conversation starter...

Every time you spend money, 

you're casting a vote 

for the kind of world you want.

~ Anna Lappe

agree or disagree?

why or why not?
or, in what circumstances is there agreement, and when is there not?

(note: we're not all too familiar with Anna Lappe, but we found this to be a challenging and interesting statement).

Lebanon, here we come...

We received confirmation this morning that we have been invited to be the speakers for the annual Lebanon Church of God Youth Camp at the end of the summer.  For those of you who know us well, you know that we have always enjoyed speaking with and encouraging youth and young adults in the faith.  This is a really exciting opportunity and we're blessed by the invitation.

As we get to know our region, we are learning about cultural activities and events as well as the Churches.   We recently read about a campaign in Lebanon called "Lebanon Better".

image from Google Images

This campaign began with graffiti on a wall, and has led to temporary "walls" and a the virtual wall website that receives posts via Twitter and Facebook, too.  The public displays not only invite the contributions of the public, but also encourage the reflection by the public of other contributions.

We will be eager to meet the young people of Lebanon and the Church leaders.  Perhaps as we seek to encourage one another and build one another up in the faith, we can also consider together how the Church of God in Lebanon could be better if...

Here's an idea: what about putting up "[Your church name] would be better if..." in your classrooms or your foyer?  What ideas would you expect to get?  What ideas could you incorporate?  What do these suggestions say about the ethos of your fellowship?

okgo at it again...

i believe that creativity and imagination are a part of the divine fingerprint on humanity--obviously, this can be corrupted and lead to the profane--but, at their best, creativity and imagination contribute to the beautiful expressions of humanity in all areas of art, work, and life.

this is why we are fans* of okgo, an independent rock band that has used a fusion of internet and music video to create unique spins to their music.  type in "okgo" in Youtube and you will see countless videos with their trademark treadmills, to shelter dogs, to marching bands, to time-lapsed video, to toast, and even to the Muppets!

*note: all views, lyrics, and commentary by the band are not necessarily the views of ourselves, our Savior, or Church of God Ministries ;)

their success calculated in millions of views, links, and likes on Youtube and social networking sites has led to corporate interest and sponsorships for their video projects.  first, there was the State Farm Insurance sponsorship of the Rube-Goldberg machine video for their song "This Too Shall Pass," and now the Chevy sponsored "Needing/Getting" video that was alluded to in a Super Bowl advertisement earlier this month.  i had forgotten to look for the video after the game, but i found it today and now share it with you...

"am i good enough?"

through all the hoop-la of the passing of music industry legend Whitney Houston, Kevin Costner is the surprising voice that delivers the honest, intimate look into a life that was shaped by the Church, yet still wondered whether or not she was good enough.

i encourage you not only to watch this eulogy, but to discuss the universal fear of "good enough" with others...
(note: CNN pulled the video; this new embed is from YouTube)

lazy, sad weekend

The kids got out of school on Thursday, the end of their school week, and they are now on break for a week.  The weather was warm and wonderful at times last week, but it has been cold (low 40's to mid 50's), overcast, extremely windy, and actually rained for awhile on Friday.  So, we've been lazy--pj's and netflix for all.  We did take a break to play Scrabble and Boggle on Friday night, but that was as ambitious as we got--it was nice.

Yesterday, I went to Zamalek; if you look at a map of Cairo, Zamalek is the large island in the middle of the Nile.  We actually have several CCF families living there and I went to one home for Bible Study.  This trip across the Nile gave me additional perspective on the city, as we passed different landmarks from  different routes, and I was able to see the stadium of the Al-Ahly Football (soccer) club that was a part of the match that led to riots a few weeks ago.  On a side note, the Egypt premier league has been cleared to play again--but, without fans.  Imagine completing a NFL season without fans in the stadium.

Keli had to use her Saturday to take the kitten, MoMo, back to the vet.  We have been working really hard at trying to nurse MoMo through whatever ailment he had; the various vet tests did not reveal anything positive, except that the poor thing was sick.  Early this morning, MoMo died.  MoMo was a part of Grace's birthday present a few weeks ago, and the little critter had worked its way into our hearts and lives.  Grace is taking it well, but we will now focus on a sterilizing project throughout the villa and think about a new cat in a couple days.

