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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Wild Brush fires, Flooding, High Oil prices, and we speak of our dire situation..

Droughts and Wild fires on the west coast. Flooding in the Midwest. High gas prices everywhere impacting commutes to work, family vacations, prices on consumer goods, and food.

Yes Food. Prices are higher, but in the simplest view. We still have some. In fact plenty. Just look at the shelves on any Jewel, Dominic's, Tom Thumbs, Walgreen's, Target, Walmart, etc.

We are only 4 weeks removed from our trip to Ethiopia in which my family was blessed to view the beauty, the traditions, and learn some of the history of this amazing county. We saw rural villages. We observed their simple, but fruitful lifestyles. We saw inner city poverty. We experienced a caring and compassionate people. And we always saw kindness, generosity, and hope, in those people.

While we did travel to numerous regions of the county, we did not see it all. But how could we. It was only two weeks. What did we miss? Namely, we did not see first hand the devastating effects of a poor rainy season, and high fuel prices on the less fortunate in some of the very remote areas. Its hard to watch, but I urge you to view this BBC video about the pending crises that is forming in Ethiopia. In our son's homeland.

BBC NEWS Special Report: Ethiopia Faces food crises

We sing "God Bless America". Our currency says "In God we Trust". Our pledge contains "..one nation under God.." In the Bible, Luke 12:48, it states
From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

We have rising unemployment. We have the credit and mortgage crises. And yes we have all the effect resulting from high oil prices. Despite all of these things. Almost without question, each and everyone within the United States is still blessed beyond belief. We can all help. Individually we cannot change a county. But together we bring about tangible, and very real change.

One very simple way to support those organizations at ground zero. At the forefront of this (and practically every other humanitarian) crises. World Vision is in Africa. They are in Ethiopia. My family experienced first hand the TREMENDOUS impact they are having. Not just on individual children, but on villages of thousands. Children with food, clothing and school. Pregnant woman with real health care. Mens with jobs and trades becoming self sufficient. Not just to provide for their families, but for their community. You sponsorship and contribution to Team World Vision will help those in most need. My family and I have seen the results, first hand.



If not World Vision, then perhaps some other organization. But don't just stand on the sidelines. Gas prices stink. Milk is expensive. The price of rice is outrageous. ...but to everyone who has been given much, much will be required...



Peace

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