tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58572122011-08-23T11:44:04.413-05:00Seeking Reality! Join in as I attempt to journey in a life of faith.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.comBlogger3531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-85933578853022901412010-04-22T17:35:00.002-05:002010-04-22T17:37:43.481-05:00

Crafting a vision for your Church?....Check this out from Naked Pastor....Biblical Arguments Against VisionApril 22, 2010 | thought | Share 1. The verse most often used to support vision in a church is Proverbs 29:18… “Without a vision, the people perish.” But even an elementary study of that verse will reveal that the word translated “vision” is best translated “prophecy” or “revelation“.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-81015769721375200342010-03-22T15:39:00.002-05:002010-03-22T15:51:53.065-05:00

Wow,didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted anything on here. I guess the constant news of the political crisis here in Honduras just burned me out a bit. Lori and I spent a few weeks home with the kids and were refreshed to come back and continue our work here in Honduras.I was moved today to express a few of my thoughts regarding the new healthcare bill so....I am not smart enough

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-42020933396267823222009-11-03T07:25:00.001-06:002009-11-03T07:28:53.374-06:00

Here are some more of the thoughts on "deconstruction" from Naked Pastor....I suppose I should correct #1 from my list of How to Deconstruct Your Church. I should probably say, instead, that you should deconstruct yourself first. I guess this is especially for pastors, but it applies to all of us who want to deconstruct the church so that we can become a genuine community of free individuals. So,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-73351694682554272882009-11-01T18:33:00.002-06:002009-11-01T18:40:49.019-06:00

La Vanguardia, a spanish news agency, is reporting this....Zelaya, caught in the Brazilian rat trap, had few options. Diplomats from Tegucigalpa commented to La Vanguardia that Zelaya, of course, knew very well that he was signing a document that was rather unfavorable to him as it left his possible return as president in the hands of the very same Congress that removed him, without setting any

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-55275416680971182842009-11-01T08:13:00.003-06:002009-11-01T09:30:58.087-06:00

I have read a ton of articles stating that the Honduran agreement will reinstate Zelaya to the presidency and this is just not true. The agreement (in point #5) simply says that Congress will decide the issue of Zelaya's restitution. More on this below. Here is a very basic summary of the Guaymuras Accord, now being called the Tegucigalpa/San Jose Accord. To read the full accord in Spanish, click

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-90218713478407475282009-10-31T16:31:00.002-05:002009-10-31T16:33:24.932-05:00

All of this sounds VERY familiar..... reminds me of another group I know....from Naked PastorMany people are tired of doing church in the same old way (point A). Some seem to appreciate the way we are doing church here (point B), and wonder how they can get from point A to point B.First of all, I want to assert that if these people moved here and became a part of our church, they would in soon

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-68866973493346116312009-10-31T00:13:00.001-05:002009-10-31T00:17:40.457-05:00

Found this at Naked PastorI frequently get emails from pastors wondering how they can get their church from running like a machine to looking like a functional family. They wonder how to get from where they are to where they think my church is (I plan on writing more about that tomorrow, which is a whole other issue). I would call this process the deconstruction of the church. Be mindful that we’

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-11886728750747236292009-10-30T13:01:00.002-05:002009-10-30T13:29:22.953-05:00

I just got home and read the news that the delegations have signed an agreement to end the political crisis in Honduras. Here are the basics points in the agreement...1-- The creation of a government of unity and national reconciliation2-- Rejection of amnesty for political crimes, and delay of criminal prosecutions.3--Renouncing the convening of a National Constituent Assembly or the reform of

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-12563039084010588342009-10-29T09:20:00.002-05:002009-10-29T09:36:08.380-05:00

There has been very little news since the dialogue broke down at the end of last week, but things have heated up over the last couple days. Yesterday, three representatives from the US State Department arrived including Thomas Shannon, the head of Latin American affairs. Word is that they have come to "encourage" a return to dialogue. They were to have met with both Zelaya and Micheletti

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-37152483021136974602009-10-24T08:14:00.002-05:002009-10-24T08:45:44.008-05:00

The Carter Center (a non-profit founded by Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter) has published a recent interview that gives a pretty accurate overview of the Honduran political mess. My only issue is it's characterization of what happened as a "coup". All in all it is a good read and even offers opinions on solutions. My understanding is that they have sent a small team here to get a closer look at what is

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-17887834129170208112009-10-20T21:45:00.002-05:002009-10-20T22:11:21.194-05:00

If you have read my previous couple of posts you know that the Guaymuras Dialogue between delegations from Micheletti and Zelaya has agreed to 95% of a resolution with the last sticking point being the restitution of Mel Zelaya to the preidency. Over the past few days there was a proposal by Micheletti's team to allow the Supreme Court decide what should happen with Mel as it is a "legal" problem

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-82628151934842779312009-10-16T18:43:00.002-05:002009-10-16T19:06:04.576-05:00

