles of the book, many -- including me -- were pretty skeptical. Still, with millions of dollars from the book sales to fund him, one wondered whether it could work.

Bruce's "Dream for Africa," launched in late 2002, was a $190 million project that proposed housing 10,000 AIDS orphans on a 32,000-acre complex by the end of 2006. The plan included a golf course, a dude ranch, abstinence training, and the planting of 500,000 small vegetable gardens. Unfortunately, it didn't even come close to working and Bruce has left Africa to "retire" from ministry. Wonder why? Basically because he likely knew very little about how to work cross culturally -- and in the arrogance we Americans are most known for around the world -- he didn't ask or listen to any counsel. As one who tries to be involved in cross-cultural missions work, it is a tragic lessons learned event for us all.

The sad story and some of the reasons why are detailed in an excellent editorial by Christianity Today magazine. Click on this link to read more about it . . . http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/13.26.html

If you want to see the world from outer space -- or from any of dozens of satellites, check out this site. It is pretty fun actually.

http://www.fourmilab.ch/cgi-bin/uncgi/Earth/action?opt=-p