Those amazing Christian schools

Warning! Rant Ahead!

The title of this blog could easily describe what I think of the Christian schools in Tucson, but I'm actually talking about Christian schools overseas.

In November I had a chance to revisit Hong Kong and Pui Ching Middle school (a K-12 school) where I had taught from 1968-70. I posted a blog about that visit back in November.

I'm mentioning it again today because of a conversation I had last week with Dove Mountaineer Jack Hauschildt, who encouraged me to share the following thoughts on this blog.

To understand what this school has accomplished, here is a brief historical perspective. Pui Ching was founded in the city of Canton by Southern Baptist missionaries back in 1889. Eventually it opened a branch in Hong Kong in the '30's, and in the late 40's the entire operation moved to Hong Kong during the communist takeover of China. There is also a branch of Pui Ching in the former Portuguese colony of Macau.

Western style education was new to China, and the school became popular very quickly. Like most nations at that time, there were not enough schools to educate the entire population, and the government welcomed anyone who would invest in children's learning. By the time I taught at Pui Ching, in what was then the British colony of Hong Kong (now a special administrative region of China), there were still not nearly enough schools for the entire school-age population. But the Chinese people had come to value education highly, and even the poorest refugee families were willing to budget a significant percentage of their modest incomes to pay for books, school uniforms, and even private school tuition. At that time there were very few government-operated schools, and the welfare of the population was dependent on a rich variety of school offerings provided by every religious and charitable group imaginable, as well as politically oriented schools sponsored by both mainland China and Taiwan.

There were also proprietary schools, and I often joked that it seemed if anyone put a shingle on their door identifying themselves a school, someone would show up to enroll their child. For schools like Pui Ching, which already had an 80 year history of success by the time I taught there, the number of seats available each year was limited, and admissions were competitive. Virtually nothing was available in terms of financial aid, but as I said earlier, families (and extended families) were disposed to make many sacrifices to pay for their children's education.

Coming as I was, at that time, from thirteen years of public school and four years at a state college, I was horrified at this lack of government supervision. It offended my American sensibilities that education was not compulsory, that some children worked in factories, and that schools were virtually unregulated. The only visible measure of accountability was the performance of students (at completion of high school) on the British style "school-leaving" exams, and on the entrance exams for the three available local universities (there are more now, of course).

As I became more conversant with the culture and language, my attitude completely changed during my second year there. In summary, I made the following discoveries:

1. The general population were extraordinarily aggressive in learning about school choices and navigating their children into the best schools they could qulify for. No one assumed education as a right, but it was universally valued. Even young people who had missed out on an education themselves were diligent in self-education (which I noticed at the busy public library across the street from my apartment), and the informal networks of information for "getting ahead" were prolific. "Morning tea" conversations at any given tea house often centered around school evaluations and stories of success, with tips on school selection being offered by one and all.

2. Students were held responsible for their own success, and no one thought it a hardship to do hours and hours of homework. High school students were relatively content with a fairly narrow social life, it being assumed that their function at that stage in life was to prepare as rigorously as possible for post-secondary success, either in college or business. The schools themselves were rarely blamed for a student's failure, and parents (as well as students) showed enormous deference and respect to teachers. Disciplinary problems were virtually non-existant, since it was well understood that attendance was a privilege, and there were waiting lists for the seat of any student who could be deemed not worthy of continuing.

3. Those consigned to the working class may have envied those who got to attend school, but they were sanguine for their own future and that of their posterity. Upward mobility through education was perceived to be accessible for any who cared enough and worked hard enough to obtain it; if not for themselves, then perhaps for the next generation. I worked part time in the refugee settlements, and was impressed at how uncomplaining most were about their long hours in the factories and limited hope for advancement. Most were always looking to the future and to the next generation, being content with fairly simple pleasures for themselves.

4. The Christian schools there (and Pui Ching was not the only one, by far!) were unapologetic about their faith-orientation, and highly respected for the quality of their graduates. Even though not all of the students became Christians, even those who did not personally embrace Christ will admit to having been affected by the world view and ethics which were taught to them in these schools. I have gotten this feedback even from some of the students I taught. An alumna now living in Paris e-mailed me once, "I try to be very worldly and sophisticated in my outlook, but I never stray far from those values that were part of my Southern Baptist upbringing at Pui Ching."

