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Posted on
Thursday, November 27, 2008
by Johanna E
Blessings and Grace
The
women and children crowd around the shelter, be it the hollows
of a house or a tent in a camp, they live with the same fear
only one in a war torn country can identify with. Their lives
are in constant upheaval, the government is ambiguous, and the
medical facilities unpredictable. How do we implement
basic human rights when families have their very futures in a
perilous balance of life and death?
The
rights of all individuals are to have the highest attainable
standard of health, access to medical services, adequate
standard of living, education, leisure, and a chance to live to
their fullest potential. A families’ basic privilege is stripped
away by the swift arm of the warring parties. Until
good is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common
life, only the hope of something good can be secured for
ourselves.
I
have been working on research projects for the
International Rescue Committee
for their resettled refugees and political asylees in the
Washington DC metropolitan area. I sit down and hear the stories
of each and every one of these suffering and going through these
situations we can hardly imagine. One elderly gentleman sits
down and starts telling me how he has a doctorate in law and was
a law professor in a university in his home country. Rising in
the political ranks his political beliefs ultimately led to his
persecution and torture. This gentleman was tortured for what he
thought was right and had to leave his family and home and
all his successes to run through jungles and deserts across
the border and somehow find his way as a political asylee here
in America. Coming here with nothing and having no money or
home he would go to supermarkets and help elderly ladies unload
their groceries in their cars and receive one or two dollars for
his help. At the end of the day he might have twenty dollars to
go buy some food. He has saved his money to take a home health
course in order to get a job but in this struggling economy he
is unable to obtain one and with no income he relies on the help
of others. Still he says, ‘thank God that He is my source
of hope.’
Another lady comes in desperately asking me to help
her get her four children
to America. This lady was also a highly qualified lawyer and a
leader in a political party of her home country. She too was
tortured and persecuted and had to flee from her persecutors
alone without her children and husband, running to a strange and
foreign country. Now she is struggling to send money to her
children and has no finances to bring her small children to be
with her and yet is thankful that God has protected her life and
her children’s so far.
Throughout the world growing numbers of children and families
face difficult circumstances being homeless, stricken with
disease, or become internally displaced or refugees from war and
natural disasters. They are often found helpless and without a
voice against a host of other dangerous situations; being
kidnapped as child soldiers, or forced and sold for labor and
persecuted and tortured.
Developing countries
constantly face
environmental change, internal conflict; mass population
movements and the collapse of basic services all of which
rapidly overwhelm efforts to sustain life. Refugees and
displaced populations are the most vulnerable as they have not
only lost house and belongings but also security, peace and
freedom. Amidst the backdrop of poverty and neglect there is
hope. We as Christians knowing the love and compassion of our
Savior Jesus can be a light and hope to those in need. We do not
need to go to another country to help, there are people right
here around us where we can show Christ’s compassion and hope.
We can give what we can and know that it will be a blessing to
us as well as those we help. These refugees and asylees really
are in need and as the holiday season of Thanksgiving and
Christmas is near let us truly be thankful for what God has
blessed us with and be ready to serve others as Christ came
to serve and help us.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was
thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and
you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was
sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to
visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did
we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you
something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite
you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you
sick or in prison and go visit you?’ ‘The King will reply, ‘I
tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:35-40
A.
Folks, we have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I think most of
us can agree on that fact. There are many ways to make a difference this
year, but if you're looking for one, consider the following from the
International Rescue Committee.
Stay tuned for a special thanksgiving day update by IPF Columnist Johanna
Ephraim, who will have more on this.
Thanks for stopping by all, and go easy.
From the
International Rescue Committee - WASHINGTON STAFF,
During the holiday season we celebrate and give thanks for the blessings of home
and family. And yet we know that millions of families have been forced from
their homes and separated from their loved ones by persecution, violent
conflict, and natural disaster. Courage, hope--and your help--keeps them going
on the long journey to safety, freedom, and home.
The Thanksgiving holiday epitomizes the ideals of refugee resettlement. This
country's founders fled persecution to come to the land of opportunity.
Thanksgiving brings us together to celebrate all that we have: family,
education, health, safety, and a home.
Thank you for your continued support of the IRC's mission in Washington DC.
This past year, we have resettled over three hundred refugees and four hundred
asylees from all over the world. We continue to be inspired by these heroes, as
they seek new lives in Washington DC.
This year, we encourage you to capture the season's true spirit of gratitude
with the power of your generosity. Your gift will directly assist families
rebuilding their lives in Washington DC.
$10
School
supplies for one child
$25
Pots/pans, dishes, flatware for one refugee family's kitchen
$50
One
month of metro/bus fares for a couple (to travel to job interviews, ESL
classes, etc)
$75
Crib,
blankets. and clothes for a newborn
$100
One
dining room table and two chairs
$250
Enrollment in a certification class to help professionals continue their
careers in the US
$500
Groceries for a family of four (one month)
$750
Apartment Set-Up (includes two twin beds, one full, sofa, table, four
chairs, two lamps, one dresser)
Or please send your gift to our address:
8700 Georgia Ave. Suite
500
Silver Spring, MD 20910
If you
would like to give a gift in honor or memory of someone, please send an
email to SilverSpring@theIRC.org
and we will send the honoree or their relative a letter describing a family that
they have helped through your support.
