 
 John Prendergast |
I had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with activist John Prendergast right after the live satellite broadcast “Not On Our Watch” this past Sunday evening from Ginghamsburg’s campus. He had an appointment to meet with President Obama the following day. John has a great spirit and had some interesting things to share about his friendship and collaborative work with the actor Don Cheadle as well as his non-profit “Enough Project” that has been motivated by his Christian faith.
God bless…
There have been numerous diplomatic efforts from various individuals, and groups over the years in many places, and concerning many issues. How does the diplomacy spoken of in the interview differ from previous efforts of a non-military nature?
I am also wondering if there is more of a move toward greater authority given to & response from the U.N. Are they attempting some type of standard of care that all countries must strive toward if they are to lead a country? In situations like this, I can\'t help but feel that it is necessary to have a governing board with greater authority in these matters while at the same time having a very specific, limited presence in a country\'s political stance & whose primary objective is to oversee humanitarian rights violations in terms of basic needs. The U.N\'s role is (although limited) critical for the success of long-term efforts for people suffering under tyrranical leadership. The U.S seems to always be the one to do the most. There would be greater accountability if the U.N took a greater role in the guardianship of basic human rights as well as the activities of rogue countries. Documentaries, films & testimonials do so much to educate people on situations that we are oftentimes unaware of or feel a disconnection with. Blessings in all efforts for Darfur.
Posted By: michaiah combs on Apr 05, 2009 03:07AM
 Don't Allow People Like Her to Suffer | Ginghamsburg/UMCOR is one of the 73 foreign aid groups working in Darfur serving as a lifeline for approximately 2.5 million people. More than 1 million people in Darfur will not get their food rations beginning in May if the UN and other aid organizations can’t fill the gaps left by the expulsion of 13 foreign and three local aid organizations. Money will run out in four weeks for spare parts and fuel needed for the generators to provide drinking water for 850,000 people. More than 600,000 are in danger of not receiving needed materials to build shelters before the start of rainy season. Our agriculture/child protection-development/safe water programs continue in the region of South Darfur, but security remains a top concern. Four staff from Doctors without Borders were kidnapped less than two weeks ago and released three days later. Three of our vehicles were hijacked in 2008. The security situation has not allowed our staff to travel outside of Ed Daein town. This has limited the expansion of aid to critical areas. We continue to support 19,000 children who are enrolled in our 159 schools, tens of thousands that are receiving safe water from our 6 completed water yards, and 76,000 through our sustainable agriculture project. The good news is that Ginghamsburg/UMCOR is still in Darfur.
More...
So what can you do? - Pray for 1.2 million people who have lost life-giving support from the 16 aid groups.
- Pray for a quick resolution that will save the lives of innocent people.
- Pray for the safety of our staff and God’s protection over all of the NGOs’ (non-government organizations) projects.
- Write or email your area congressional representatives, senators, or President Obama (visit http://www.congress.org for contact information).
- Participate in this coming Sunday evening’s (March 29) satellite broadcast “Not On Our Watch” beginning at 6 p.m. EDT. Check online http://www.ccn.tv/darfur/darfur_hostsitelist.htm for a church that will be hosting this live event in your local area.
As the quote states: “Evil prevails when good men fail to act!” When Jesus announced his messianic reign and the onset of God’s Kingdom, he read from Isaiah 61. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” I am proud to be part of a community of faith who continues to advocate and serve those who are at the center of God’s heart. God bless…
we so suffer from \"out of site - out of mind\" disease. we will be praying for tomorrow evening and the people of Sudan. God bless.
Posted By: Kim Miller on Mar 28, 2009 08:36AM
I am so amazed what God is doing through GUM. We all need to pray, we all need to act. The people of Sudan need our help and through God all things are possible.