Zelaya's self-imposed "or else" deadline of October 15th has come and gone and absolutely nothing has changed. The Guaymura Dialogue ended today with no agreement although they are saying there is 95% agreement. Of course the sticky point is what to do with "Mel". Reports are that Micheletti is asking for that to be settled through the Supreme Court so that it is a legal resolution and Zelaya has

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-38142854382296767962009-10-14T08:22:00.002-05:002009-10-14T08:57:42.058-05:00

Sorry for the lack of info lately. there just hasn't been much happening. the "guaymura dialogue" has continued as the representatives of Micheletti and Zelaya continue the process of negotiating an exit to the political crisis. according to reports, they have settled on 7 of 8 points including NO amnesty for Zelaya and the elections will go on as scheduled on November 29th. The final point to be

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-55738242214810995572009-10-08T10:53:00.003-05:002009-10-08T11:55:06.736-05:00

Well, the OAS delegation arrived yesterday and the new round of dialogue, now named the Guaymura Dialogue, has begun. There is a great sense of optimism that a resolution will be found. The delegation arrived at the Clarion Hotel around 10:00 yesterday morning. I happened to be right there about that time, got caught in the traffic created by the police clearing the road, and watched the caravan

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-65797858767490038532009-10-04T16:09:00.002-05:002009-10-04T16:57:33.512-05:00

Zelaya goes and makes a list of 4 demands before he will even begin to talk. Here is a guy that is hiding in a foreign embassy because of the arrest warrants he faces if he actually comes out and he is making demands! There are as follows:1. Micheletti must lift the decree restricting constitutional freedoms. This is supposed to happen early this week anyway.2. Return broadcast rights back to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-16549798705100593292009-10-03T09:19:00.002-05:002009-10-03T10:04:32.373-05:00

even though there has been a new wave of calm throughout the city this week, there appears to have been a lot happening. The executive decree temporarily suspending constitutional guarantees by Micheletti and his cabinet have done exactly what they were intended to do.... restore a sense of calm here. There has been no nightly curfew for the last three days and the demonstrations have been small

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-48117625204839869132009-10-01T10:23:00.002-05:002009-10-01T10:33:21.125-05:00

Sorry for the lack of info, but that's just it.... there has been a lack of info. It has been very calm and quiet the past few days. Here is a link to some info of what appears to be the beginning of a "Honduran solution". Imagine that.... a Honduran solution to a Honduran problem!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-2529908466716778992009-09-28T17:02:00.003-05:002009-09-28T18:17:32.464-05:00

good news..... it has been a quiet day today in regards to the threatened demonstrations and "final offensive". haven't heard why it didn't happen. my suspicion is that the threat was merely that, a threat. the pro-zelaya media is no longer on the air and they have been known to exaggerate the truth. the people coming in from all over just didn't happen. other news.... it appears that the OAS

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-56553279011265431532009-09-28T16:34:00.002-05:002009-09-28T16:41:21.228-05:00

Worth reading in my opinion. It definitely shows that not all are in agreement with the recent decree to suspend various constitutional freedoms....Congress likely not to approve the decreeThe head of congress, Jose Angel Saavedra, met with Roberto Micheletti and Ramon Velasquez Nassar, vice president of the Congress, Antonio Rivera Callejas, Liberal Party member, and Ricardo Rodriguez, Liberal

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-13901185734541658962009-09-28T00:49:00.002-05:002009-09-28T01:29:06.399-05:00

Tonight it was announced that Honduras is now in a "state of siege." I really am not sure at this point what that means, but it certainly is crazy. I hope to find an english translation of what has happened sometime tomorrow. Here is what I understand as of now...The government has issued a decree that has suspended for the next 45 days at least five constitutional guarntees. They have done so

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-14154141904476945032009-09-27T22:34:00.002-05:002009-09-27T22:59:52.446-05:00

they are saying that tomorrow will be a big day in the honduran crisis. no way to know for sure. today was rumor central as well as some very interesting developments. the micheletti government refused the entry of four of five OAS delegates right at the airport. the reason they are giving is because of the fact that honduras is, at this moment, not a recognized member of the OAS and therefore

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-21264405646204724872009-09-27T12:18:00.002-05:002009-09-27T12:36:29.220-05:00

there are reports this morning that zelaya is attempting to establish a "parallel government" from his location in the brazilian embassy. rumors abound that his former cabinet members are scheduled to arrive in the country today on commercial flights. of course, there are standing arrest warrants for all of them here so nobody knows what may happen when, and if, they do arrive. there is also a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-85995398889417541782009-09-25T16:54:00.002-05:002009-09-25T17:45:36.821-05:00

It is so difficult to know the truth in what we are reading and hearing here in Honduras. I honestly have a hard time trying to discern what to believe. I feel that there is so much dishonesty among all the people involved that we will probably never know what has been real and what hasn't. Today we are hearing that the military and police surrounding the Brazilian Embassy, where Mel Zelaya is

