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Mark Driscoll in Chicago – April 1-2, 2011

March 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Mark Driscoll is coming to Chicago April 1-2, 2011 to Harvest Bible Chapel – here’s the conference’s pitch:

How is your love life? Think it could or should be better? Married? Single? College Student? No other area of our life impacts our quality of life more than this one. It can lead us to the best of times and for many of us it has lead to the worst of times.  The LoveLife Conference is a 6 hour investment into your present situation, your future and truly even your kids and grandkids. One of if not the most important role we can play with our kids is giving them a happy and well adjusted home, and that starts with a healthly marriage. An ounce of prevention is most certainly worth more than a pound of cure. LoveLife features best selling author, Pastor and International Christian Leader Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. With The Bible, primarily the Old Testament book of Song of Solomon, as Pastor Mark’s guide, he will teach us with humor, candidness and grace, God’s design for Love, Dating, Marriage and Sexuality.

LoveLife will also help with these key areas:

  • Attract and become the right kind of a person
  • How to Date and then moving towards a serious relationship
  • The Gift of Intimacy and Sex, and why and how it can be such a blessing or such a struggle
  • How to fight, because we all do, and how to grow closer through fight, not build a bigger wall between us
  • Romancing our spouse after years, fighting boredom and “this is as good as it’s going to get” pitfall
  • Commitment and why it is God’s desire and command, and why it is the most satisfying, simple and fulfilling model ever

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Church, Culture and Faith, DifferenceMakers, Latest, The Cultural Conversation

Stop and Listen to the Music

February 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Look at this video then read the rest of the blog post:

The scene is a Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…. How many other things are we missing?

Filed Under: Breaking News, Culture and Faith, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation, Urban Church

Sun-Times says Cotton Patch Gospel “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

‘COTTON PATCH GOSPEL’

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Remount of biblical riff reminds us of Provision Theater’s talent

When: Through Nov. 8
Where: Provision Theater Company, 1001 W. Roosevelt
Tickets: $22-$28
Phone: (866) 811-4111                                GET TICKETS HERE

——————————————————————————————

September 14, 2009       BY HEDY WEISS Theater Critic/hweiss@suntimes.com

JESUS CHRIST SOUTHERNER

It might not be the oldest story ever told, but it certainly is one of the most widely known, with no end of individualized riffs on its essential plot and characters. On Broadway it comes in the form of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” At Chicago ‘s Congo Square Theatre it’s “Black Nativity.” Earlier this year at the Mercury Theatre it was actor Max McLean’s one-man show, “Mark’s Gospel.”

And now, courtesy of Provision Theater — the five-year-old company whose work is marked by its subtle spiritual underpinnings — there is “Cotton Patch Gospel,” a rousing backroads-of-Georgia bluegrass musical that spins the Jesus story from a pre-civil-rights-era Bible Belt perspective.

cotton-patch-gospel-2

Timothy Gregory (standing) makes a nimble narrator in a new
staging of Provision Theater’s hit “Cotton Patch Gospel.”

The show is the work of Harry Chapin, the folk-rock songwriter and humanitarian (who was not much older than Jesus when he died, age 38, in a car accident in 1981), and writers Tom Key and Russel Treyz, who have conjured a witty tale complete with segregationist ministers, scheming Jim Crow politicians, television evangelists, teenage lovers by the name of Mary and Joe, a glitzy shopping-mall “temple” rife with corruption and, finally, a lynching — the Deep South’s equivalent of a crucifixion. The whole story is played out on a country road, where a group of locals find themselves stuck when their flatbed truck gives out.

“Cotton Patch Gospel” is the show that first put Provision Theatre on the map in 2004. And this zesty remount, artfully directed by Lou Contey, with impeccable musical direction by Alaric Jans, not only celebrates the company’s new home (the comfortable theater of the former “Y” on Roosevelt Road that is now operated by St. Ignatius College Prep), but serves as a splendid showcase of the dramatic and musical talent that fuels this troupe.

Leading the ensemble is Timothy Gregory, a Chicago Shakespeare Theatre veteran — and a man of a dozen vivid voices and personae –who not only narrates the story as Jesus’ disciple, Matthew, but turns himself into all of the modern-day characters who serve as major Biblical counterparts. He is terrific — energetic, yet wonderfully laid back and easy at the same time.