Posted By: Jeanna Arfsten on Mar 28, 2009 10:54PM
Thinking about this situation, it really is an \"out of sight, out of mind\" thing for all of us at times. We live the lives God gave us to live, and He understands that I believe. I also feel that rather than looking at it as a test which we all have part in at times, I\'m looking at it as a reminder from God to stop, and focus on a situation that is near to His heart. Disciplining ourselves to purposefully look at situations that are sad is necessary in order to connect with those who suffer and in this way we learn mercy & love for others & God,as well ourselves. \"Rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn\" requires discipline, and a purposeful, conscience, and intentional act of acknowledgement, and action to help in whatever way one is equipped, and blessed to. I will pray too with those who are in prayer. Please do not lose heart even as the situation progresses. The Lord will give the strength to continue during and in the crisis which He has already done for these 6 years. It will be worse before it gets better, but it will indeed get better at least for a time. Be of good cheer. None can be taken away from Jesus who are His. Feed those who aren\'t knowing that they come for the food and water and you give them also the bread of life which is the greater. Pray & find peace in knowing you have done as the Lord has lead, and that He honors this. Thank you. In Him, Mika (nickname)
Posted By: michaiah combs on Mar 29, 2009 01:50AM
 Congress reacts to AIG bonuses | Public discord has grown over the 173 billion dollar bailout for the ailing insurance giant AIG. You and I are paying for bailouts that continue to feed the greed of corporate executives who took $165 million of the bailout money in bonuses. President Obama has called this corporate behavior outrageous, “and just as outrageous is the culture that these bonuses are a symptom of …a situation where excess greed, excess compensation, excess risk taking have made us vulnerable and left us holding the bag.” Where is the logic in a system that rewards failure? Greed knows no logic but is a cancerous sickness that is rooted deeply in the human spirit. In other words, “I have met the enemy and the enemy is me!” Who among us would not struggle if a large sum of money were handed to us? Would you turn it down or give it back? Let’s call it for what it is, SIN, and I am infected!
More...
We have been studying the life of Solomon for our personal devotions in the Transformation Journal. Solomon amassed vast sums of wealth. “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart” (1 Kings 10:23-24). The prosperity that God blessed Solomon with became his demise. Solomon became a man of excess rather than a man of obedient faith. The prosperity of the last several decades has created a false religious spirit where people profess a form of religion but deny its power. The Lenten journey is a time for serious soul reflection and repentance. Where have you and I placed comfort over a passionate pursuit of God and prosperity over purpose? We must confess our own spiritual failure that has contributed to a situation of excess greed. We are all susceptible to the temptation of subtle compromise, and subtle compromise leads to total sell-out. Don’t waste these days leading up to the Easter victory of Resurrection. Death precedes Resurrection! Courage saints! God bless…
Saints we/I ain’t…
My employer announced the suspension of cost of living or merit increases, an increase to employee share of medical coverage and the elimination of our wellness incentive program. In addition, work responsibilities would increase due to further layoffs. They sighted the poor economy. Just after that, they announced results of their partnership with Share Our Strength – its mission is ending childhood hunger in America. The firm’s contribution was close to $200K last year. When I first heard all this, I along with many others was puzzled. Why not use those funds to keep the employees financially satisfied. (Greed) Then I started thinking, I haven’t learned a thing…….
One of the causes our current financial situation can be traced back to the Carter Administration – allowing home purchases without the proper wherewithal to pay back the mortgage.
What the US Treasury did when it rescued AIG was necessary compassion. Had AIG failed, a global financial tsunami would have taken place and the rest of our investments would have lost value. Globally, every bank or investment company who had exposure to AIG (All Financial Institutions) would have failed. When the politicians say they knew nothing about the AIG bonuses, they are being less than truthful. Our current head of treasury was in the room when these contracts were agreed on with AIG executives. The bonus structure at AIG was designed to retain talent. In hindsight, treasury should have structured this retention differently but when the government gets involved, goofy things happen. In my view, those AIG executives are patriots who were left holding the bag. To manage thru the complex financial derivatives, we needed individuals who understood how to get us out of the woods. Our congress is doing us and them a disservice especially since they took part in writing the contracts. More...