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-74626253723901677662009-09-24T20:01:00.003-05:002009-09-24T20:48:02.428-05:00

the curfew (toque de queda) was lifted today but is back in affect tonight from 7pm until 5am tomorrow morning. it was good to be able to go to the warehouse and get a little work done. david logue came and picked up the rest of the library and school books i had available. he is going to bring them to one of the local bilingual schools and see if they want them for their library. josue (a friend

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-76783431378778878712009-09-23T14:45:00.002-05:002009-09-23T14:50:06.287-05:00

This was written by Daniel Dyer and sent to the members of the Facebook group "Support Free Honduras". Is it the truth? I have no idea. but it is certainly plausible and it is hard to argue the logic.International Football....And Honduras is the Football.There is tension in the air in Tegucigalpa as it enjoys a forced holiday delivered in the form of a twenty-four hour national curfew. This

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-3993740268871101872009-09-23T12:38:00.006-05:002009-09-23T14:29:45.358-05:00

In my life, I have lived through hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, and blackouts, but what I am witnessing and hearing here in Tegucigalpa is absolutely beyond anything else I have seen. We have been in "lockdown" since 4:00pm Monday afternoon. It was then that the government declared "toque de queda" (curfew). Well, after lots of calls to TV and radio stations by people saying they needed to buy

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-54466519643967151072009-09-22T23:48:00.002-05:002009-09-22T23:52:06.941-05:00

luis estrada called me tonight while the police were in his neighborhood trying to enforce the curfew. it wasn't a pretty sight. i could hear the tear gas being launched in the background. he said it was crazy. as you all know, many people need to get out daily just to buy food, water, milk, etc. there are a lot of folks pretty upset with the all day curfew (which has been extended for another

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-849576571834969302009-09-22T10:55:00.002-05:002009-09-22T13:04:52.007-05:00

Well, the unexpected definitely happened yesterday. Mel Zelaya is back! He is currently taking refuge in the Brazilian Embassy here in Tegucigalpa. Yesterday's series of events was pretty wild. We first got reports of Mel's return around 11:00am. I called my sources here in the government and got strong denials about the accuracy of those reports. As we now know, my sources were wrong. He is

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-1199075792485244662009-09-16T20:04:00.002-05:002009-09-16T20:08:50.477-05:00

This is from an opinion piece on Nacion.com written by Jorge Guardia. Thanks to La Gringa for providing the translation.... Translation of: Opinion section, Nacion.com, Costa RicaEn GuardiaAutor: Jorge Guardia_________________________On GuardAuthor: Jorge GuardiaWhy did the Agreement of San Jose fail? What did President Arias do wrong so that his proposal merited the repudiation of President

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-50198611843522697262009-09-14T10:00:00.002-05:002009-09-14T11:00:51.499-05:00

This is the sentiment of most Hondurans that I have had contact with. Most are glad that Zelaya is no longer here. Most are looking forward to the coming elections and believe they are the way out of the current crisis. Most consider the problem to be an internal matter and the rest of the world should butt out. Most are satisfied that the current government is handling matters properly and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-23956676996504895272009-09-07T12:49:00.002-05:002009-09-07T12:56:30.874-05:00

I was sent this article the other day published in the Nicaragua opinion paper, Nicaragua Hoy. I am including a translation of some of it that was on the blog of a guy in Roatan. Got to wonder if this is what the fuss is all about. Here is the tranlation of some of it....The letters of [FARC leader] Reyes detail the relationship between the FARC and the Democratic Unification Party (UD) in

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-28175164114066367192009-09-07T11:54:00.001-05:002009-09-07T11:55:29.597-05:00

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-91835345466269365852009-09-01T11:08:00.002-05:002009-09-01T11:16:55.453-05:00

i know there has been a lack of posts recently, but to be honest, nothing of note has been happening. we are having the daily demonstrations and, thankfully, they have had little to no violence associated with them. yesterday was the official start of the campaign season with the elections for president, congress, and mayoral positions to be held, as scheduled, november 29. the resistance has

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-72242281553391209852009-08-28T13:51:00.001-05:002009-08-28T13:51:33.549-05:00

By Jack London A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog when you are just as hungry as the dog.Source: unknown

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-22562272136302391602009-08-25T20:18:00.002-05:002009-08-25T20:23:39.776-05:00

This was printed in the papers here in spanish and an english translation....SECRETARIA DE RELACIONES EXTERIORESDE LA REPUBLICA DE HONDURASAn Open Letter to the Citizens of the Worldfrom Carlos López Contreras,Foreign Minister of HondurasAs citizens of an increasingly smaller and interconnected global community, we are all responsible for respecting one other and for creating a better world

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-17247897416461953592009-08-24T08:28:00.000-05:002009-08-24T08:29:00.123-05:00

By Etta May If thee needs anything and cannot find it, just come to me and I’ll tell thee how to get along without it.Source: Quaker disciple

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-59269756209862062382009-08-21T19:10:00.002-05:002009-08-21T19:55:04.088-05:00

I just read this on one of the blogs I've been following throughout the political crisis here in Honduras and, if what is being reported is true, I am shocked. Truly shocked!. How low can you go?Pretty low when you are a zelayista teacher who has the power over children's minds.Now that the zelayista teachers have agreed to teach three days a week, they are using those days to indoctrinate school