But it is the actor-musicians in this cast who drive much of the storytelling and make a most joyful noise. Chapin found the perfect pitch and style for each element of this tale. And singer-instrumentalists Shaun Whitley (on bass fiddle and mandolin), Farley Masterton (fiddle and bass fiddle), Alex Goodrich (banjo) and Trey Maclin (guitar) bring their distinctive personalities to bear in every number. The African-American “choir” that produces a heavenly blend of voices includes Krystal Metcalfe, Whitney Clair White, Dora Marie Washington Powell and Christian David.

Adding significantly to the atmosphere are Courtney O’Neill’s starry roadside set and Jordan Kardasz’s radiantly beautiful lighting.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Provision Theater, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation

Provision Theater’s Open House Fundraiser – June 12

June 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Provision Theater Company will be hosting an Open House Celebration benefit on June 12 to showcase their new facility, a 200-seat theater complex at 1001 W. Roosevelt.  Doors will open at 6:00 pm for refreshments and tours with a special performance at 7:30 pm.  The evening will end with a live auction and full reception at 8:30 pm.  The fundraiser event is open to the public and tickets are $50.  There is free parking at the facility. (yoo hoo! — a rarity in Chicago).

Please think about attending or buying tickets as a donation– this is the kind of theater that needs to be supported in Chicago.

provision-open-house

Anyone interested in tickets can buy them right online at www.provisiontheater.org or by calling 800-838-3006. “This Open House benefit will be very lively and fun.” said Gregory, “The show will include pieces from our previous shows along with performances from some of the top talent in Chicago, including Provision Company Members Susan Moniz, Brad Armacost and Alaric (Rokko) Jans.”

Provision Theater Company recently signed a four year lease for the theater complex, includes a 200 seat theater, scene shop, dressing rooms, box office, and administrative offices.  “We are very excited about this important step for Provision Theater.” said Tim Gregory, Provision’s founder and Artistic Director, “Having a long term lease with this incredible facility will provide us with a solid base of operations from which to grow our organization.  We are also looking forward to becoming an integral part of our new South Loop neighborhood.”

Provision Theater is a professional, Equity-affiliated theater that has produced  10 shows since 2005 at various venues around Chicago.  In that time they have received numerous Joseph Jefferson Award Nominations for Best Actor in a Musical (COTTON PATCH GOSPEL and A CHRISTMAS CAROL), Best Actress in a Principle Role (BEAST ON THE MOON), Best Supporting Actress in a Musical (THE SPITFIRE GRILL), Best Solo Performance (C.S.LEWIS ON STAGE), Best New Adaptation (A CHRISTMAS CAROL) . The theater’s mission is to “…produce works of hope, reconciliation, and redemption; works that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Culture and Faith, Non-Profits, Provision Theater, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My Best Friend Blago

May 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Check out this riveting piece about the inner workings of former Governor Blagojevich by a man who knew him well in this month’s Men’s Journal.  Wow!

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, The Cultural Conversation

Tech Breakthrough — 100 DVDs on a Disk

April 27, 2009 By 1 Comment

I am a gadget guy at heart, and love to see all the advances made in science and technology. So I got pretty pumped when I heard today that GE had figured out the technology to store information equivalent to 100 DVD’s on a single CD-sized disk. Here is what Nathaniel Brooks for The New York Times is reporting:

General Electric says it has achieved a breakthrough in digital storage technology that will allow standard-size discs to hold the equivalent of 100 DVDs. The storage advance, which G.E. is announcing on Monday, is just a laboratory success at this stage. The new technology must be made to work in products that can be mass-produced at affordable prices.

But optical storage experts and industry analysts who were told of the development said it held the promise of being a big step forward in digital storage with a wide range of potential uses in commercial, scientific and consumer markets. “This could be the next generation of low-cost storage,” said Richard Doherty, an analyst at Envisioneering, a technology research firm.

Read the Whole Story

Filed Under: Breaking News, Technology, The Cultural Conversation

Words to Start Your Week

April 26, 2009 By 1 Comment

My brother reminded me of this thought and included a photo to drive home the point — remember how pictures are worth a thousand words — this one might be worth 10,000 words.

