Updates from around the world.
The photo above is from Nick in Kenya. It gives some perspective on the AIDS crisis in Africa - these are graves. Graves in Eldoret Kenya that have been dug and filled just since this past December. The grass hasn't even grown back yet. Please continue to pray for Nick and the team as they face day after day of the despair of HIV.

I've been working on video of our trip to Sudan and Uganda. If you have Quicktime installed, you can click on this link to visit a segment of the video - our day trip to Magiri Sudan to assist the widows and lepers of the community. Kara Starr will be managing the campaign to assist the people of the leper community there.

For those of you interested in the broad picture in Africa - the World Economic Forum in Davos has some fascinating perspectives, podcasts and webcasts to look into. Although Africa is less in the spotlight this year - you can visit this page to view some video of Bono and other discussing steps forward for Africa. And one of the top issues is moving from aid to empowerment. This is key here - and I believe an immensely important step.

Bono and some others are launching "Project Red" a curious campaign to capitalize on the interest in Africa, and get corporations and consumers to help Africa through... good old fashioned Capitalism.

Speaking of aid, my brother Phil just sent me over to this link:

"For God's Sake, Please Stop the Aid!"

I really recommend reading the article. It's an interview with a Kenyan describing the crippling effects of aid in Africa. I have a bunch of comments about the article, and Karin sent me some of her comments as well. But I'd love to hear your thoughts on the article. And how can assistance to Africa be less crippling and more encouraging and empowering?

And finally, one more little plug for my friend Emmanuel Sitaki - who will be officially opening his organization ERM tomorrow, Central Bible Church, Portland Oregon, 7:00 PM. All are welcome!