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-34539317183743498182009-08-21T08:36:00.000-05:002009-08-21T08:37:03.634-05:00

By Portia Nelson 1) I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost . . . I am hopeless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. 2) I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it. I fall in again. I can’t believe I am in the same place. But, it isn’t my fault. It

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-40100087998132444222009-08-20T18:09:00.002-05:002009-08-20T18:51:37.505-05:00

Well, the human rights commission ha sbeen here for four days and there are many who are saying they could have written their report without even coming. The authorities here are convinced that there will be no impartiality in the report. All reports seem to indicate that they have not spoken with anyone other than those in the "resistance". It is confusing to me that a group that is here to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-63811936746577527342009-08-20T08:51:00.001-05:002009-08-20T08:53:22.611-05:00

By Walter Brueggemann Though many of us are well intentioned, we have invested our lives in consumerism. We have a love affair with ‘more’—and we will never have enough. Consumerism is not simply a marketing strategy. It has become a demonic spiritual force among us, and the theological question facing us is whether the Gospel has the power to help us withstand it.Source: Christian Century,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-75994472232885694512009-08-19T10:37:00.002-05:002009-08-19T10:56:15.098-05:00

it has again been a quiet couple of days. last time it was definitely the quiet before the storm. hopefully that is not the case this time. the cool thing is that in the midst of all the chaos we have had here, the work goes on. we built another house yesterday. it was a pretty difficult site.... lots of rock.... scratch that... boulders! it got done though. we had a great crew that was made up

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-34665453818781333982009-08-18T00:24:00.003-05:002009-08-18T00:45:22.998-05:00

the commission arrived today and already met with some key individuals from the pro-zelaya resistance group. namely, carlos reyes, an independent candidate for president and ponce, a leader of the resistance front. they both were injured in demonstrations last week. there was a march today led by deposed president zelaya's wife and daughter aand thankfully, as of tonight, there has been no report

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-63289128459135431692009-08-16T21:27:00.002-05:002009-08-16T21:49:51.092-05:00

I received this comment on one of my posts the other day....Mark,You seriously need to consider the source when you read about events. I know you live there and are closer to the action and the people, but that doesn't change the fact that leftist news will propagandize everything to paint themselves in a better light and their opponents as poorly as possible. Try to find an unbiased source.Love

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-26908915737931764072009-08-16T19:39:00.002-05:002009-08-16T19:54:24.876-05:00

I am very interested to see what happens tomorrow with a human rights commission coming to evaluate/investigate the situation here in Honduras. A group of observers from Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) will be here for the next five days. The "popular resistance" have been very vocal in their charges of repression and human rights violations by the police and military since the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-54568788816471858282009-08-15T23:37:00.002-05:002009-08-16T00:14:55.237-05:00

Today, here in Tegucigalpa, the offices of El Heraldo (the country's leading newspaper) were attacked just before dawn with 4-5 molotav cocktails. There is no report of any real damage. They just kind of exploded like big fireworks. Fortunately there was nobody hurt. Here's the comical part.... the authorities are assuming it was done by pro-Zelaya sympathizers and the pro-Zelaya crowd are saying

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-5265202002920734762009-08-14T18:13:00.002-05:002009-08-14T18:36:12.547-05:00

It was a quiet day here in Tegucigalpa, but there was a major confrontation in the northern town of Choloma. I have no doubt that, like most any fight, there is plenty of blame that can be attributed to both sides, but I am very bothered by the reports of violations of human rights and freedom of the press. Here is a report from this afternoon's confrontation from a pro-Zelaya blogger, Honduras

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-36204033554341040702009-08-13T19:30:00.002-05:002009-08-13T19:56:43.993-05:00

I want to share with you a couple reports from yesterday's clash between the protester's and the police/military. Both of these directly contradict the reports in the local papers here and the local television media. I encourage you to read them carefully and with an open mind. If these reports have any truth to them, then I am really concerned about what the crisis here is causing. Human rights

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-85104064426804513872009-08-12T21:34:00.002-05:002009-08-12T22:57:41.440-05:00

Another day, another protest, more violence. It just goes on and on. Today the demonstration was down in El Centro (the center of downtown). It might have struck a new low as some fools among the demonstrators attacked a congressman. Unbelievable. The fact of the matter is that whether you think we had a coup here or a constitutional succesion of power, the congressman are duly elected officials.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-883605829499669592009-08-11T21:26:00.003-05:002009-08-11T21:50:38.874-05:00

We counldn't get very close from where we were. This is as good as Lori could get....