Words to Start Your Week
Two of the greatest assets to have in life are patience and wisdom.  Make sure you have and exercise both this week in the marketplace.

This dog shows a lot of patience and wisdom

Patience and Wisdom

Filed Under: Faith at Work, Free in Chicago, Powerful Passages, The City, The Cultural Conversation

Lonely Planet Names Chicago Top Tourist City

April 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Prescott Carlson of About.com:Chicago Travel points out that the Lonely Planet Travel Guide has named the Windy City one of the top 10 cities in the world in their upcoming book Best in Travel 2009 — Chicago was the only U.S. city that made the list. He says there is no argument from him as Chicago is home to magnificent architecture, world class restaurants, luxury hotels, a gorgeous lakefront, and tons of things to do and free things to do.  I found a great website resource for all you Chicagoans and visitors alike called Free Things to Do in Chicago.

As the only American city to make the competitive cut, the globe-trotting experts at Lonely Planet sited Chicago’s business, art, architecture, food, music, theater and overall culture as the winning criteria. McDonald’s and Oprah originate here, along with other ubiquitous, historical and random landmarks alike, including jazz and blues festivals, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Green Mill, the Chicago Theater, and Picasso outdoor art. According to destination-expert author Karla Zimmerman, “If you want your finger on America’s pulse, don’t head to New York or LA. The heart beats in Chicago.”

Chicago’s future skyline

But the Lonely Planet also nods their hats to what has yet to come, perhaps facilitating our bid for the 2016 Olympics; as if our array of world-renowned sports teams (Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, etc.) weren’t enough.

While Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 released last month, Zimmerman scooped the city before Obama could scoop the President-elect title. This is just one more piece of evidence that points to Chicago’s bright future. Despite our inferiority complex to cities like New York, it’s nice that the “Second City” is finally getting some recognition among the first cities of the world. Other global cities on the list you’ll need to visit this year include Antwerp, Beirut, Glasgow, Lisbon, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Warsaw and Zurich.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Chicago Fact, Free in Chicago, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s Almost Time for Festival Season

April 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I love Chicago for the summers.  Many of us cocoon all winter long getting geared up for the 7 greatest months (any non-winter month is a great month, right) in Chicago.  Well, here is the list of festivals coming to Chicago this summer from Metromix.  What is your favorite?

Chicago Festivals


MAY

15-17: Chicago Mayfest | click for pics from 2008

23-Sept. 27: Randolph Street Market Festival

24: Bike the Drive | click for pics from 2008

27-30: Chicago Turkish Festival

28-31: Free! Mayfest in Lincoln Square

30-31: Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

30-31: Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale | click for pics from 2008 [Read more...]

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Fact, Chicago Photo, Free in Chicago, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation

New Site for Free Things to Do in Chicago

April 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

things to do in chicagoI love Chicago but am finding it harder and harder to find fun things to do with our family of six that do not cost an arm and a leg. I am constantly on the prowl for sites that list free things to do in Chicago.  Having not found any sites that provide things to do for free in Chicago, I decided to build one myself.  Go check it out at http://chicagofree.info

Please give me your comments and suggestions — I want this to be for all of us who live and work here in the greatest city in the world.

Filed Under: Chicago, Chicago Fact, Chicago Photo, Free in Chicago, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation Tagged With: ,

5 Christians: What Type are You?

April 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

With the changing church landscape in America, Christianity Today (CT) conducted attitudinal and behavioral research of U.S. Christians. More than 1,000 self-identified Christians 18 years of age and older were surveyed on their religious beliefs and practices. The results reveal a number of significant differences. In fact, portraits of five distinct segments emerged from the study. CT calls them Active, Professing, Liturgical, Private, and Cultural Christians.

Each group represents about one-fifth of those identifying themselves as Christian, with Active Christians most likely to have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that affects their beliefs and inspires an active church life, while Cultural Christians are least likely to align their beliefs or practices with biblical teachings, or attend church. Between the two is a range of beliefs, commitment levels, and public practice of the faith.

The survey shows that for nearly half of Christians, involvement in a local church body is a minimal part of their daily lives.

