DestinationBlog

Memo to self re: the post election hand wringing

Alan Cole — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:44:14 GMT

This quote from Joy Davidman helped put things in perspective after the election:

    We sometimes come to God, not because we love Him best,
    but because we love our possessions best; we ask Christ to
    "save Western civilization," without asking ourselves whether
    it is entirely a civilization that Christ could want to save.
    We pray, too often, not to do Gods will, but to enlist Gods
    assistance in maintaining our "continually increasing
    consumption." And yet, though Christ promised that God would
    feed us, he never promised that God would stuff us to
    bursting.
            ... Joy Davidman (1915-1960), Smoke on the Mountain [1955]

Goose bumps on Thanksgiving eve

Alan Cole — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:36:31 GMT

There are still guys out there who believe there are some things worth dying for, and these two Marines were sterling examples of that attitude. Both have been awarded the Navy Cross posthumously (second highest honor, next to the Medal of Honor). These and men like them will be remembered in my Thanksgiving prayers tomorrow. The story gives me goose bumps - yes, I'm just that schmaltzy.

Weekend funnies

Alan Cole — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:00:04 GMT

Al of my friends have one common characteristic. When we get together we laugh. I was reminded how much fun my friends are a few weeks ago when we had dinner with some we haven't seen in a while. The evening left us with a smile as we drove home. Nothing earth shattering - we caught up on what's going on in each other's lives. We rejoiced at answers to prayer and ministry successes. Most importantly, we laughed together.

Catherine in front. John, Sandy,
Donnalynn and CJ standing.

I sill like Rick Warren because he can make fun of himself. That's different from agreeing with everything he says or does. When I saw this video it reminded me of a number of people who, in becoming "successful", lost the ability to poke fun at themselves.Rick hasn't lost that - and I hope he never does.

Without a doubt the funniest thing I've seen this week is this. Hope this "medicine" makes you laugh - and reminds you that " A cheerful disposition is good for your health".

Just a great story

Alan Cole — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:56:33 GMT

A friend sent me a great story, attributed in his e-mail to Bible teacher Beth Moore. After some searching on her web site I found that it is indeed hers, though her website only referred to the book where it first appeared. I found the link (click on "great story" in the first line) to it on line - it correctly attributes it to her and gives the name of the book, Further Still.

Enjoy!

Just about a wash

Alan Cole — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:39:07 GMT

This week was just about a wash in my sports world. The Redskins lost, leaving them well back in the pack hunting for a playoff spot. They are at best a wild card entrant in the playoffs. They didn't lose because they "didn't execute" or because their QB was horizontal as much as he was vertical (alright already with the sports clichés . They lost primarily because they scored fewer points than the Dallas Cowboys.

On the other hand, the SEC accused Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban of insider trading. that sort of makes up for the 'Skins' loss. Cuban redefined "obnoxious" as owner of a major sports franchise.

So..... this sports week is just about a wash.

Thinking like a Christian

Alan Cole — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:56:51 GMT

It is hard to believe that the election was two weeks ago. Since the election I've heard the entire spectrum of responses from people who are Christ followers. Some want to withdraw and establish monasteries where they can live as believers separate from the culture - not really, but the "gist" of their conversation says this is a live option for them. Others are at the opposite point of the pendulum swing, espousing involvement in political matters to bring about change for "our side." The challenge in all of this is, as always, the task of "thinking Christianly."

Cal Tomas gives a good pattern for thinking Christianly about this in his column "Religious Right, R.I.P." The entire column is good but the "money quote" for me is this one:

    G-d teaches in His Word that His power (if that is what conservative Evangelicals want and not their puny
    attempts at grabbing earthly power) is made perfect in weakness. He speaks of the tiny mustard seed,
    the seemingly worthless widow's mite, of taking the last place at the table and the humbling of one's self,
    the washing of feet and similar acts and attitudes; the still, small voice. How did conservative Evangelicals
    miss this and instead settle for a lesser power, which in reality is no power at all? When did they settle
    for an inferior "kingdom"? [emphasis mine]

Charles Colson's Breakpoint offers the view of a guest columnist, Everett Piper in A One-Track Vote. The "money quote here is:

    Now a personal note: I was once much more “progressive” than I appear to be now. I was pro-choice, and
    I used to be a lead voice for the “you can’t legislate morality” crowd. But I don’t hold this position anymore
    for several reasons. First and foremost, I have concluded that it doesn’t make any sense. I mean this literally.
    There is no sense—no logic, no intellectual integrity or moral consistency—in this argument. Legislation,
    if it is nothing else, is always based on morality. Otherwise there is nothing to legislate and the entire
    process becomes meaningless. Wilberforce, Wesley, and a host of others recognized this. At times these
    great leaders were indeed dangerously close to “single issue voters.” John Wesley famously declared that
    “you must be singular or be damned,” and Wilberforce, in like manner, spent decades with near tunnel
    vision arguing to abolish slavery (because he, too, agreed that the definition of personhood was not his
    to make and was, therefore, not “above his pay grade”).

A friend of mine, currently pastoring in Egypt, reminded me of my responsibility as a believer as he wrote in his latest blog:

    No matter what your response to the most recent elections, remember the priority of Scripture regarding
    government. 1 Timothy 2:1-3, "I urge that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for
    everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
    and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior." Romans 13:1, "Everyone must submit himself
    to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The
    authorities that exist have been established by God." 1 Peter 2:13-14, 17, "Submit yourselves for the
    Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
    or to governors, … Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God,
    honor the king." Prov 21:1, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He
    turns it wherever He wishes." Our hope is in God and not in man.

In case these don't stir your soul and stimulate your mind, you can try cuing up this version of Battle Hymn of the Republic, sent to me recently by a friend.

Enjoy!

Men's advance

Alan Cole — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:32:50 GMT

Last weekend I was at Skycroft Conference Center, a popular retreat site where we did several retreats when I was singles pastor at Immanuel Bible Church. I spoke to the men of Chinese Bible Church of Maryland on the life of David.

                    The men (I'm standing next to pastor John)
                      - we had Chamber of Commerce weather!

I had a great time "talking shop" (i.e, ministry) with their English pastor, John Tung - they have three services - one in English, one in Mandarin and one in Cantonese. He has recently been through the roller coaster of cancer and God has used it to refine him and sharpen him for ministry.

I asked him about the biggest challenge he faces regularly in ministry. He responded without hesitation "We have to do everything three times" (referring to their 3 services). When I asked what was his biggest blessing he said "Doing everything three times." What a great answer!

                      Pastor John Tung (center) kicking back with his small group

The men enjoyed small group time, which is always a special part of any retreat. The small group discussion questions I wrote prompted some interesting discussions among the generations.

                       Some small groups took advantage of the comfortable
               leather chairs outside the coffee shop, aptly named "Hebrews".

A hero's passing

Alan Cole — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:29:26 GMT

Don't let anyone EVER tell you the lie that we "lost" the war in Vietnam. We didn't have the political will to consolidate our victorys, but we did not "lose". Men like John Ripley are why we won the war twice - once during the Tet offensive in 1968 and again in Easter 1972.

Semper fi!

Recruiting pitch I can understand - from the NY Times

Alan Cole — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:29:55 GMT

Every once in a while the NY Times stumbles over the truth. In Winston Churchill's words "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened." They (the NY Times) stumbled over the truth with this one, written with humor and honesty by a genuine paleo-hippie:

    Then came the marine. He was fit and spit-shined. “My name is Sangster, ma’am. Rhymes with
    gangster.” As I remember it, that was pretty much all he said to me; his pitch was aimed at Zach.
    “The Marine Corps will make you puke, make you cry, and when that’s over, you’ll be sent to the
    most miserable, dangerous, godforsaken place on the planet. So let me ask you: Why should I
    let you join my corps?”

The entire article is available here.

Semper fi!

Recruiting pitch I can understand - from the NY Times

Alan Cole — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:20:30 GMT

Christian? Not by a Biblical definition

Alan Cole — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:51:31 GMT

One of the questions swirling around Barack Obama's candidacy is the question of whether he is Muslim or Christian. I have seen no convincing proof that he is Muslim. He has certainly had more exposure to radical Islamic teaching than any one else currently running for the highest office in the land. I believe he may be influenced by any part of Islam he deems politically expedient, but no, I don't believe he is a Muslim.