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-61391064755445336442009-08-11T19:58:00.002-05:002009-08-11T20:48:36.910-05:00

Well, the lomg awaited marches entered the city last night and this morning. I'm not sure the total amount was more than a few thousand. We saw them as we returned home today. They gathered at a large intersection near our home. For those that have been here, it was the intersection where the Burger King is across from Chili's and Pizza Hut on Avenida Juan Pablo II. That is the road that goes to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-5222780937261792242009-08-09T19:06:00.002-05:002009-08-09T20:30:30.205-05:00

It's been a very quiet weekend here in Tegucigalpa. The only excitement was at 7:45 this morning when a bird caused an electric explosion and outage. Lori and I were awakened from our sleep by a very loud bang. I thought it was probably a car wreck. Turned out to be a bird that somehow caused a short in the electrical wires. It laid dead right below the telephone pole outside our house. Power was

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-32556508492127443872009-08-07T19:48:00.004-05:002009-08-07T20:15:26.353-05:00

Another day of manifestaciones (demonstrations) around Tegucigalpa today. The supporters of ex-president Zelaya blocked the major eastern exit to the city today. For those who have been here before it is the road going out to Oriental. As of right now, there have been no reports of any violence. We shall see. Unfortunately, the media here doesn't always tell us all that happens. There are some

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-82550603633053296152009-08-06T21:43:00.002-05:002009-08-06T21:46:29.083-05:00

I said earlier that the striking for the return of ex-president Zelaya was very confusing to me. Well, La Gringa has posted a list of the teacher strikes over the past year, all against the Zelaya administration. Shouldn't be hard to understand my confusion.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-63551274175583040442009-08-06T19:41:00.002-05:002009-08-06T21:02:03.969-05:00

there were more marches today. they took over two main roads for a short period of time. one is the road the american embassy is on and close to mi esperanza and our warehouse. the march moved past rather quickly. it forced me to take an alternate route to go and pick up some tables, but that is just the way it is. there was no school again today for most of the kids here. that is a very

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-82862948392677756052009-08-06T09:26:00.000-05:002009-08-06T09:27:00.372-05:00

By John Francis Kavanaugh It is no shame to be a frail and contingent human being. In fact, it is priceless to be so. It is, necessarily, to be loved into existence. Denying our sinfulness as church and Christians, insisting upon our success, our power and pomp, our greatness, as the proof of our being saved, we reject the cross as well as God’s love made manifest in Jesus Christ who died for

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-71435637370348877952009-08-05T21:14:00.002-05:002009-08-05T22:43:19.590-05:00

Wow, the 4 days of calm are definitely turning into an aberration, not the norm. Today started by going to the warehouse to help Dr. Mario get a couple boxes that had been set aside for him. I then headed to San Miguel to meet Melvin and Oneyda and do some grocery shopping. They are two youngest children among a family of six that my family contributes to so that we are sure they have food to eat

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-43489937609165261482009-08-04T20:09:00.003-05:002009-08-04T20:36:29.339-05:00

Well, we had 4 days of a relatively normal Tegucigalpa. That ended today as the pro-Zelaya demonstrators returned to the streets. No reports of violence, but there were reports of plenty of disrupted traffic flow and graffiti painting."Golpistas" is the name given to all the pro-coup government officials and supporters. You can find it all over the place. Graffiti is certainly not new here, but

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-46513846886052469002009-08-04T09:16:00.002-05:002009-08-04T09:19:41.165-05:00

By Jean Vanier I am struck by some people who want to enter community. Their energies are so taken up by this objective that they are unable to hear the cry of the poor and to see those near them who need their attention, their love and their presence. Their desire to enter community seems to blind them. The best way for them to prepare for community life is to love and be present to those

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-34760824391536286142009-08-03T20:14:00.002-05:002009-08-03T21:01:03.438-05:00

Well, today was another quiet day here in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. That's four days in a row. The last day we experienced any difficulty was last week's teacher's union strike that blocked the main highway leading north out of the city. That ended with a teacher being shot and killed sometime while the police were trying to clear the demonstrators from blocked the road and another teacher was

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-42918089574687326892009-08-02T20:16:00.003-05:002009-08-02T20:28:38.170-05:00

It was another quiet day here in Tegucigalpa. The curfew has now been lifted for the third day in a row. It is still in effect in the states of El Paraiso and Choluteca. Those two areas border Nicaragua, but it has been suspended everywhere else. A country wide protest march in favor of Mel will begin on Wednesday, August 5, and will conclude on Monday, August 10 in the two major cities, San

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-32747645376256764832009-08-01T22:53:00.003-05:002009-08-01T23:27:48.528-05:00

It was a relatively quiet day in regards to the political mess here in Honduras. Here in Tegucigalpa we didn't have any strikes that created problems. There is a lot of stuff being printed in the papers in Nicaragua. It appears they have some real problems with their own government and the presence of Honduras' deposed president "Mel" Zelaya has really brought those opposing factions to a head.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-22343387261930314682009-08-01T19:23:00.002-05:002009-08-01T20:26:32.178-05:00

great day here in tegucigalpa. picked up jonathan to bring him to his soccer game. On the way there I noticed that my landcruiser was running hot. it was also running hot thursday. i have had some trouble keeping water in it all summer, but had not really had time to get it looked at. the radiator was almost empty thursday so i stopped and filled it up. typically, it would be fine for more than a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-81027408416169266492009-07-31T20:02:00.002-05:002009-07-31T21:25:05.512-05:00

