Back from California

I'm back from Jason Knott's wedding, we had a great time down near Yosemite, and I'm back in Portland moving into our new home.

I've been working the emails and phone networks trying to move forward on the Lahash plans. A couple of interesting links you may want to check out are Time Magazine's persons of the year (Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates). Bono and his call to care for the poor specifically in Africa has been a big part of my journey, and its wonderful that the Gates family is so serious with the causes they are into.

Matt Hartgrove pointed out a new song by Derek Webb formerly of Caedmon's Call. His song "Rich Young Ruler" from the album Mockingbird has these lyrics:
_______________________________
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what'’s the deal
i don'’t sleep around and i don'’t steal
i want the things you just can't give me
_______________________________

It's something I've been thinking about a lot recently. Are we asked to tidy up our lives and make sure everything is secure for our families and our future before helping others, or is Jesus asking us to be unstable and insecure for him and for the love of others. I think that's somewhat of a rhetorical question, but I believe our society and even the American version of Christianity preaches a path to security and contentment before carefully plotted sacrifice.

On top of that Derek Webb is tackling our belief system that says our faith is complete when we can check of a list of "don'ts". I feel safe if I can sit back smugly and let people know I don't sleep around. Maybe even I talk to myself in these terms. But is faith defined in these terms, or is it broader and more dangerous? Does God want the "things [we] just can't give [him]"?

Derek Webb's website is here: Mockingbird and the song can be purchased in iTunes here: Rich Young Ruler.

Here's what's happening in the Lahash world at the moment: The Orphan sponsorship program in Tanzania is mostly complete. We have a proposal now complete, and we are acquiring photos. There have also been a couple people that have asked to help out with the administration side of this project - thank you!

The Prostitute Recovery Program in Kenya is now called "Renew" We've collected basic information, photos, and are creating guidelines for the 5 ladies currently testing the waters. All of the ladies have left prostitution at this point, and they are in a tough spot - out of work, needing rent and food, and desiring change but wondering how their needs will be met. On top of that there are maybe a dozen more ladies who want into the program - and out of prostitution. At this point we just can't handle all of the interest. We need pledges for $150 per month for the program while we together search for better solutions for their lives. We will also be connecting these ladies with "Email friends" - if any of you women would like to encourage and counsel one of these ladies (a couple emails a week) let me know.

Amazing Grace has visitors right now from Canada. A team will be building some new huts for the kids in Sudan, and the choir might head up to Juba for a concert.

Emmanuel Sitaki of Rwanda's ERM program is about to unveil the ministry here in the United States. I'll be working some with him on the presentation.

One more thing, please pray for these projects. And please pray for me. I really need direction during these next few months.

May God be with you in this new year.

- Dan