Here's how appreciative Pui Ching alumni are for their education. The reunion I attended for the class of 1969 was timed to coincide with the school's 120th anniverary celebration. The celebration was a two day affair which began with a huge pageant on the school's athletic courts, continued with an open house and several demonstrations and concerts, and concluded with a sit-down banquet for 3000 in Hong Kong's East Asia Expo Center, the only facility in the whole area large enough to host it. The current governor visited the opening ceremony and spoke warmly of the school's success. The banquet was sold out six months in advance and black market tickets were being scalped for hundreds of dollars (US) right up to the evening it took place. The evening program was emceed by two local television personalities who themselves were graduates of Pui Ching. The program featured appearances, both live and taped, by several notable alumni, including Nobel Prize winning physicist, Daniel Chee Tsui. The one hundred-fifty voice school choir stood patiently in their dress uniforms until it was time for them to sing the 120th anniversary song, specially written for the occasion. The last verse concluded with the hope, "my the footsteps of our former students continue to circle the globe with the light of the gospel of Christ."

At the Pui Ching branch in Macau, we saw equally excellent new facilities and joined part of their celebration, as well. The government of Macau honored Pui Ching's anniversary with a set of four commemorative stamps - this for a Christian school in a communist territory! I sent a first day cover of the stamps to the archivist for the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, and she is having it framed for the president's office there.

One feature of the banquet was a fund-raising campaign for a new assembly hall on the school campus. I was interested to see that the building I had taught in, the newest one of the dozen structures on the campus when I was there, is now the oldest (although much remodeled since my time). Each new building has been named for a supporter, and the funding of each was provided almost entirely by alumni. Each building had been constructed on the site of a previous building, since there is no room for expansion in overcrowded Hong Kong. The tour of the facilites was breath-taking, as we went from one state-of-the-art laboratory and special-purpose room to the next. A gorgeous museum wing shows the history of the school and contains one of the (now ancient-looking) well-worn wooden teacher desks from my era.

For the record, Pui Ching (current enrollment is in the thousands) is only one of three large Southern Baptist schools in Hong Kong. There are, of course, thriving Christian schools of many other denominations, as well.

What is my take-away from this experience? Prepare for a rant (as I warned above).

1. Americans believe education is an entitlement and generally do not invest anything in it personally, since we feel so little control over the large per cent of our taxes which are lavished on the public school system.

2. The most notable effect of compulsory education (and the assumption that every young person should get a college degree) is the dumbing down of education at all levels.

3. Americans are adept at blame-casting, and very negligent in training their own children. Very few of us have learned that the government does not make a good nanny.

When anyone disputes any of these seemingly rash conclusions of mine, all I have to do is point to the remarkable Christian schools of Hong Kong.

Spending ourselves crazy

Last week I plugged Chuck Colson's Breakpoint, and here is his commentary on the recent election in Massachusetts. If you don't have time to read the whole article (in which he makes a great proposal for future safeguarding of excessive federal spending) take a look at his opening paragraph:

"The huge turnout yesterday in Massachusetts expressed citizen alarm that Congress is spending us deeper and deeper into debt, and there's no end in sight. Our government faces future liabilities of at least $53 trillion. This includes entitlements, government pensions, Medicare, and other promises we have made-currently $175,000 for every man, woman, and child in America-and likely to go higher. "

In addition to the financial obligations mentioned in this paragraph are a host of others that don't as often get into the news. In the daily bulletin I get from Association for Supervision and Curriculum Devleopment came this news:

"President Barack Obama plans to ask Congress to expand the $4.35 billion Race to the Top program by $1.35 billion, saying the grant competition has prompted education reforms nationwide. The funding would allow for a third round of grants in which districts, not just states, would apply, and education officials said they hope to indefinitely fund the grants. 'We certainly see this as a key reform and a key investment that we would want to keep funding,' an official said."

This is a reform? Throwing more money into an already ineffective educational system? Billions of dollars that we don't have? No business in the private sector could even consider such wastefulness.