How does a great day suddenly go sour? spraining an ankle! today we had the pleasure of unloading a container of soup. yep, a whole container of soup. 128 barrels, each barrel weighing in at a little over 300 lbs. That's a lot of soup! After we were finished I was moving a pallet for a guy and my left foot went in a hole and wham!..... it rolled right over. I have had a weak left ankle for years.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-68693563493419745402009-07-31T10:48:00.001-05:002009-07-31T10:50:55.976-05:00

If there is one thing all this Honduras mess has taught me, it is that you can't believe much of what you read. Almost all stories are bias in their reporting and are more opinion than truth.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-28463110982021504662009-07-30T22:48:00.002-05:002009-07-30T23:55:34.233-05:00

It has been so good to be back in Honduras and at the same time it has been quite frustrating. In three days I have found out someone we care about deeply lost a job they had for 12 years, others have not been able to find work at all. There are daily protests as the country continues to become polarized and divided over the conflict it is embroiled in. The poor continue to be the ones that are

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-37857378475843225462009-07-30T02:49:00.001-05:002009-07-30T02:51:09.807-05:00

Sorry for so few posts.... it was that crazy summertime thing and then a little political crisis thing. NUTS!!Here is the text from our latest newsletter......We are excited to let you all know that Lori and I have returned to Honduras. I don’t mind telling you that the past four weeks have been some of the most anxious weeks I have ever experienced. I now know what it feels like to be displaced.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-6461883705892367462009-05-26T10:24:00.001-05:002009-05-26T10:24:51.209-05:00

By Bonnie ThurstonAt its core, Christian life is a profound cooperation with the plans and purposes of God. That puts a rather different spin on the matter of our work life and on Sabbath time, since Sabbath seems so clearly to be part of God’s purpose for God’s people. By keeping Sabbath we affirm the value of work, but we also stop worshipping the idols of technical civilization…. Our inability

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-74959086553229344512009-05-25T11:29:00.001-05:002009-05-25T11:29:44.894-05:00

By Gustavo GutierrezChristian joy is not tied to a particular object, but to the experience of God’s unconditional love for us. Christian joy comes from knowing God and from trying to follow God’s will. Joy means rejoicing in God. But we can see from the Magnificat that, when Mary rejoices in God, she is also celebrating the liberating action of God in history. Mary rejoices in a God who is

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-6493258628436143642009-05-23T17:08:00.000-05:002009-05-23T17:09:20.122-05:00

Enjoyed reading this.....By Verna DozierLay people, as I hear them, are coming to church with the questions, “What is the right way to live? What are the right things to do?” These questions are what people are after, and they want some answers.I think this is a basic misunderstanding. The Old Testament, as I read it, began with an awareness of a relationship with God. Many people today don’t

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-9882370923447175092009-05-18T10:10:00.002-05:002009-05-18T10:14:51.415-05:00

Buzzword: TOLERANCE....Interesting read.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-53503040781737895082009-05-04T16:14:00.001-05:002009-05-04T16:14:42.998-05:00

By Parker Palmer It is the suffering already present in the world which we can either ignore or identify with. If pain were not real, if it were not the lot of so many, the way of the cross would be pathological. But in our world with its hungry and homeless and hopeless, it is pathological to live as if pain did not exist. The way of the cross means letting pain carve one’s life into a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-14335225799069417062009-04-23T21:50:00.002-05:002009-04-23T22:26:50.094-05:00

Well, the last few weeks have been really busy. We have had visitors and groups here in Tegucigalpa since the beginning of March. A lot of good has happened to provide relief among the poor here. If you have read this blog for long you know that one of the most difficult things that we have been a part of here is serving lunch to those who work and live at the dump. Well, last week we were able

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-88598938088061973072009-04-23T08:45:00.001-05:002009-04-23T08:45:58.349-05:00

By John Perkins If the blood of injustice is economics, we must as Christians seek justice by coming up with means of redistributing goods and wealth to those in need. How well a ministry can begin the process of creating a stable economic base in the community determines the motivation of that ministry. Is it simply “charity?” Or is it really trying to develop people and to allow them to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-56707276908421280502009-04-22T22:05:00.000-05:002009-04-22T22:06:09.422-05:00

By Jim Wallis The affluent are literally possessed by their possessions. Money and the things it can buy stalks the rich countries like a demon. Mammon offers comforts and pleasures to delight the flesh but demands the soul in return. The attachment of Americans to their standard of living has become an addiction. We can’t stop shopping, eating, consuming…. A successful life leads not to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-32531118596849098232009-04-22T09:15:00.002-05:002009-04-22T09:24:34.807-05:00

My mom has been here for almost a week and it has been great to have her here. She has been all over getting a small taste of our day to day here. Shae has always hated the heat, but she has not let it bother her one bit. She has definitely been a trooper. Monday they went to a place where they make lenca pottery. It is two hours south, close to the El Salvadorian border and it was 42 degrees