The follow on question will most certainly be "Then do you believe he is a Christian?" The short answer is no, he is definitely not a Christian by any Biblical definition. If any more proof is needed, a look at his effort to redistribute wealth is all the answer I need. He has even framed his position in terms of "virtue", pointing to a Biblical view as being "selfish". It must be deemed a good talking point because I heard Geraldine Ferraro argue that the Bible actually tells us that we should embrace the kind of "redistribution of wealth" advocated by Barack Obama. Michael Craven has it right when he outlines the nature of the description in Acts 2:

    When the Bible speaks of having “all things in common” and giving to “each as anyone had need,”
    the writers were referring to material provisions (see Acts 4:32, 35). All earthly things are the
    possessions of God: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who
    dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1, ESV). Men are mere stewards of what belongs to the Lord and should
    share the gifts of His creation with one another as much as they can. Some may suggest that in this,
    the Bible advocates socialism; however socialism is a compulsory redistribution of wealth coerced by
    government, whereas Christian charity is voluntary, done out of love of neighbor and in obedience
    to God. Christianity is completely opposed to the forced redistribution of wealth.

The emphasis is mine. Read Michael Craven's complete article here.

What he said: Hot links and an ex-Marine sighting

Alan Cole — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:41:44 GMT

There are times I wish I could put my thoughts into words as succinctly as some of my favorite writers and commentators. They often have a way of capturing what I'm thinking or feeling in just a few well crafted words or a choice phrase. Unfortunately, as one of my former Marine friends puts it, I write like he (referring to Charles Krauthammer) runs. You get the idea. So here are some of the things I wish I'd said or written. They're insightful and to the point.

Perry Noble has it absolutely right: "Let me say it more clearly–they missed Jesus because of politics!!! (And religion as well…but that’s another post!). For a Christian to claim that the world is going to be doomed to hell because a particular party happens to “control” the White House is a slap in the face of a Sovereign God. He reigns! Read through Scripture & it is so clear…God has used kings and princes that were sold out to Him…and He’s also used those who had no love for Him at all… for HIS glory! So…next Tuesday…go vote! “For who,” you ask…well, here’s an idea…ask Jesus who to vote for…and then do what He says. (Yes, it REALLY is that simple.) Then…whoever gets elected…PRAY FOR THAT MAN OFTEN! Even if the guy you want to win doesn’t…all the more reason to pray! One more time…YES, we should have political opinions…and YES, it is OK if they are strong AND we believe in the cause…BUT PLEASE let’s not make the mistake of thinking that God is somehow limited by the policies and philosophies of a particular party!

HE REIGNS! Always has, always will!"

I also care deeply about the right of the unborn to grow up and make their own choices, so by my definition, I am "pro-choice". Contrary to the Democratic position, I know that life is worth protecting from the beginning. No amount of rhetorical contortions can make me believe that the Obama/Biden position lauded in the press as correct. My vote was cast (I cast my contrarian vote earlier this week, voting absentee) for this deeply held position. I see insight in Chuck Norris' rhetorical question, "Remember when the issue of abortion used to matter to conservatives in political races?" If that makes you wrinkle your nose because it comes from someone so "blue collar" it's further proof that we've polarized into two Americas - one that pursues a culture of life and one that pursues a culture of death.

This polarization is what prompted Dennis Prager to write so insightfully about the left's vision of America. The rhetoric of the last several months has convinced me Prager is right when he writes: "Right and left share the same ends, I thought. That is not the case. For the most part, right and left differ in their visions of America and that is why they differ on policies. Right and the left do not want the same America."

I believe we (Christ followers) should be concerned about our nation's stance toward the nation of Israel. I don't believe this current manifestation is the Israel that will be - we're still waiting on King Jesus for that one to appear. Cal Thomas has it right though when he points out his concerns that a Democratic president would be very pro-Arab AND anti-Israel.

I was once excited about the Democratic candidate because he was "post-racial". As a Christ follower I care deeply about this issue. I thought that perhaps Barack Obama really was able to look beyond race. Now I see that he clearly isn't there yet. As Krauthammer wrote, "But should you bring up Barack Obama's real associations -- 20 years with Jeremiah Wright, working on two foundations and distributing money with William Ayers, citing the raving Michael Pfleger as one who helps him keep his moral compass (Chicago Sun-Times, April 2004) and the long-standing relationship with the left-wing vote-fraud specialist ACORN -- you have crossed the line into illegitimate guilt by association. Moreover, it is tinged with racism."

I haven't touched on Obama's proposed socialist agenda for the economy. Pat Buchanan, with whom I rarely agree any more, managed to hit the nail on the head on this one.