Even if I were not the world's biggest proponent of faith-based education, this would make no sense at all, from a purely economic standpoint. Even if I thought a secular education doing a poor job of teaching pragmatic survival skills ought to be foisted on an entitlement-minded public (and I don't!), this would make no sense in light of our economic crisis. Someone needs to let their elected representatives know (in the same way the voters of Massachusetts just let their wishes be known) that this is indefensible.

I just thought you should know.

Answered Prayers!

When someone has asked me to pray for a specific need, I always appreciate feedback afterwards, and that's what today's blog is about.

It was a joy to see the display and hear the report of Marlene Luartes's sojourn in Kenya last Sunday. Her table with photos and artifacts showed that she was actively engaging the local culture while she was there, and gave us a wonderfully aesthetic taste of life in Africa. Her report was not only encouraging in terms of what Africa Inland Mission is doing in terms of air support for multiple mission efforts, but enlightening in her description of the large slum area near their base. It was also interesting to hear of the challenges of confronting Islam in that context, and this should guide or prayers on behalf of missionaries as well as in other parts of the world where that challenge is prevalent. It is easy to see how even a short term mission experience can be helpful and effective. This was especially encouraging to to all of us who prayed for Marlene during her sojourn there.

I also asked you to pray for Peter Rehrmann in his final pursuit of ordination last week, and I am happy to tell you that he passed both the committee hearings and the Presbytery examination with flying colors. Few of us have to face anything in our professional lives as grueling as becoming a teaching elder in the PCA, and we should be thankful that there is now another ordained PCA minister in our community. We should continue to pray for Pete and Jenna' as they launch their church planting efforts in the Marana area.

For these and many other answered prayers, we say "Father, thank you!"

Manhattan Declaration: One more thought

A friend of mine passes his copies of a magazine called Ivy league Christian Observer to me when he is finished with them. This magazine is published by a ministry to the eight Ivy League universities called Christian Union. Each issue is filled with stories of what God is doing in those schools.

A recent issue tells an amazing story about Kevin Roose, a Brown University student who transferred to Liberty University in his junior year to see what a Christian university would be like. Roose had no intention of converting to Christian faith; he was, in fact, on an undercover mission to write about his experiences there as an "expose" for the unbelieving world to read about. His book, The Unlikely Disciple, was published following his graduation from Brown.

The good news is that he had many positive things to say about his experience there. In general, he came to "appreciate the positive effect a sober, prayerful, non-promiscuous environment had upon him." One thing that touched him personally was the response of his roommate when Roose revealed his deception at the end of his year there. "How could I not forgive you when I've been forgiven so much?" said the roommate, as Roose shook his head in disbelief. Roose's response: "I never expected the people here to apply the principles of their belief to their lives in such a real way."

By now you should be wondering what this has to be with the Manhattan Declaration! The point is this. The most negative reaction of Roose to his experience at Liberty concerns their political views, which Roose called "distasteful" and "reprehensible." To the unbeliever, it is incomprehensible that our views on sanctity of life, sexuality, and personal freedom could be informed by an ancient book (as opposed to popular opinion and the nightly news). We might be nice people (sometimes), but we shouldn't be allowed to influence public opinion and policy.

It is precisely when our Biblical views are translated into how we interact with the culture (including what laws we advocate and support) that the world wants to tell us to "shut up!" The disarming love with which Roose was accepted at Liberty did not dissuade him from his already steeped prejudice that Christian views on the very issues outlined in the Manhatttan Declaration are not just terribly misguided, but downright dangerous. That prejudice had been nurtured in the God-hating atmosphere of the society Roose was raised in, and thirteen years of secular education had not taught him to tolerate such views, even in the most likeable people he had ever met.

This is the battle that is ahead for those who take the Manhattan Declaration seriously: no sympathy, outright hostility, gross misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Will we be able to respond as humbly and lovingly as did these students at Liberty University?

Manhattan Declaration: Another reason

Following up on yesterday's summary of the implications of signing the Manhattan Declaration, here is one more hope I have for what may come of this movement.

If Christians in our time become willing to actually act on their convictions about the sanctity of life, the meaning of marriage, and religious liberty, maybe they will also take one more logical step.

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I am passionate about the discipling of the next generation of Christian young people. And yet one of the frustrations I face constantly in the work I do is the indifference, if not outright hostility, of most Christian leaders (and parents) toward putting a stop to the single greatest factor that contributes to the very attitudes which are in opposition to the principles in the Manhattan Declaration.