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-53905874260439378182009-04-21T08:15:00.002-05:002009-04-21T08:26:05.799-05:00

I really enjoyed yesterday. Installed a ceiling fan and it works! Then went and got a mattress and a couple chairs from the bodega (warehouse) and brought them out to monoloa. While I was there, Melvin and Oneida wanted me to look over their english homework and for the next hour and a half we had a great time working on homework. That is something the kids in that family have not had for almost

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-75489459679237398692009-04-20T08:58:00.000-05:002009-04-20T08:59:18.473-05:00

By Jon Sobrino The question posed by the reality of the poor is no rhetorical question. It is a reality that calls on men and women not only to recognize and acknowledge it, but to take a primary, basic position regarding it. Outwardly, this reality demands that it be stated for what it is, and denounced. This is the stage of prophetic denunciation. But inwardly, this same reality is a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-69711937281842415682009-04-16T22:00:00.000-05:002009-04-16T22:01:12.693-05:00

By Thomas Merton In order to become myself I must cease to be what I always thought I wanted to be, and in order to find myself I must go out of myself, and in order to live I have to die.Source: New Seeds of Contemplation

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-60764385023434155212009-04-10T22:07:00.001-05:002009-04-10T22:08:36.484-05:00

a thought for the end of semana santa.......When the crucified Jesus is called 'the image of the invisible God', the meaning is that this is God and God is like this. God is not greater than he is in this humiliation. God is not more glorious than he is in this self-surrender. God is not more powerful than he is in this helplessness. God is not more divine than he is in this humanity."--Jurgen

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-87919909843048752212009-04-10T09:40:00.000-05:002009-04-10T09:41:31.707-05:00

By Mary Oliver The grass never sleeps. Or the roses. Nor does the lily have a secret eye that shuts until morning. Jesus said, wait with me. But the disciples slept. The cricket has such splendid fringe on its feet, and it sings, have you noticed, with its whole body, and heaven knows if it ever sleeps. Jesus said, wait with me. And maybe the stars did, maybe the wind

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-77068473478612744442009-04-03T18:10:00.002-05:002009-04-03T19:13:20.780-05:00

OK..... what do you think of this?Church in Georgia gives away a car to attract potential members/converts.I'm calling crap here. There is just no way this can, in the long run, be a good thing. It's a sales tactic, isn't it? Kind of like "bait and switch"? Please tell me I'm not alone in wondering if this is good. Some would argue that "if it works, we should do it" reasoning. I just don't think

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-69541444728701402382009-04-03T08:12:00.002-05:002009-04-03T08:38:56.833-05:00

One of the things I love about being here in Honduras is watching soccer! Talk about passion and national pride. This past Wednesday, I joined a group of friends at Tony Roma's restaurant to watch the Honduras vs. Mexico World Cup qualifying game. Inside the restaurant they had set up three large screen televisions in addition to the already 15-20 televisions already inside. Outside they had

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-57222920896578653492009-04-02T15:11:00.000-05:002009-04-02T15:12:02.769-05:00

By St. John of the Cross Forever at his door I gave my heart and soul. My fortune too. I’ve no flock any more, no other work in view. My occupation: Love. It’s all I do.Source: “The Spiritual Canticle,” The Poems of St. John of the Cross, translated by John Frederick Nims

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-87997001289983257192009-03-29T00:44:00.002-05:002009-03-29T01:22:58.338-05:00

the reality of life here hit me in the face again today and what i experienced is more about poverty than just honduras. there is a school here that a few young men that i know attend. it is a school that teaches a trade/skill alongside a high school education. it is funded to a large degree by the USAID. well today was the day they gave out the first grades of the school year (runs from feb.-nov

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-78626793869399526672009-03-27T11:26:00.004-05:002009-03-27T11:37:20.515-05:00

yesterday started as one of those days where the task of living and serving here in honduras becomes a little overwhelming. one of those days where you are confronted with the fact that there are times when there is nothing you can do. you want desperately to help and provide solutions and give hope and yet you can't find a way to do it. the type of day that leaves you wondering if the effort is

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-27326868709185237022009-03-26T18:06:00.002-05:002009-03-26T18:09:34.550-05:00

OK.... Does anyone else think this says just about all that needs to be said?By Donald Spoto Conversion is a response to God, who invites us to a state of complete freedom, away from everything that is hostile to God’s goodness and mercy. The call one hears is not primarily or simply an encouragement to amend one’s life or to follow a particular religious path. The call Jesus extended to his

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-22996138289679032472009-03-25T09:43:00.002-05:002009-03-25T09:58:16.991-05:00

Found this to be pretty interesting. I have been a reader and supporter of the bread blog for quite a long time. It always has up-to-date, relevant information in the fight against hunger in our world. They feel strongly, as I do, about the role of God's people in that fight. Thought for today......"authenticity always has an audience."Thanks to my friend, Jen Wright, for sharing it.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-48611505997103837412009-03-23T08:21:00.001-05:002009-03-23T08:23:28.844-05:00