My friend Bud Brown sent me a good prayer reminder the other day. You can update the time sensitive first point, but it is a worthwhile reminder. Pray for:

Four days of good news in the financial markets. There seems to be this pattern in the electorate: McCain will slowly climb back up in the polls and then his momentum is stopped by something about the economy. We need good news in the markets and the economy all the way through Monday.

· More MSM newscasters to broadcast truth. It's been starting to happen but pray that the logjam is broken up and all these stories that have been on ice will get out into the public. Maybe we should pray for a sudden loss of judgment or temporary insanity

· Good news out of Iraq. Obama needs to be proven wrong. Enough said.

· A sudden realization of just how bad the world situation is. I had thought about saying "Pray for bad news on the world scene" but that would be wrong. Rather, pray that the electorate will have the blinders removed from their eyes in re: the current dangers that face our nation abroad.

· Compassion for the unborn.

· Concern for the fate we will lay upon our posterity. I am amazed at how few senior citizens who are thinking of the Obama vote have no concern for the welfare of their children and grandchildren!

· Major turnout of the 18-24 voters. The polling data indicates that the youngest of voters are heavily in favor of McCain. Obama's toehold on the "youth vote" is the 25 – 35 age group, so pray that they can't get out to vote!

· Suppressed vote in key liberal cities. If you look at the county by county maps on the blue states you discover that the bulk of the population lives in the big cities; these folks are all liberal. But the small cities, towns and rural areas are generally strong conservative supporters. So pray that there's real bad weather in the areas where liberals live to suppress their votes!

· Court victories in the litigation that is sure to ensue.

On Monday I will be fasting and praying for the defeat of Barack Obama as well as one of the most unique men in America, ex-Marine Doug Murtha. Unique, because he's the only ex-Marine I know.

As my old Gunny used to say "...'nuf said."

Approaches to culture

Alan Cole — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:59:59 GMT

Andy Crouch has a great short presentation on approaches to culture. Click here, then click on "Stepping into Culture".

Before He Speaks

Alan Cole — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:26:46 GMT

Prof. Hendricks used to remind us regularly to NOT use our family for illustrations without their permission and NEVER to use them as a negative illustration. Which is one of the reasons that this video posted by Todd Rhoades cracked me up.

What's up with America?

Alan Cole — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:42:59 GMT

As I write this we are near the end of an election cycle (and possibly a World Serious, because the Phillies are up by a run in the 5th). To use words like "tumultuous" or "bitter" barely do justice to the heated emotions and the shrill, jet whine level of reportage and political rhetoric. Many people who are not afraid to say they are at least "religious" seem to be of the mind that "If only we get the right people in Washington, they could turn it all around - if only <insert name of "my candidate" here> were in charge. The dirty little secret of politics - ALL politics - left, right or center - is that no matter how well crafted the legislation or vigorous the execution of it or well reasoned the adjudication of it, the human heart can not be "fixed" from outside.

In the 80's I devoured the writings of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, as I had more than a passing interest in the persecuted church, especially in Russia and the former Soviet Union. I kept a list of believers by name that I knew were imprisoned for their faith and I prayed for them regularly. Solzhenitsyn's words from his Templeton Address ring as true now as they did then: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.

I believe that what was true of Russia then is true of America today. Bill Bennett, who had a turn at government for a while, reiterated it succinctly when he said: "I submit to you that the crisis of our time is spiritual. What afflicts us is a corruption of the heart and a turning away of the soul. Nothing has been more consequential in the unraveling that's going on in our society than large segments of the American people privately turning away from God. And to turn things around, there must come wide-scale personal spiritual renewal."

As the skies darken with the wings of chickens coming home to roost, I cannot help but think of the conversations I've had over the last seven to ten years with believers that have so compartmentalized their lives that they can no longer think Biblically. Philip Johnson states it well when he writes (in the forward to Nancy Pearcey's new book Total Truth) “It is not uncommon to find well-meaning evildoers, as it were, who are quite sincerely convinced that they are Christians, and attend church faithfully, and may even hold a position of leadership, but who have absorbed a worldview that makes it easy for them to ignore their Christian principles when it comes time to do the practical business of daily living.” [emphasis mine]

Pearcey goes on to write (correctly) that:

The first step in forming a Christian worldview is to overcome the sharp divide between the "heart" and the "brain," the public/private split. "We have to reject the division of life into a sacred realm…over against a secular realm that includes science, politics, economics, and the rest of the public arena." In our culture "Values have been reduced to arbitrary, existential decisions." (20) It looks like this:

Upper Story - VALUES are matters of individual choice. nonrational

-- -- ---- -- ---- -- ---- -- ---- -- ---- -- ---- -- ---- -- ---- --

Lower Story - FACTS are binding on everyone. rational, verifiable

This grid [sketched above] defines what is to be taken seriously, as knowledge, and what is simply wishful thinking. Christianity is trapped in the upper story of private values. "We need to liberate the gospel from its cultural captivity, restoring it to the status of public truth." (22)

She has captured the heart of America's problem perfectly. My prayer for the church today is that individuals would repent of their failure to allow Christ to shape their thinking.

If they do that, everything will be all right, regardless of who "wins" the election.

Carpio Update, May 31, 2008

jca — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:49:00 GMT

I just did two loads of laundry, and I’m so happy!

No, but seriously, I’m ecstatic. You see, we just had 5 straight days of nonstop rain. Constant rain, torrential rain, sprinkling rain, endless endless rain day and night for the past week and not a glimpse of sun. Now do you understand why I’m so happy?? It is finally sunny enough to dry my clothes!!

There have been so many things happening, where do I begin??

A couple of weeks ago, there were 4 murders within a 24 hour period. Two were gang-related, and two were an 8 & 11 yr old brother and sister who went missing and later found. Please pray for the family of the children—they were not involved in our programs but many of our kids live in that same area. In fact, we know some will not return to our classes because their parents will no longer let them walk alone. Please also pray for the gang members—it is likely that friends/brothers of the victim will avenge their death. Pray that the cycle of violence would be broken in Carpio.

Red and yellow make orange. ...The kinder kids have learned the 3 primary colors and now are learning the secondary colors…next week we will concentrate on green. It is such fun to mix paint in front of them as they wait for the “new” color to appear…The maestras (teachers) wear the week’s color to every class, and they search the room for other examples of the color of the day. And we try to celebrate during snack time: orange milk (food coloring!!), red apples, yellow pineapple or purple jello.

They have already learned the numbers 0-4 and we will introduce the number 5 next week. I was concerned that we might be moving too fast but they seem to be counting well and recognizing the numbers perfectly. They just need to practice-practice-practice writing the numerals. I was also shocked the other day when some of my little ones wrote their own names! More than half the class could already do their names but there was a group of kids lagging slightly behind. We have been working patiently with them during these past few months, but I did not realize they had really learned enough to do it alone! Praise the Lord—the master of all knowledge! (pray for Manases and Shirley—the last two who need to learn…)

I am so thankful for Ana Virginia, my co-teacher. She is in charge of almost all things artsy…and I am in awe of the props she makes to demonstrate up/down, in/out, long/short…She also is leading the Bible story time, and the kids continue through the Old Testament. One parent told us that she was amazed at how much her daughter knows of God, at such a young age. We pray together about three times each morning, and now the kids are eager to lead their classmates in prayer!

Ana Virginia and another friend Veronica keep me sane most of the time, and I am also grateful that God brought my dear friend Patricia back to Costa Rica to live. The deep talks, silly moments, errands together—it is nice to be with someone who understands me…And the best part was celebrating in her joy of becoming engaged!

The Saturday program is growing steadily, and we had 5 new girls today! They discussed what it meant to be the black sheep of the family, and also heard a story about a young lamb who wandered away from the flock. They learned that Jesus is our good shepherd, and that even if 99 are safe and sound, He will do everything in His power to go after the missing one. (Read Luke 15) Each girl also received a lamb-shaped message to remind her how special and unique she is! They also made mother’s day cards, since yesterday was Nicaraguan Mother’s Day. My job: sprinkling glitter on every creation.

Praise God—my parents sold their house in New Hampshire and hauled their belongings partway across the country. Dad is officially retired and they are now happily settling into their new place near Grand Rapids, Michigan. To all my friends in NH, I will not forget you! It just might be longer between visits…

Thank you for all your love and prayers. Please continue to pray for more committed volunteers. Pray that I can manage my time well, and that I am willing for whatever the Lord asks of me.

Megan Crow

San Jose, Costa Rica

Carpio Update, May 13, 2008

jca — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:38:00 GMT

Hello there!! Just sending some photos your way, of my darling kindergarteners...