Why is it necessary for Christians to take such a pointed stand against these unBiblical notions? Where do Americans first learn to hate human life, traditional marriage, and the public expression of Christian faith?

Maybe in the same place where they learn that humans are just highly evolved animals.

Maybe in the same place that they learn that survival of the fittest is an immutable law of nature (which we can help along through euthanasia and the elimination of unwanted "fetal products".)

Maybe in the same place that they are encouraged to read books like Heather Has Two Mommies.

Maybe in the same place that they learn that there is no academic value to faith, and no historical validity to the claim that we have a Christian heritage in ths country.

As long as Americans continue to feed their children a steady diet of unGodly education, the idea and attitudes which contradict the Manhattan Declaration will continue to flourish. But even more alarming than the fact that we sit passively by while nearly ninety per cent of American children are nurtured in these anti-Biblical notions, is the profoundly irresposible behavior of Christians who continue to sacrifice their children to the Molech which teaches them to hate life, hate marriage as God defines it, and hate an outspoken Christian wordlview.

In other words, I believe it is hypocritical for Christians to sign the Manhattan Declaration if they are still supporting secular education for Christian children. And I am tired of being "nice" about it. It's not as though we don't have good Christian schools in this community. It's not as though homeschooling takes a degree in rocket science.

I signed the Manhattan Declaration because it agrees with the worldview that I have been teaching (in Christian schools) for thirty-five years. And I intend to hold other Christians who sign the Manhattan Declaration accountable for the implications outlined above.

No more Mr. Nice Guy for me.

Manhattan Declaration: What I hope will happen

Yesterday I reported why some Christian leaders have or have not signed the Manhattan Declaration. But I never said exactly what is in it.

In its simplest form, it affirms three principles:

1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

I have known these were the major emphases of this declaration for some time now, but it wasn't until I listened carefully to Pastor Allen's sermon Sunday that I realized another implication of this Declaration. In a sense, it is like the Declaration of Independence. It is a bold statement that we as Christians will no longer stand by silently and unengaged as these three beliefs are trampled on in the public square. Sign me up for that.

Look specifically at the last paragraph of this document:

"Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s."

I hope all the signers understand the implications of this paragraph. In many sectors of our society, Christians are already being opposed (and many are capitulating) on these very points. But notice the verbs in this paragraph:

will not comply...

nor will we bend...

nor refrain from...

Now pay attention to what this means:

1. We won't comply with a law that would use taxes from a privately owned business for embryo-destructive research.

2. We won't pay spousal benefits to same sex partners even if our state legalizes gay "marriage."

3. We will not stop preaching the truth, no matter how many "hate crime" lawsuits are filed against pastors and churches.

I hope everyone knows this is what that paragraph means. Only if we act

resolutely...

at risk...

with conviction...

in unity...

...will we see positive results from this declaration. I hope signers will stand by these commitments.

To read the entirety of the Manhattan Declaration (and to sign!), go here.

Manhattan Declaration: To sign or not to sign

Pastor Allen invited us in his message Sunday to read the Manhattan Declaration, consider it, and sign it. I did. I was number 399,475.

But some people haven't signed it. I have actually been following this on the internet for several months now. Among those who have refused to sign are R.C. Sproul, Michael Horton, and John MacArthur. Those who have signed are numerous, and can be seen here.

I wondered what the reason could be that they are not signing this, so I read their statements in order to summarize them for readers on this blog. I thought their objection might be related to the futility of trying to change the country through political power struggles, as opposed to heart change through the power of the gospel. That's partly right. But they also do not want to be associated (in a statement that refers repeatedly to our spiritual heritage as Christians and our faith in God's divine revelation) with others (Roman Catholic and Orthodox, specifically) who may not state the gospel exactly the way that they (Sproul, MacArthur,and Horton) would state it.

It's not that I don't sympathize with those concerns...to some degree. But for me, they are not show stoppers. In regard to the first objection, I am convinced that if Christians do not support Biblical values informing the legal system, someone else's (inferior) value system will determine our nation's laws. Right now that would be politically correct "tolerance" (which tolerates every perversion known to man and wants to snuff out God's Word and His ways). But in a few years it could be the Sharia law of Islam. Either one is unacceptable for this nation.