I agree that greed has played a huge role in getting us to this situation. Everything from executive compensation to buying that new $300 cell phone share in the cause. It does seem unjust to pay $165M in bonuses to these people. However, without them, things could have been much much worse. Getting the government involved in private industry always has a cost.
Posted By: Rich B on Mar 20, 2009 12:59PM
Does anyone else see the ironic self preservation involved here. AIG is the principle insurer of COngresses retirement packages and funds. Congress mainly bailed themselves out when they bailed out AIG. I agree that this can be traced back to the Carter administration, further pushed forward by the Clinton administration and now the Pilosi/ Reed administration [....truncated.....] Liberalism, Socialism, Greed and Godlessness all go habnd in hand.
Posted By: Mike E on Mar 21, 2009 02:04PM
What is a \"large sum of money\"? I submit 4 1/2 to 5 million people would say it is anything over 1-2 thousand dollars a year. Studies show most people view others as being rich if they earn twice that of what they earn.It is not a sin to produce wealth, in fact it is part of God\'s plan. When was the last time most of us got a job from a poor person? These bonuses were approved by Congress. For people to insist this money be given back is wrong, morally and legally. For people to be protesting in front of these people\'s homes is criminal. Roman\'s 13 clearly shows God created governments. Our government placed into law a bill that had to be passed immediately with no room or time for reflection and/or debate. They will stand before God, as will we all, for thier decisions. The recipients should be left alone.
Posted By: S.A.Ream on Mar 23, 2009 03:24PM
\"Fun with Dick and Jane\" with Jim Carey is a comedic yet honest glimpse into the corporate world and politics that shape it. If talents and abilities are given by God then why do people think they should have so much more than others who work equally as hard. 6.5 million in a bonus for one year is completely beyond ridiculous in my opinion regardless of your contribution. Unless you\'re God of course:)
Posted By: michaiah on Mar 25, 2009 12:47AM
Reminder: If you post a comment to the blog and do not see it appear within a few hours, it may be that you did not provide your name when posting. Please re-post with your name credited as the author of the comment. Thank you.
Posted By: Ginghamsburg Staff on Mar 25, 2009 04:56PM
 Grandpa Mike! | I am in Boston this week with Carolyn visiting our new granddaughter Elisabeth “Ellie” Lynne Leavitt. I am also committed to completing chapter 4 of the book I am working on. Okay, so here is where I need your help. After almost three days, I still don’t know what I want Ellie to call me. I have been verbally trying out a few things but I haven’t found one that “feels” comfortable. Daddy and Dad were a given. Why is this so hard??? Help!!! Send suggestions!!!!
God bless…
I\'m going to go with \"whatever she wants\" here. Well...within reason :)
My niece, for whatever reason calls my stepfather \"crappaw\" which we get a kick out of since he\'s a sewage plant operator.
My wife used to call one of her grandmothers \"grandma kitty-kat.\" I have no idea why but it\'s an endearing memory unique to her.
So let Ellie have the freedom to come up with something on her own because it will probably mean more to her (and you) in the long run.
Posted By: Chris on Mar 12, 2009 11:53AM
Congratulations, Grandpa Mike, Granddad, Grandaddy, pa pa, pappy, Grandpa Harley, Grandpa of Irritation to his sisters and brothers.
Posted By: Craig on Mar 12, 2009 01:33PM
Congratulations! I have to agree with the \"whatever she wants\" because my daughter opted to call my dad \"Joe-Joe\" (his name is Joe) and there was not stopping her! We started with grandpa, she decided on this and it is much more special to both of them. Congratulations again, how wonderful!
Posted By: Jennifer on Mar 12, 2009 06:26PM
Mike,
Try... the website for thenewparentsguide
Check grandparents-nicknames
I like Pappous (Greek for Grandfather)
I\'d stay away from Grand-Dude or PeePaw tho! :0)
Posted By: Chris L on Mar 12, 2009 06:29PM
Mike, my kids and my neices and nephews have come up with their own version and so will Ellie. Even though we started out with Grampa or Grandma we ended up with Pa, Pap Pap, Grammie and Goey. Ellie will let you know!