Thank you so
much for your continued help. Your gift is powerful. We have more families
arriving every day and resources are stretched. We cannot continue our work
without your support.
Sincerely
yours,
Vu,
Kevin, Myat, Tin Tin, Kate, Ashley, Abeje, Taameem, Whitney, Marshall, Elsa,
Hala, Josie, and Rachel, the staff of IRC's Washington DC office
P.S.
Every dollar makes a difference. As our most loyal supporters, please join the
IRC as we help refugees and asylees on the greatest human journey, from Harm
to Home.
Advancements in science have brought about a
whole new level of ethical issues. In the past technological
developments were in mechanics, but now the issues are turning
inwards: towards genetics. We are now trying to change
ourselves, from outward plastic surgery to internal genome
changes. Ethical issues are being bombarded upon us. How
do we as Christians respond? I believe that in
everything we first should think as a Christian – as someone who
believes in the Word of God and holds true to a moral and
ethical code.
Why are we afraid to say that our purpose in life
is to be a light to the world? Science brings skepticism and
disbelief under the veil of logic and analytical skills. The
search for the elimination of flaws in our species must not end
in the elimination of the unique God given breath in each and
every one of our species. This reminds of me a quote from C.S. Lewis –
The Abolition of Man, “The whole point of seeing through
something is to see something through it…”Are we losing sight of
what God intended? Or are we just losing sight of ourselves?
This election I think more so than others has
brought to mind the magnitude of the reality of just how much
our ethical values and issues in science and technology are
changing. The abortion issue and teen pregnancy is on the
rise…it has even affected the most prominently publicized
figures. Reading and researching different public health and
medical concerns it is obviously evident that no one problem has
one solution. Everything is multi-factorial and interconnected
in some way. Being a Christian and believing strongly in the
fact that there is no doubt of life at conception, abortion is
not the answer. Yet, even if abortion is made completely
illegal there will still be medical professionals and
others who will practice this method in unsafe conditions, which
currently happens across the world. Our societal way of thinking
and handling situations is drastically changing at a pace so
fast I wonder how life will be for the next generation. Why are
we as Christians not making an impact? Our voice is truly
hidden amongst the celebrity, shallow television shows, pop
culture and news media of today. We’ve allowed ourselves to
be identified as the same, nothing different, and aligned right
along with everything everyone is saying and doing. Where is the
change? Across the other side of this world TODAY Christians are
being forced to worship and bow down to idols and retract their
Christian beliefs in order to stay alive or fleeing from torture
and persecution, and standing up for believing in a Savior Jesus
who came to give life and life more abundantly.
Desensitization has definitely affected
our generation. We live blindly drifting through this life
seeing the craziness around us yet strangely unaware of the
consequences. Our emotions locked, caged in unable to experience
the outrage and shock of each and every image, scene, sound, and
memory surrounding us. This is not to promote fear, worry,
anxiety, and uncertainty about today or tomorrow. We live
following a creator God and Savior who is victorious! Psalm
84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows
favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose
walk is blameless.” I know it is not easy living differently
in a uniform world but it is worth far more to walk with the
Lord than anything you can achieve in your own strength, health,
and wealth. Do not try to eliminate the uniqueness inside
of us, live this life with a difference, a passion, and
as an example. Prove that God’s will is good, pleasing, and
perfect when we put our faith in Him first.
“So here's what I want you to do, God
helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping,
eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it
before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is
the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted
to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the
inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and
quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always
dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the
best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans
12:2 (The Message)
Many people have been asking me
how Hurricane Ike affected Houston a few weeks back, as the news didn’t seem to
be that accurate. Well to answer the question in short: it was bad. Imagine trees uprooted, light
poles knocked over and twisted, roofs torn off etc. Imagine driving around at
night with only the light from your car shining the streets because there is no
electricity. Imagine standing in a long line waiting to be let into a half-lit
grocery store two at a time by a security guard. Imagine (ladies I know you’ll
appreciate this one) having to put your makeup on right outside of your
workplace because you can’t see your face in the mirror at home.
So yes, it was bad. It was bad to not have
internet until a month after the hurricane and then two weeks after that when I
finally feel like everything is normalizing, to come down with strep throat and
the flu (simultaneously) while I was still sleeping in the couch because my
parents are sleeping in my room because Ike caved part of the roof in their room
…
You catch my drift? Life
can be hard, and these seemingly little problems often wear us down to
the point of losing our joy and peace. I have struggled to have a good attitude
in this past month and a half since Ike and sometimes have failed, but I have a
tip to share with you.