In regard to the second objection, I have Roman Catholic and Orthodox friends (just as Sproul stated he does) whom I believe are living in saving faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, but who might not be able to articulate the gospel in a way that would pass Sproul's muster. I have been concerned at times that we as Reformed believers put more credence in articulation than faith. I stand with the words in the declaration, and with the brothers in Christ from other faith traditions who can also affirm those declarations.

To read an excellent statement by someone who did sign the declaration, look here.

Tomorrow: What I hope will happen

Sermon quote of the week

"Paul calls us to pray for all the saints, even the irritating ones. We are called to forebear, to have mercy, on one another. It seems that loving is the hardest thing for us to do. You cannot remain unreconciled, and expect to be forgiven by God."
--Pastor Allen.

Twelve lessons we can learn from sheep

Pastor Allen did such a g0od job yesterday naming ways we are like sheep, that I wondered if he had been listening in the back of my Bible classes some years back. If you were not in my class, here are twelve lessons we can learn from being compared to sheep (in scripture):

1. Sheep do not have the ability to survive on their own.
This is why we have pastors and elders.

2. Sheep need a qualified shepherd.
This is why pastors have ordination exams.

3. Sheep must feed in pastures that are prepared for them.
This is why pastors have a "study" instead of an "office."

4. Sheep must be protected while they eat.
This is why we should follow our shepherds and stay away from "wolves" (teachers who teach false doctines and just want our money).

5. Sheep eat down to the roots of their food.
This is why we need word studies, etymologies, in both Hebrew and Greek.

6. Sheep finish eating before they digest any of their food.
This is why we teach children catechetical answers long before they completely understand them.

7. Sheep begin feeding in the morning.
This is why it is good to start the day with time with God.

8. Sheep must be at rest before they can chew their food.
This is why quiet times should be quiet.

9. Sheep refine their food during the first "chewing."
This is why we should pray for ears to hear God's Word.

10. Sheep gain maximum benefit from their food as they rechew it.
This is why we should review sermons we have heard and scriptures we have memorized (and why I write these blogs!).

11. Sheep must have a balance between eating and exercise.
This is why we must apply the Word in our daily lives.

12. Sheep which wander can "munch" their way into serious danger.
This is why we should not "church hop."

[Adapted from a book by Bill Gothard]

Pray for Pete

Many Dove Mountaineers know Peter Rehrmann, either from Catalina Foothills, where he served as youth pastor, or through his sister Jennifer (Mrs. Bickerton!). Since graduating from Phoenix Seminary last spring (pictured here with his lovely wife Jenna'), he has been pursuing the dream of planting a PCA church just west of us in Marana.

His next step is a pre-ordination examination on Monday. As Pastor Allen and any other teaching elders can attest, these can be trying events, both mentally and emotionally. Would you pray for Pete on Monday?

Courage of Conviction

Last Sunday Pastor Allen mentioned William Wilberforce, a hero in the faith whom he has mentioned many times before.

Best remembered for persistently advocating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, it is interesting that Wilberforce came to faith as an adult, after reading Philip Doddridge's The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul.

The struggle against slavery was a long and costly one for Wilberforce. As is often told, it was only finally abolished just three days before Wilberforce's death. One may wonder how a man could find the courage to persist in such an unpopular position against great obstacles.

The back story is that living unashamedly as a Christian in a nominally Christian nation had forged a peculiarly efficacious strain of conviction in Wilberforce, as is described in this excerpt from Wikipedia:

"At the time, religious enthusiasm was generally regarded as a social transgression and was stigmatised in polite society. Evangelicals in the upper classes, such as Sir Richard Hill, the Methodist MP for Shropshire, and Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon were exposed to contempt and ridicule, and Wilberforce's conversion led him to question whether he should remain in public life. Wilberforce sought guidance from John Newton, a leading Evangelical Anglican clergyman of the day and Rector of St Mary Woolnoth in the City of London. Both Newton and Pitt counselled Wilberforce to remain in politics, and he resolved to do so "with increased diligence and conscientiousness". Thereafter, his political views were informed by his faith and by his desire to promote Christianity and Christian ethics in private and public life. His views were often deeply conservative, opposed to radical changes in a God-given political and social order, and focused on issues such as the observance of the Sabbath and the eradication of immorality through education and reform. As a result, he was often distrusted by progressive voices due to his conservatism, and regarded with suspicion by many Tories who saw Evangelicals as radicals, bent on the overthrow of church and state."