Posted By: Cindy Keenan on Mar 12, 2009 06:41PM
Some hilarious comments. G-Pop or Poppers would be good ones, but it\'s probably true that she\'ll pick something that suits her. It\'s gonna be a while so you should have plenty to go on by then. What a blessing. You are truly blessed. She\'s adorable.
Posted By: Michaiah on Mar 12, 2009 07:06PM
CONGRATULATIONS first of all and many prayers and blessings for all of you. Kristen was in my first Jr. Hi. girls Sunday School class lo these many years ago! Wow, grandpa, that is so wonderful! Just go w/ what is comfortable right now and relax and enjoy it. Once Ellie has words she will make it what works for her. One little one I cared for 4 years called me Momatarla. They work out the sounds and no matter the words, you will know beyond doubt that you are a special, loved person in her life and that is what really matters! Blessings.
Posted By: Carla Brogden on Mar 12, 2009 07:08PM
How about \"GP\' or \"GD\" or \"papaw\" or \"GPS\" or \"Grand Daddy\"
Posted By: Dave on Mar 12, 2009 07:16PM
My granddaughter (Elizabeth - 2 yrs old) calls me Buddy. I love it!! She picked it out herself.
Posted By: Joanne Dodge on Mar 12, 2009 08:18PM
How does Papa sound? It sounds so sweet when our little granddaughter says
Papa Dale.
Posted By: Julia Kessler on Mar 12, 2009 08:30PM
Tom is called \"Grampi\" and I\'m Granny. It fits us. My parents are Papaw and Mamaw. Our grandkids\' other grandparents are Pappy and Nanna. Whatever she calls you, she\'s going to have you wrapped around her little finger. Grand daughters are super special.
Posted By: Donna Flint on Mar 12, 2009 08:48PM
I can see from the picture that you are \"wrapped\" already! My favorite name for grandfather is the one my brother Wes came up with for our grandpa -- \"Grandy\". However, while the other Grandmas of my grandkids have picked out their names, I\'ve let the kids come up with their own for me. I am Gramma, Gram Ohio, and others to be decided as they learn to talk. Our Nashville granddaughter calls Russ \"Gran\'pol\" \'cause she\'s got a southern accent! Don\'t forget they\'re little people who will probably murder anything you try to make them say! Just relax and enjoy her!
Posted By: Diane Bogner on Mar 12, 2009 09:41PM
I like pappy,
Posted By: Megan on Mar 12, 2009 10:04PM
I think Pa Pa is a great name. Pronounce it:
Pah-paw. I hope you find something that feels right! Congrats again and tell Carolyn I said hello.
Posted By: Emilee Bowman on Mar 12, 2009 10:21PM
We are Gpa and Gma. But our grandson calls his other Grandpa
G-Daddy (Gee-Daddy), and we like that. Remember, patience is a virtue, and Ellie is likely to find the perfect name for you.
Posted By: Bob and Naomi on Mar 12, 2009 10:57PM
I know some MiMi\'s, Gonny, Bam (Bamaw for Grandma)Ga and Ma, MawMaw, papaw. Mine calls me gwampa when she wants to tease me and make me laugh. She gets a kick out of that when I bluster, \"I\'m MEEMAW not GWAMPAW!!\"
It will be fun to see what she comes up with. Guess we\'ll have to have \"pizza with the Pappaw\" now! Congratulations, PasterPawPaw! Carolyn too! Welcome Ellie...
Posted By: Lisa Sowry on Mar 12, 2009 11:01PM
I loved it when you said \"G-pa\" in service, but I\'m with the others and think Ellie will choose a perfect name for you. My daughter called my mom \"mom mom\" and she loved it. Let us know what you decide.
Posted By: Sandy on Mar 13, 2009 08:59AM
Heritage play’s a role but those little ones always seem to come up with the right answer. Congratulations and good luck!