 

5christians1.jpg

CT discussed the survey results with leading pastors and religious experts to ascertain the ramifications for church leaders. Three critical issues emerged:

  1. The local church is no longer considered the only outlet for spiritual growth.
  2. Churches must develop relational- and community-oriented outreach.
  3. Lay people have to be better equipped to be God’s ambassadors.

What kind of Christian are you?  Check out the article here.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Church, Culture and Faith, Faith at Work, Leader Zone, Methods & Strategies, Missional, The Cultural Conversation

Politics as Usual with $900 Billion Stimulus Bill — Take a Look; It’s Your Money

January 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I want CHANGE but it looks like Washington is just to big for Obama to make a dent.

As the new Obama government begins to look at how to get the economy going, many of our legislative leaders are using the bill to spend YOUR money on non-stimulus items and the truth is, our kids are going to have to pay this back.  Take a read of the Fiscal Stimulus Bill right here and decide for yourself if you think these items are focused on jump-starting the economy or if we have gotten back to “politics as usual” rather than “change is in the air”.

A Wall Street Journal editorial provides some examples of what fiscal conservatives are opposed to in the bill.  A snippet:

“We’ve looked it over, and even we can’t quite believe it. There’s $1 billion for Amtrak, the federal railroad that hasn’t turned a profit in 40 years; $2 billion for child-care subsidies; $50 million for that great engine of job creation, the National Endowment for the Arts; $400 million for global-warming research and another $2.4 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects. There’s even $650 million on top of the billions already doled out to pay for digital TV conversion coupons.”

Meanwhile, there are Democrats who aren’t crazy about the stimulus plan either. Here’s a lengthy excerpt from a Washington Post story:

 In testimony before the House Budget Committee yesterday, Alice M. Rivlin, who was President Bill Clinton’s budget director, suggested splitting the plan, implementing its immediate stimulus components now and taking more time to plan the longer-term transformative spending to make sure it is done right.  “Such a long-term investment program should not be put together hastily and lumped in with the anti-recession package. The elements of the investment program must be carefully planned and will not create many jobs right away,” said Rivlin, a fellow at the Brookings Institution. The risk, she said, is that “money will be wasted because the investment elements were not carefully crafted.”

Here are what some economists are saying: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Entrepreneuring, Government, Methods & Strategies, The Cultural Conversation

What is Your Chocolate IQ?

January 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I know we are all working on our New Year’s Resolutions but I came across this fun quiz on Chocolate. My knowledge of chocolate has grown exponentially as I have had the opportunity to spend some time with an enterprising young chocolatier, Jered Brown, who is going to soon open his own Chicago chocolatier shop called ChocolatBrown, I though I would share this with you.

Did you know that each year, Americans consume more than 12 pounds of chocolate per capita of chocolate?  Or that cocoa beans boast large amounts of flavonoid and procyanidin, natural antioxidants that are believed to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke.?  I didn’t either.  I guess there are redeeming benefits to chocolate!

Take the 8 question quiz here

Filed Under: Chicago Fact, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation

What a Downer Week…..

October 6, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Stock market ….DOWN

Michigan throttled by Illinois  45-20

Cubs Lose in first round of playoffs

White Sox Bounced from playoffs

At least we got Jesus and the Promises of God below in our corner…..

The Promises of God

WHEN

 REFERENCE
Seeking the best investment… Matthew 7
Starting a new job… Psalm 1; Proverbs 16; Philippians 3:7-21
You have been placed in a position of responsibility… Joshua 1:1-9; Proverbs 2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Making a new home… Psalm 127; Proverbs 17; Ephesians 5; Colossians 3; 1 Peter 3:1-17; John 4
Wanting to live successfully with your fellow man… Romans 12
Anxious for dear ones… Psalm 121; Luke 17
Business is poor… Psalm 37; 92; Ecclesiastes 5
Discouraged… Psalm 23; 42; 43
Everything seems to go from bad to worse… 2 Timothy 3;
Friends seem to go back on you… Matthew 5; 1 Corinthians 13
Sorrow overtakes you… Psalm 46; Matthew 28
Things look “blue”… Psalm 34; 71; Isaiah 40
You seem too busy… Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
You cannot go to sleep… Psalm 4; 56; 130
You have quarreled… Matthew 18; Ephesians 4; James 4
You are weary… Psalm 95:1-7; Matthew 11
Worries oppose you… Psalm 46; Matthew 6