I mention this because we often feel we live in a very difficult time for Christians who are thoughtfully attempting to integrate their faith with their public lives, but Wilberforce is a great role model for us in this respect. Because he chose faithfulness to Christ over the approval of men, a tremendous social change for the better was able to be accomplished; many gnerations of former and potential slaves have benefitted from his courageous conviction.

I believe in God the Father Almighty....

Yesterday I made a passing reference to the remarks of Pat Robertson in regard to the tragedy in Haiti. In that statement, I was more disturbed by public reaction to Robertson's remarks than by what he actually said. Although I don't agree with him theologically (especially his claim to "secret knowledge"), there were times when I thought similarly to him, and can (at a stretch) allow that his thoughts may be a somewhat biblical way of looking at the situation.

However, this morning comes a much clearer Biblical interpretation of this situation. A friend of mine who is at seminary posted a link to an article by one of his professors, which you can read here.

After making the case that God is neither impotent (the "He had nothing to do with this" position) nor indecisive (the "He didn't cause it, but He allowed it" dodge), the author comes to the conclusion that Almighty God, as we confess Him in the Creed, is behind it all. And we would do well to heed the words of Jesus in regard to the tragedy at Siloam, "Unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3-5)

Here are Rev. Pless's concluding thoughts:

"Unexplainable tragedies bring pain and chaos. God leaves the wound open, to use the words of Bayer. We cry out to God in lamentation in the face of events that defy our capacities for understanding. But the anguished lament ascends from the crucible of faith, not unbelief. It is a confession of trust in the God who works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Living in repentance and faith, we are freed from the inward turn of speculation that seeks to investigate the hidden God. Instead, we trust in the kindness and mercy of God revealed in Christ Jesus.

With such a freedom, we are liberated to rely on God’s promises and turn our attention to works of mercy to bring compassion and relief to those who suffer in this sinful world. God does not give us explanations that will satisfy our nagging questions, but He does give us sure and certain promises of unflinching mercy and unfailing faithfulness in His Son handed over to death and raised again for our justification."

Help for Haiti

I am not a newshound by nature, and often feel I am the last one to hear about an event everyone else is talking about. This morning I inferred from several friends' Facebook postings that something had happened in Haiti. Unfortunately, the first news reports I googled were all about people making fun of Pat Robertson, instead of actual news about the earthquake. (More about how the public views Christians another time...)

Meanwhile, the best article I could find about how to help in Haiti comes from Latino Voice, and I have reprinted it here in entirety, plus added links to selected relief organizations:

"The Haitian relief effort continues in the aftermath of this week's devastating earthquake, which preliminary reports place at 7.0 in magnitude. With all power lines down, aid has been challenging. Only military planes have been able to perform "sight" landings and even food distribution is compromised. Many people have lost their homes and have no electricity/fuel to cook meals, so the usual supplies of rice and oil are not an option.

What caused the earthquake? While earthquakes in the Caribbean are rare and inspire cries of "global warming," geologists explain that the quake in Haiti actually occurred along a strike-slip fault, similar to California's San Andreas fault, where the North American plates meet the Caribbean plates. The pressure had probably been building for centuries.

How to help? The Washington Post has published the most complete and reliable list of relief agencies and information. The FBI also reminds us to be aware of scams and to contribute to known organizations directly (and to be aware of sites and/or people claiming to be from those organizations. Check URLs and info, carefully!)

Oxfam has an emergency team in the capital, Port-au-Prince, responding with public health, water, and sanitation services. You can donate online through its Haiti Earthquake Response Fund or by calling 1-800-77-OXFAM.

Partners In Health is taking contributions for relief efforts in Haiti, including medical supplies. The organization has had a presence in Haiti for more than 20 years, working to address the health care needs of the country's poor.

You can donate to the Salvation Army's efforts in Haiti by calling 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or visiting their Web site and designating that your donation is for the Haiti earthquake.