Posted By: Rich B on Mar 13, 2009 09:58AM
Pastor Mike, clearly you are a \"pawpaw\". Grandpa is to formal for someone like you.
Posted By: Charity Lomax on Mar 13, 2009 10:00AM
Hey Mike how about ( GRAM )...or you and I being the same age you could just face it like I had to and be a Grama and be the Granpa that she will love.
Posted By: Debbie T on Mar 13, 2009 12:03PM
Congrats on your new addition!! She will bring you much JOY!! Our little girls have several sets of Grandparents so they each have their own names. They include: Grammy/Grandpy, Mamaw/Papaw and Nanny/Poppy. Best Wishes and enjoy your visit. :)
Posted By: Tiffany on Mar 13, 2009 07:11PM
My two cents worth goes a little something like this...Sudanese arabic should look a little something like this for grandfather: Jadd/Jaddi..Sounds kinda cool if you ask me.
Posted By: TIMinem on Mar 13, 2009 09:29PM
I like Papa, pronounced correctly not like Pawpaw or pahpaw. It\'s simple but will still be appropriate as the child grows.
Posted By: Julie on Mar 13, 2009 09:37PM
I say you\'ll \"just know\" when it is the right one - cause it WILL feel right - I knew that it was grammy for me from the get-go for that very reason....... personally, I like grandy! can\'t wait to see what you choose and what Ellie \"decides\" is best.........
Posted By: Bev B on Mar 14, 2009 03:51PM
I love all the suggestions...but I agree with everyone else that Ellie will decide what she calls you no matter what you want to be called. My dad is papa (pa pawh)...but it is cute to see what they come up with. Like, I am aunt gg because they could not say glynda at a young age and it stuck. Enjoy the fun!!!
Posted By: Glynda on Mar 14, 2009 06:22PM
If you\'re comfortable w/ your middle name, she could do play off of that, and it would be even more special. papaw mike sounds really sweet. I could see her calling you that.
Posted By: michaiah on Mar 14, 2009 09:26PM
When my cousin was a child his Grandmother was ill, (back when you still could pray in schools) he asked for prayer for his “B-maw” and the teacher asked what was her name? … “B-maw” he said … NO, what is her real name, so we can pray for her? “B-maw” he insisted “God will know who she is!” So no matter what you’re called Mike, God will know your name! And Ellie? She will call you what ever she learns to say first.
Posted By: Trish G G on Mar 16, 2009 07:04PM
Mike,
Bill started off as \"Cool Pa\" because he was way to young and cool for Grandpa or any other ordinary name. But Jeremy took \"Cool Pa\" and made it Poppy, and we love it..I can guarantee you that whatever she decides to call you, will be the best name ever!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Grandkids....you will be a great grandpa, and Carolyn will be a great grandpas girlfriend!! We love you.
Bill and Terri
Posted By: Terri Williams on Mar 17, 2009 12:38PM
First, congratulations! She is adorable and will have you wrapped the ways my girls had their grandad wrapped! I like PAP-AW but agree she will have her version that will be special between you and her. Enjoy all the time you can!
Posted By: Judy Peterson on Mar 17, 2009 03:38PM
We called our Grandpa Pamppaw. I think you look like you could be a Pamppaw
Posted By: Bev Baker on Mar 18, 2009 12:58PM
The kids call my Father Pa Pa or Paw Paw, It\'s the best Grandpa!
Congradulations!
Posted By: Kristen Litton on Mar 22, 2009 09:45AM
Pa Pa is a good one. It comes easy for most babies and it isn\'t pappy.
Posted By: Scott on Mar 24, 2009 08:05PM
I see you as the G-Pa or G-Dad type - a grandpa but still cool and hip. Tell your daughter she needs to take a trip to Ohio and let us meet Ellie! Good luck in the name selection and congratulations, G-pa!
Posted By: Patty Yahne on Mar 25, 2009 09:03PM
Grandchildren are the best! My grandson is nearly two years old. He is finally saying \"Papa Frank\". Whatever the child calls you will be music!