The times I have been able to
have a good attitude were the times that I sincerely asked the Lord to
strengthen me, help me have joy in a difficult situation and to control the
emotions (frustration, irritation, etc) that I could not control. He has always
answered that prayer!
Every single time I have prayed that way, I have felt God’s peace, joy
and strength flood my heart, and then things don’t seem to be so bad after all.
Why don’t you try it today?
Our 2nd batch of
clips from the 2008 BSC have been posted. Enjoy.
B.Michael Crichton:
I was shocked to hear of the passing of one of my favorite authors.
Classics like Jurassic Park and The Lost World remain in my mind as some of the
most interesting reads of all time.
Also, for the long time IPF readers out
there, you can look back at our Trapped in Jurassic Park scenario, which we did several years
back. It was based off of reading Crichton's classic. RIP.
The
pure amazement I felt as I watched Obama and family come out onto the stage
Tuesday night. A
brown skinned
and all-American family. The son of a Kenyan immigrant. A woman who is a
direct descendant of slaves. Two very cute little girls who it will be
fascinating to watch during the next 4-8 years.
2.
Sarah Palin being announced as VP in my hometown on the very day that we
were departing for a trip to the in-laws. We caught the news on the car radio,
and I remember thinking "Who is this lady?" For those who would count her out
now, don't. Despite some of her obvious
shortcomings, she possessed a star quality that no one else, except Obama,
managed to exceed during this entire election. Her first couple of speeches
demonstrated her significant national potential. The debate between her and VP
Joe Biden was political electricity, crackling with sparks and energy in a way
that I have never seen in years of watching these debates.
She'll be back.
3.
Knowing in my bones that I was watching a future US President during Obama's
2004
address to the Democratic National Convention.
4.
The unavoidable sense of "I'm tired of this
election already" that I felt after McCain clinched the Republican
nomination last spring. Mercifully, it has finally come to a close.
5.
Joe Biden: There's a straight-shooter quality to him that is unusual in
politicians at that level. We'll see and hear some predictable blunders and
gaffes from him, over the next few years. But even that is part of his appeal.
6. The
Maverick: 2000 was McCain's best chance. But Bill Clinton's tumultuous reign
created such a Bush nostalgia that it was impossible for McCain to overwhelm the
then-governor Bush of Texas. Up against Obama, there is almost no way that
any Republican could have won. He'll get
a lot of criticism in the coming days for how he ran his campaign, but I feel
that he actually did a decent job considering the unusually difficult headwinds
that he sailed into.
7.
Being reminded again and again that Obama is simply a magnificent speaker: his
cadence and rhythm, his pauses, knowing just the right words and how to inflect
and adjust his volume. After 8 years of a rhetorically-challenged President
Bush, the contrast could not be starker.
It's
been a
tiring campaign to watch on both sides. The
political bluster was wearing me thin. But, we have a new President, so here is Lao's analysis:
The positives: History. The nation has
come full circle in terms of racial possibility. Slaves working in the
cotton fields of this country 150+ years ago would have never thought that a man of color would
ever lead their nation, and yet, it's happened. That is amazing and I think that
it speaks to
America, and how anything is now possible. That's what makes America
great. For better or for worse, historians are going to look back at this
election as a turning point for America, I think that's pretty clear.
I also think our standing in the
world will improve.
The negatives: Obama has a liberal
record. I think an expansion of gay marriage during his term is a distinct
possibility. I'm hoping he governs from the center. Second, Obama doesn't have experience. I think we're
going to be tested by Iran, Russia, Al Qaeda in ways they wouldn't have tried
had McCain been elected.
How Obama won: The American people spoke and gave a vote of no-confidence
to George Bush and his policies (and to some extent rightfully so). That's what won this election. Case in point, prior to the economic meltdown, it was a
neck and neck race between the two.
McCain was actually leading in some polls, but when people's wallets got
hammered, they went with Obama, and associated McCain with Bush.
I don't know where the country is headed under an Obama
administration. But win or lose, he is now our President. As I've
stated on the IPF
Message Boards,
Obama is an intelligent man who seems to think things through. I hope that
continues and that President Elect Obama is up to the task.
Ladies and Gents, this is the most
important election of my lifetime, and probably a lot of yours.
A lot of
people are saying, "I don't really care one way or the other" Well, I have this
to say, get off
your butts tomorrow and vote. Don't regret it later. Don't take my word for it,
examine the candidates and make an educated decision.
End of Speech.
B
. Vindaily.com:
Be
sure to check out IPF Alumnus Vinod Varghese's new blog. He has assured me
that he'll be sticking with this one. I have been assured. We're in
for some sarcastic wit and satire on this thing called life. Be sure to
check it out.
C
.IPF Contact Form Back Up: Attention on deck, you can now
resume submitting birthdays, comments, remembrance articles to IPF. Appreciate the patience.