National Nurses United has issued a call for nurse volunteers to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

The American Red Cross is in the capital and already assisting in the relief and food distribution efforts.


Other Reputable Relief Effort Organizations:

United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) 

Mercy Corps
Save the Children
World Vision

Catholic Relief Services
UNICEF
International Medical Corps
Network for Good
CARE
Operation USA
Operation Blessing International

Convoy of Hope
The Global Syndicate
GlobalGiving

Beyond Borders
Community Coalition for Haiti
International Orthodox Christian Charities
Baptist World Aid
Doctors Without Borders
Habitat for Humanity

Action Against Hunger

Direct Relief International

B'nai B'rith International
Bright Hope
Hope for Haiti

American Jewish World Service

World Relief
TractorShare

American Friends Service Committee

Food for the Poor

CHF International

The Lambi Fund of Haiti

Islamic Relief USA, in coordination with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"

Incidentally, I found the combination of Islam and LDS in the last line quite interesting, but more about that another time, as well.

Father in Heaven,

We cry out to you on behalf of Haiti, and entreat your great mercies, particularly on behalf of our brethren in Christ who live there. Lord God Almighty, we recognize that all of nature is in Your Hand, and that you know and see all seasons and distresses of mankind, and we confess our faith and trust in You.

Therefore, we appeal to you, that in the midst of this tragedy,

Christ would be exalted,
souls would come to faith in Him,
Christian compassion and charity would be paramount,
and that even the nation of Haiti itself would be transformed.

We especially intercede on behalf of the relief agencies, thanking you for them, and praying that blessed souls in other parts of the world, including Tucson, Arizona, would support them generously.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

A Good Report

Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

Perhaps some of you are like me; I thought I was so careful about which attachments I opened that my computer would never get a virus. But it did.

After asking several knowledgeable friends about what to do (and receiving some scary answers), I finally, in desperation, googled (on my other computer) "Tucson virus help" and several web sites came up. I called the top one, left a message and a few minutes later got a call back from the owner himself. When he heard how desperate I was, he said, "Normally I don't make the house calls any more (he has several employees), but I hate to lose business, so I'll come myself."

Not only was his hourly rate cheaper than the other one I had priced (by $26!), but he knew his stuff. Within seconds of sitting down at my laptop he could tell me all about the problem and was solving it. At no additional charge he took off the antivirus program that had come with my computer, installed a better one, and was out in less than an hour.

While he worked we chatted pleasantly about his adventure of starting a business from scratch two years ago. He moved here from New York to attend U of A, and has stayed. His business has done well and he hopes to expand to other cities. After asking me about my work and life, he asked (unprompted) "What church do you go to?" I told him a little about Dove Mountain, and he mentioned a ministry called "If My People," which is a new client of his. While it appears that he may not be a churchgoer himself, he was congenially curious and delightful to talk to.

We talked a lot about networking and advertising, and I mentioned the wisdom I learned many years ago from Proverbs 15:30 (above), about the power of good report. I promised him that because of his good work for me, I would give a good report about him. If you ever know anyone who has the virus problem, call Geeks-2-You at 520-829-3426 or contact Marc Enzor at marc@geeks2you.net.

From the pen of Stuart Townend

I was so grateful to the worship team today that we revisited a song we have only sung a couple of times before: I Will Stand on Every Promise of Your Word. What strikes me about this song is the perfect marriage of lyrics and melody line. In the title refrain, one can imagine a resolutely innocent child of the covenant sweetly insisting before the vanities and seductions of our age: "No thanks, I will stand of every promise of God's Word."

Curious to know more, I did some quick research, and was not surprised to find this song comes from the prolific pen of Britain's Stuart Townend, who also gave us the lyrics of In Christ Alone. Townend has an uplifting and unassuming web site which you can see here.

Every Promise of Your Word
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun,
I will stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
Words of power, strong to save, that will never pass away,
I will stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
For Your covenant is sure,
And on this I am secure—
I can stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.

When I stumble and I sin, condemnation pressing in,
I will stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
You are faithful to forgive that in freedom I might live,
So I stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
Guilt to innocence restored,
You remember sins no more—
So I'll stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.