Posted By: Frank Coats on Mar 26, 2009 03:39PM
Mike my grandaughter\'s call me mama I think papa is cute Just a suggestion
Posted By: pamela lawarre on Mar 27, 2009 05:44AM
pa or pappa be approachable and not grandpa mike.
Posted By: peggy james on Mar 27, 2009 11:45AM
Michael,
I\'ll help you out with what Ellie should call you. Well you can\'t use Grampa Slaughter because that was taken by our Grampa. I know.....Old Fart!!! Short syllabals, easy for kids to say. It might even be her first words. Ha Ha You should have just asked me in the first place instead of agonizing all these months. Or you could just let her decide what to call you. She might do that any way. Congratulations to you and Carolyn and Kristen.
Karen (aka Wise & All Knowing Cousin)
Karen (Wise and All Knowing Cousin Karen to you)
Posted By: Cousin Karen on Mar 28, 2009 01:05PM
I think Papaw is a great one. Or Granddaddy, grandfather. But like everyone else is saying, she will most likely come up with one on her own!
Posted By: Lauren on Mar 28, 2009 09:41PM
It is a grand time being a grandparent. It took us 60 years before we got our 1st granddaughter.
I thought the same way that you are and decided I wanted her to call me granny but she had other plans when she started to talk. So I would tell you just let it happen, she will call you what she can say at that time.
Posted By: connie brooks on Apr 05, 2009 05:21PM
Poppy or Pop-pop
Posted By: Sharon on Apr 10, 2009 11:01AM
Darfurian boys |
The genocide in Darfur has continued for six years due largely to the timidity and now economic distraction of the international community. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Sudan’s president. It now depends on the resolve of the world’s leaders to follow through in enforcing international humanitarian law. You and I must continue our resolve to intercede, intervene, petition and advocate. Last week we sent $725,749 to cover our project costs for the 2009 budget year.
View where the 2009 Sudan Project monies will goView the 2009 Sudan Project press release
More...
On Sunday evening, March 29, an international satellite conference, “Not On Our Watch,” will be telecast to over 6,000 sites from the Ginghamsburg campus from 6–7:45 p.m. ET/MT (5–6:45 pm CT/PT). This event is FREE to all churches with CCN equipment AND to everyone within the Dayton, Ohio area who would like to be part of the live audience at Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County Rd. 25A in Tipp City (just north of Vandalia). Speaking live and via broadcast from the Ginghamsburg Campus… Other well–known church leaders and Darfur activists, including George Barna, will share via video. Not on Our Watch is free to sites with CCN satellite dishes. If you do not have CCN satellite equipment, find out how you can bring this life–saving event to your church at www.ccn.tv/darfur. God bless…
2009 Project GoalsSAFE WATER & SANITATION PROJECTSummary of Objectives to be Achieved:- 2 borehole rehabilitated and equipped with generators
- 5 complete water yards constructed
- 5 water committees and communities trained
- 10 hygiene promotion volunteers equipped
- 4 permanent latrines built
CHILD PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMSummary of Objectives to be Achieved:- Support 6 life skills teachers in 3 skill centers
- Rehab 15 classrooms destroyed by war or neglect
- Construct 6 additional classrooms
- Provide 16 teacher stipends in Internally Displaced Persons schools due to government inability to pay
- Multiple school learning supplies (chalk, desks, chairs, etc.)