Thought for today......Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it means never living apart from one’s self.From A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-61231650921971252862009-03-21T08:20:00.002-05:002009-03-21T08:27:40.750-05:00

Water.... where is it? We have had some water issues here lately. Here at our home we have a cistern for our water supply. It is up to me to keep it filled up so that we have the water we need in the house. Last week we had a toilet that ran for a day while we were gone and it emptied the cistern. We are on the city water system here and the city controls when the water is available to fill the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-39846064878538167442009-03-19T13:43:00.002-05:002009-03-19T14:10:37.396-05:00

OK, so I didn't get the newsletter done yesterday like I had hoped, but I got to spend a little time with my friend Tim Hines. We met at the bodega (warehouse) so we could disperse some of the goods that had recently come in. Marc Tindall received a container this week and a couple of diputados (congresspeople) were there to get items to distribute to the poor in their areas. One man's name is

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-89258733636536638552009-03-18T08:13:00.002-05:002009-03-18T08:50:28.004-05:00

I will be hanging at the house today.... got to catch up on paperwork. I always let it pile up on me so that it gets a little overwhelming. But I will get it done today!!I really enjoyed having my brother-in-law here this past week. His heart is huge and coming to Honduras has given him a way to let that big heart find it's expression. There are many that would say that Donny can be a selfish guy

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-79211184072079439012009-03-17T17:41:00.002-05:002009-03-17T18:18:27.136-05:00

Well, it has been a busy few days and I lacked the mental energy to get on and post (not that what I post takes much mental energy, but what little it takes, I just didn't have). It is amazing how fast the days go by when we have guests here from the states. Seems like just yesterday we were expecting Jennifer and Donny to arrive and we have already finished their visits and they are home. Thanks

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-1704496102236930102009-03-14T00:01:00.002-05:002009-03-14T00:08:46.272-05:00

Craziness..... that's what I would call it. AC breaks, VISA compromised, cell phone disabled, car stereo not working, toilet leaking, water cistern empty, 30 minutes to cash a check, all in the last 24 hours. Sometimes life comes at you fast and furious. Craziness..... ain't life grand?

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-24567129622135880862009-03-11T17:52:00.002-05:002009-03-11T18:38:02.175-05:00

Honduran residency....... ARGHHHHHHHH! We have been waiting since August to renew our residency here and it is finally finished..... I think. The process is very confusing and it has been somewhat expensive. Today we spent a little over three hours at immigration. Most of it just waiting in line. Altogether we have paid money at the bank three different times, submitted pictures three different

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-45759613446660999232009-03-09T18:24:00.002-05:002009-03-09T19:04:39.035-05:00

My brother-in-law, Donny, arrived today and we went to see about adding on to a family's house in Villa Nueva Sector 8. There are 2 adults and 5 kids living in a very small (10X12) place. It is an adobe (mud blocks) building with a dirt floor that is divided into two rooms, a kitchen and a bedroom. A couple of the children have both physical and mental handicaps. The youngest especially has some

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-51248531957389656002009-03-08T10:15:00.002-05:002009-03-08T10:22:16.311-05:00

We are extremely glad to have our friend, Jennifer Stoves, here visiting with us for a week. My brother-in-law Donny is coming on monday. It will definitely be a busy week.Thought for this morning......By Rumi When light returns to its Source, it takes nothing of what it has illuminated. It may have shone on a garbage dump, or a garden, or in the center of a human eye. No matter.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-90950586244077580152009-03-06T21:00:00.002-06:002009-03-06T22:03:15.411-06:00

Today, Lori and I went to a small town called Sabana Grande. We were there to talk to some folks about the possibility of issuing some micro-credit loans to some of the women there. Micro-credit has been used around the world as a very effective way to help people escape the cycle of poverty. As a matter of fact it is seen as the best way. Micro-credit is the idea of loaning no or low interest

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-83692644558116032552009-03-05T19:03:00.002-06:002009-03-05T20:22:44.492-06:00

Really enjoyed the day today.....First, we picked up Lori's car from our mechanic, Fausto. Her starter went on the fritz. Cost us about $75. You son't get new parts here very often. They usually just fix what you got. Starters, alternators, master cylinders, fuel pumps, etc. all get rebuilt. New parts aren't always easy to find and when you do, they are really expensive. Cars are always breaking

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-13130322586542715092009-03-04T08:41:00.001-06:002009-03-04T08:41:18.113-06:00

Please tell me I'm not crazy! Please convince me that Christian people would rather err on the side of love and not condemnation. Please share with me a time when shutting someone out has been what brought them home. Please tell me of a time when "disfellowshipping" was the best way to show the love of Christ. Help me understand how turning a cold shoulder to anyone encourages a change of

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857212.post-39035289977549503082009-03-03T17:44:00.002-06:002009-03-03T17:47:27.342-06:00

I'm very bothered today..... sometimes people just really irritate me. I'm sure I can irritate people, too, but today has just been one of those "life can be so frustrating" type of days. More later....maybe!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14376121665844797011noreply@blogger.com0