When I'm faced with anguished choice, I will listen for Your voice,
And I'll stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
And You've promised to complete
Ev'ry work begun in me—
So I'll stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.

Hope that lifts me from despair, love that casts out ev'ry fear,
As I stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
Not forsaken, not alone, for the Comforter has come,
And I stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.
Grace sufficient, grace for me,
Grace for all who will believe—
We will stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word.

And now, a plug for Breakpoint

I first became a fan of the radio version of Chuck Colson's Breakpoint before I moved to Tucson, and since then have enjoyed the e mail versions. The one for this past Monday, for example, was about a new devotional resource that sounds stunning. Entitled A Faith and Culture Devotional: Daily Readings in Art, Science, and Life, it boasts such authors as Lee Strobel, John Stott, Gene Edward Veith, R.C. Sproul, Os Guinness, and Frederica Mathewes-Green - an all-star cast, in my opinion! The Breakpoint summary goes on to describe how these intelligent and inspirational daily readings are causing even jaded teenagers to sit up and pay attention to home devotions!

At any rate, each issue is both thought-provoking and stimulating for those of us who are interested in Christian worldview issues. You can find out how to subscribe to the e mail version that I enjoy so much by going here.

Happy Epiphany!

January 6 is the traditional date the church has observed to celebrate the visit ofthe Wise Men to adore the Christ Child. Like many dates on the Christian calendar, including Christmas, these dates are not meant to be exactly correspondent to the dates when these events actually happened, but primarily serve as a reminder that these things happened, made a difference, and should be remembered.

Traditionally, Epiphany was the end of the twelve days of Christmas, beginning on December 25. It is sometimes called the day of Manifestation, meaning the identity of Jesus was recognized as that of God Incarnate. Other events identified with Manifestation, or Revelation, are the baptism of Jesus and the wedding at Cana (the first recorded miracle).

A James 2:16 opportunity

For any who may not have received Jill Hauschildt's e mail this morning, I am reproducing it below. I first became aware of the refugee population of Tucson through an organization called 4 Tucson (more about that another day), and was encouraged to hear that many churches are now adopting refugees. But, as Jill reminds us, the needs are great.

Dear Dove Mountain members,

I'm sorry for using all your emails, but I wanted to get the word out as soon as possible. There is an urgent need for blankets among some of our refugee families here in Tucson. Many of these folks have recently come from refugee camps where they had literally nothing and have arrived with literally nothing. Although they have apartment housing, many of them cannot afford to turn on the heat, and they are cold at night. We visited with one family who had 8-10 people living in one apartment with only 4 thin blankets.

I am asking that each of you look through your closets and see if there might be an extra blanket you could spare. It does not have to be new - just clean and in fairly decent shape.

Please bring what you can spare to church on Sunday. We will make sure they are distributed to those in need.

Extra picture calendars would also be welcome. Their apartments are very sparsely furnished, and a colorful calendar (especially with different scenes of America or nature) would liven up a wall and also give an opportunity for learning English words. (I know I get more calendars than I can use each year, and maybe some of you also have extras.)

Thank you very much for your practical love toward these newcomers to our country.
In Jesus,

Jill Hauschildt

Sneak Preview

Coming soon to a church near you...you heard it here first! Enjoy the preview and learn more here at the Collision web site.

Marlene's Safari

As promised, our Marlene Luartes did end her short term in Kenya with a safari expedition! The above photo shows her looking over the Mara River, and she says the rock-like objects in the river are the backs of hippos!

If you are not on Marlene's emailing list and would like to see the rest of her safari photos, reply by "comment" and (if your e mail address is already in the Dove Mountain directory) I'll connect you!

We're glad you're back, Marlene!

Gloria!

Here's a quick plug for the Chorale at our sister church, Catalina Foothills. I have been listening to their latest Christmas album, Gloria, for the past two weeks and just love it! The Catalina Foothills website (cfcpca.org) now has a store on the music page where you can download this album in mp3 format (suggested donation $10, and well worth it!).

Dove Mountaineers Kathy and Jerry LeMay happen to have sung on this album, and John Bailey still sings with the Chorale from time to time, too. My favorite selections are Yahweh...and Sound of the Round...and Pie Jesu...and, of course, Delores Maddox in O Holy Hight Night...and ALL OF THEM!