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Church, Culture and Faith, Entrepreneuring, Faith at Work, Powerful Passages, The City, The Cultural Conversation

Provision Theater’s World Premier

September 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment

If it is starting to cool outside and football is in full swing, then it must be theater time in Chicago.  This year will prove to be an exceptional year in Chicago Theater, especially for Provision Theater, who starts off their season with a WORLD PREMIER of Truman Capote’s best -selling books, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY and THE THANKSGIVING VISITOR, that have been adapted by Provision’s Artsitic Director, Tim Gregory.  Come check out the world premier at the Royal George Theater from November 5 to December 21.

Truman Capote

Thanksgiving and Christmas mean something different to everyone. For seven-year-old Buddy, it means a new home and a new family. When his parents drop him off with distant relatives in a town with no other children his age, Buddy becomes close with an older, simple woman named Sook. Before long, the two find themselves on one amazing adventure after another, proving that friendship is the greatest gift of all. Based on the best selling books by Truman Capote, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY and THE THANKSGIVING VISITOR are sure to warm the heart or your entire family this holiday season!

Filed Under: Breaking News, Chicago, Culture and Faith, Provision Theater, The Arts in the City, The City, The Cultural Conversation

Arrrrgh! It’s Talk like a Pirate Day!

September 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Today marks International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD), a parodic holiday invented in 1995 by John Baur (Ol’ Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap’n Slappy), of Corvallis, Oregon, who proclaimed September 19 each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate.  For example, an observer of this holiday would greet friends not with “Hello,” but with “Ahoy, me hearty!” The holiday, and its observance, springs from a romanticized view of the Golden Age of Piracy.  In part a send-up of the “Golden Age of Piracy,” tech culture has absorbed pirate symbology and made it a kind of comical meme, much like LOLcats or “Don’t tase me, bro!“.

Search Engine Land prepared a short list of tech and online companies participating in Pirate Day:

Other Derivative Sites:

  • Tom Smith has written and recorded the song “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” the quasi-official anthem of the holiday.[10]
  • In the Nintendo DS version of The Sims 2, in-game characters celebrate “Talk Like A Pirate Day” on September 19, in which a special quest is released, involving a pirate quiz.
  • The holiday is observed by the followers of the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, who consider pirates to be divine beings.[11]
  • In the online game Lord of the Rings Online, in-game characters can celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day” with a special quest, involving a shipwreck. Quest rewards include a pirate-type hat.
  • World of Warcraft now celebrates “Pirate’s Day”, an anniversary thought up by two of the in game characters called “Ol’ Chumbucket” and “Cap’n Slappy” (a reference to the creators of Talk Like a Pirate Day). Talking to the in game character ‘Dread Captain DeMeza’ will provide your character with a pirate costume that lasts for 12 hours. Characters can also see commoners in the major cities dressed as pirates who will also provide your character with a pirate costume.
  • In the online game Kingdom of Loathing, players can celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day”. Phrases such as “Arr” are occasionally added to the end of sentences in chat, as well as during random encounters with pirates.

Filed Under: Culture and Faith, Movies, The Cultural Conversation, Weblog

Burma Disaster Relief: Park To Send a 10,000 gallon/day Water Purifier

May 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment

As many of you are already aware, last weekend Tropical cyclone Nargis claimed thousands of lives in Myanmar early Saturday morning 2:30am. By daylight, the full effect of the storm was obvious. Homes were destroyed, giant trees crashed through buildings, and were lying uprooted, blocking roads. Blackouts, water shortages and rapidly rising prices were reported in Rangoon, a city of 5 million people. The cost of gasoline has tripled since Saturday.

International news organizations are not allowed to report from Myanmar, but the news that is trickling out is horrifying. The death toll is estimated to be at least 100,000 and another 41,000 are missing.

Jackson and the elders would like to invite you to pray right now for the people of Myanmar, especially those who have lost husbands, wives and children – and those whose loved ones are still missing. And as you sit down for your lunches and dinners this week, continue to pray for this country which is in terrific need.