Hope they make you smile....today they made me laugh and laugh and laugh!!!

Maestra Megan
San Jose, Costa Rica

Carpio Update, May 7, 2008

jca — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Side note: Megan's list of prayer requests are now five months old. They have all been answered in one way or another, but there are many more just like them on a daily basis. Keep her and her work in your prayers.

Has it really been this long since you've heard from me?? Forgive me......I think of you often....and I am always delighted to hear from you!! I pray you will soon write and share your adventures...

I wanted to let you know some specific prayer needs:

--I need an assistant for my kinder class, to relieve some of our tasks and free us up to teach more. I praise God that the kids arrive punctually with their parents. 12 out of 13 families were represented at last night's parent-teacher meeting! I love the chance to get to know them more and to encourage them.
--I need at least 3 more leaders for my Saturday group of girls...which continues to grow. Praise God the girls are coming consistently! And I see them really learning the lessons...
--we especially need English teachers...effective June we will have none. And there will be 80+ kids left without classes...If you happen to know anyone who wants to come to Costa Rica to teach English, pass along my info!!!
--I had written to some of you about a young girl named Maria Isabel...16 yrs old and pregnant. When she went into labor a month ago, they discovered her baby boy had not developed normally, and was stillborn. Please pray for her as she recuperates emotionally...and that she might return to finish her high school degree...
--The Costa Rican missionaries...there have been many sicknesses, marital troubles, financial difficulties.
--funds to purchase kitchen/cooking utensils to begin cooking classes in Carpio
--unity among the churches/pastors in Carpio
--I will receive a team of 8 preschool ed majors (college students) May 19-29. Pray that I am prepared to work with so many...Pray that they bless the children of Carpio and that we missionaries can serve them well during their stay here.
--my parents Garrett & Charlyn are in the final weeks of their life in New Hampshire. Pray they finish packing and that Dad wraps up final details to retire....May they know peace even in this whirlwind time!

Thank you for all your love and concern.

Megan Crow
San Jose, Costa Rica

Carpio Update, February 22, 2008

jca — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:29:25 GMT

I’ve been reading in the Psalms today where David asks God why do the wicked always prosper and the poor get trampled upon? Three thousand years later, the situation doesn’t seem to have changed much…I walk around Carpio and am left speechless by the living conditions.

Stepping into a shack by the river, and walking through water to sit in the dirty lumpy armchair they offer to me—while 8 of them pile onto a loveseat next to me and even more family members wander into the “living room” (can you call it that?), curious about my arrival. Trying to avoid streams of sewer water as I walk through narrow alleyways. Watching kids entertain themselves with dirt, and rocks, and broken bits of wood…squatting down to poke sticks into the open sewer canals alongside the roads. A precarious walkway made of wooden flats creaks and sways under me as I try to reach a house perched on an eroding hill. Receiving a dirty plastic cup of water with a bug floating in it, to quench my thirst. A family of 5 who live in one room: no food in sight, and two of the school-aged daughters cannot register in school without paperwork from Nicaragua. The oldest girl wants to remember my name, so she finds a nail clipper and carves MEGAN into the wooden wall.

The Psalms go on to say, “But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them. The Lord is still in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth, both the righteous and the wicked. The righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face. “ (Psalms 9-12)

God is faithful to his promises and he will rescue his people. May I continue to be an obedient servant, using my words and hands to bring education and love and justice to the unwanted community of Carpio. Thank you for your continued prayers. May the attached photos help you to understand where I work.

Megan Crow

Local news you can use: Islam a "religion of tolerance"?

Alan Cole — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:57:12 GMT

The local Fox channel reported this story last week about an attack on 2 Georgetown medical students. Notice anything - other than the fact that the item never made the large outlets of the lamestream media? I'm linking to Debbie Schlussels' blog entry of the incident because myfoxdc.com comes up blank when you try to find the video by typing in "Hate Crime Arrests" to search their web site. Hmmmm..... CAIR at work?

Fox 5's web site does still contain the original entry, which does NOT mention that the attackers were Muslim. Contrast this with 1 Corinthians 6:9 and following, which points to the redemptive power of the Gospel in the lives of a wide array of people.

If you're interested in educating yourself on Islam from a Biblical standpoint, check out Michael Craven's 3 part series "Islam, Secularism and the Gospel" that begins here.