- Uniforms for girls to increase female enrollment and attendance
- Clothing, medicine and income-generating activities for orphans, disabled children, and children from female-led households
- Support for 4 existing kindergartens
- Local theater competitions and sports equipment
{back to top} Town in Darfur, Sudan, Dubbed “Ohio Village”…as Ginghamsburg Church helps it resurrectGinghamsburg is a United Methodist Church located just north of Dayton, Ohio, which was named by Forbes magazine in August 2008 as one of the fastest dying cities in the U.S. Since January 2005, Ginghamsburg has made a nearly $4 million humanitarian investment in southern Darfur, known as The Sudan Project, including the funding that has literally enabled the resurrection of the village of Deriga. Deriga had been destroyed during a brutal “scorched Earth” attack by the Janjaweed, a proxy militia group unleashed by the Sudanese government against Darfuri rebel groups and villages after conflict broke out in the region in 2003—a conflict that has killed approximately 300,000 people and displaced over 2 million more, causing the United Nations to name Darfur as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. This entire village of thousands was decimated and remained that way, until Ginghamsburg Church became involved. Ginghamsburg’s work in Darfur, in partnership with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), has involved three primary projects since early 2005: a sustainable agricultural program that has reached 70,000 people, a safe water and sanitation project that is expanding to provide safe wells and water yards for 219,000 people by the close of 2010, and a child protection & development program that is constructing schools and training teachers, leading to an enrollment of 19,000 children since its inception. Hearing of these efforts, a few remaining villagers from Deriga approached UMCOR and Ginghamsburg in the spring of 2008 asking that their town be one of the fortunate beneficiaries of a water project. UMCOR experts were initially dubious, given that when they visited the site, little infrastructure was left and few villagers remained. However, the persistent petitioners assured UMCOR that “if you build it, they will come.” They were right. By the time drilling for the well started, the word had spread and villagers had started to return. By the time the borehole was complete, the population had swelled to 5000 people. By the time the entire water yard was built, the village boasted a population of 12,000—many more people than the original population before the conflict. Of course, this expanded population led to new challenges. The people returning had nothing left with which to make a living, so Ginghamsburg provided seeds, tools and training to initiate the agricultural program. Next the people asked for schools; two permanent structures were built, and two more are in process. At sites where project money is invested, UMCOR erects signs indicating that funding was provided by Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio. When UMCOR leadership visited Deriga in mid- November 2008, they learned that the villagers had redubbed Deriga “Ohio Village.” “Ginghamsburg” proved too difficult to pronounce. Each Advent season since 2004, Ginghamsburg Senior Pastor Mike Slaughter has challenged Ginghamsburg’s attendees to live more simply so that others can simply live. The action step is to spend only one-half on Christmas of what a family would normally spend and to bring the rest in for The Sudan Project “Miracle Offering.” Despite the tough Dayton and national economy and the impact of unemployment within the church family, the Advent 2008 offering resulted in $725,749, adding to the $3 million that had been raised and invested from Advent 2004 through 2007. Ginghamsburg attendees understand that the Gospel isn’t the Gospel unless it includes serving the poor. Other churches, schools and businesses have also been inspired to take compassionate action toward Darfur, with 26 partners from 10 states in 2008 providing $113,000 of the total. Photos available upon request. {back to top}
Watching the news in the last few days concerning the president of the sudan. Curious as to how we move forward given the fact that things will no doubt deteriorate quickly while the UN figures out a way to arrest Bashir and bring him to justice. Curious to know what UMCOR and Pastor Mike feel will be our response to an accelerated crisis.
Posted By: Adam Blake on Mar 05, 2009 07:05PM
I could not find anything relative to UMCOR and if they were part of the expulsion of aid agencies in Darfur. Bashir accused the organizations of trying to disrupt peace efforts in Darfur....interfering with foreign investment. He said the resources of Sudan should go to the people of Sudan.
Well, we have been bringing foreign investment with direct benefit to the people of Darfur. But, will UMCOR be removed by Bashir? And the Ginghamsburg investment and projects be abandoned or destroyed? Pray for this mission and the people; those who are serving there and all the children and adults who are living and benefiting because of it.
Posted By: Scott A. on Mar 05, 2009 10:21PM
Where the rubber meets the road is where faith lives. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. Let\'s pray in faith.
Posted By: michaiah on Mar 06, 2009 12:17PM
I don\'t see how our investment can be lost. The wells will remain. The people who ate the food, ate the food. At worst they could destroy the process by which we hope to grow, ie the seed and tools, but they can not stop what we have already done. They will not stop up the wells even if they do take control of them.
Posted By: Jerry W on Mar 31, 2009 01:15PM
|