We will be taking a special offering during our services the next two weeks which will go directly to relief efforts in this devastated country. Hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmar are suffering in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. They need your help, and quickly.We will provide envelopes for you to put your donations in, so please come prepared to give.

==================================================

Here is a quick update to all our readers about where Park will be redirecting its special offerings this week for relief efforts in Myanmar. There have been many questions about how relief is going to get there with the military junta not allowing aid relief workers in and seizing aid shipments. We have been working to find a relief agency that is onsite and able to get our donations and use them in a way that will get aid to the people in Myanmar as quickly as possible.

We will be collecting donations for Water Missions International based in South Carolina. They are working with World Vision, which has had a national office in Myanmar for 40 years,and Samaritan’s Purse to provide water purification units.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 to buy a water purification unit which will provide at minimum 10,000 gallons of fresh water daily to help meet immediate needs in this devastated area. Also, this unit will be part of an ongoing community development program which will continue to help provide clean water for years to come.

Water Mission International has already deployed 12 units to Myanmar as of this morning (details here) that they knew would get through. They want to be good stewards of the donated resources and ensure that needs are being met, so units will not be sent until it is confirmed that the resources will reach the people in need. World Vision is aware of the situation and will let Water Missions know when shipments can begin.

Volunteer help will be needed upon assurance that the resources will be received, so Park will be sending a team to South Carolina to help assemble the unit we provide before it is shipped to Myanmar. Details will follow.

Continue to pray for this horrific situation, for those affected, and those working to provide aid. And please come prepared to give this weekend.

If you have additional questions about Park’s response, please email Scott Clifton.

Filed Under: Church, DifferenceMakers, Entrepreneuring, Faith at Work, The Cultural Conversation, Urban Church, Volunteers

Which Choice Do You Make? Food or Fuel?

April 25, 2008 By 1 Comment

Look at this article and then reflect on which choice you would make — it is obvious what choice Al Gore would make but what would you do if you were the country’s policymaker?

NEW YORK SUN – The campaign against climate change could be set back by the global food crisis, as foreign populations turn against measures to use foodstuffs as substitutes for fossil fuels. With prices for rice, wheat, and corn soaring, food-related unrest has broken out in places such as Haiti, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. Several countries have blocked the export of grain. There is even talk that governments could fall if they cannot bring food costs down.

One factor being blamed for the price hikes is the use of government subsidies to promote the use of corn for ethanol production. An estimated 30% of America’s corn crop now goes to fuel, not food. “I don’t think anybody knows precisely how much ethanol contributes to the run-up in food prices, but the contribution is clearly substantial,” a professor of applied economics and law at the University of Minnesota, C. Ford Runge, said. A study by a Washington think tank, the International Food Policy Research Institute, indicated that between a quarter and a third of the recent hike in commodities prices is attributable to biofuels. Last year, Mr. Runge and a colleague, Benjamin Senauer, wrote an article in Foreign Affairs, “How Biofuels Could Starve the Poor.” “We were criticized for being alarmist at the time,” Mr. Runge said. “I think our views, looking back a year, were probably too conservative.” Ethanol was initially promoted as a vehicle for America to cut back on foreign oil. In recent years, biofuels have also been touted as a way to fight climate change, but the food crisis does not augur well for ethanol’s prospects.

“It takes around 400 pounds of corn to make 25 gallons of ethanol,” Mr. Senauer, also an applied economics professor at Minnesota, said. “It’s not going to be a very good diet but that’s roughly enough to keep an adult person alive for a year.” Mr. Senauer said climate change advocates, such as Vice President Gore, need to distance themselves from ethanol to avoid tarnishing the effort against global warming. “Crop-based biofuels are not part of the solution. They, in fact, add to the problem. Whether Al Gore has caught up with that, somebody ought to ask him,” the professor said. “There are lots of solutions, real solutions to climate change. We need to get to those.” Mr. Gore was not available for an interview yesterday on the food crisis, according to his spokeswoman. A spokesman for Mr. Gore’s public campaign to address climate change, the Alliance for Climate Protection, declined to comment for this article. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Entrepreneuring, Methods & Strategies, Sustainability, The Cultural Conversation
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