Tonight, it's worship with the CCF.  We are nearing the completion of a foundational series on Biblical Fellowship that we began on our site visit last September.  There has been growing interest and appreciation of the direction that has been shared.  Next week, we will get into the mission and methods we are proposing for the Fellowship, concepts that have already but embraced by the leadership Council.

This week, Keli will be meeting with another volunteer to the Mokattam outreach.  I will be meeting for additional visa issues.  The kids will continue to be lazy and free, though Grace has assessments for school placement next fall.  Titus will have that assessment next week, while Keli and I get a preview of the language school and take an orientation class to life in Egypt (seems a bit late, huh?).

So that's it--nothing too exciting to report right now--and that's okay; it's been nice for all of us to take it easy for a few days.

Keli Visits Mokattem

While Ken was hosting the Executive Committee (see below), Keli had her first visit and introduction to Mokattem (also spelled Mokattem and Moqattam), which is also called "garbage city"; Moqattem is just that, the place where the garbage collectors live and take their collections.

Keli learned that the location of this "city" actually changed 8 different times in its history due to eviction, to move the garbage (and thereby the collectors) further and further from the Cairo city limits until they moved so far out past the cemetery, thinking that the city would never expand that far.  Of course, the city has expanded that far; in fact, not only are there residences in "garbage city", but also in the "city of the dead".  Whereas the "city of the dead" is predominantly inhabited by Muslims, "garbage city" is predominantly inhabited by Christians; there is a large evangelical church that meets here and recently hosted 71,000 Christians for a prayer event on 11-11-11.

The residents, those who are in fact garbage collectors, bring the garbage back to this area.  All of the garbage is sorted and recycled.  Organic waste was eaten by pigs--the pigs were sold as they grew, and their waste along with any leftover waste provided for great compost that led to the sale of fertilizer.  That is, until 2009 when Mubarak ordered the killing of all the pigs to prevent "swine flu".  Apparently, no one in Mubarak's cabinet knew that swine flu is not actually transmitted by pigs; once they were told that this would not spread swine flu, Mubarak's mind was already made up and thought that killing the pigs would help clean up the city anyway.  But, this had the opposite effect--without the pigs, there was no where and no one to dispose of all the organic waste.

Several organizations have also stepped in to provide additional learning and skills training options for the community.  Making paper from recycled paper products leads to the production of greeting cards, gift bags, and other paper products.  Ladies are taught how to use a loom and make rugs and blankets of various styles that are resold.  There is a nursery (not an official school as that would fall under the guidance of the Department of Education), that cares for the children in the area.  And opportunities to learn English.

Keli went with Hoda, one of the ladies from the CCF who is a regular volunteer here.  We are attempting to learn about this and the other CCF outreach ministries so that we can not only participate, but know how to encourage the participation in these service ministries by other CCF members, particularly as we begin engaging the younger generations, and as we host international groups who want to learn about ministry in the Middle East.  As we get more involved, there are likely to be many more pictures and testimonies...

looking over Moqattem

along the narrow streets

learning the looms

learning different styles of rugs

these products were made by...

...this process of recycling paper products

Church in Moqattem

classroom in the nursery

the kids are all screaming "hello, hello, hello" -- it's the only English word they know :)

National Leaders Visit

Today, the Executive Committee of the Church of God in Egypt came to Maadi to hold a meeting, and to meet us in the process.  We provided the hospitality and the room for their meeting to discuss various national ministry issues, including planning for the upcoming Annual General Assembly meeting that will take place March 22-23 in Alexandria.  The leaders on the Executive Committee are Brother Fayek, Pastor Isac, Pastor Amir, Pastor Latif, and Pastor Ehab.

These brothers were gracious in their welcome and have begun making plans for our visits to the 12 national churches.  We look forward to future fellowship and partnership for the Kingdom!

Grace Rides Again

One of Grace's favorite activities has been horseback riding, but we have not been able to take her riding in the past couple years due to crazy schedules, lack of funds, or both.  But, one of our new CCF friends is retired General Zohair who happens to have a son named Karim.  Karim is a national champion in equestrian jumping and Zohair and Karim teamed up to give Grace quite an experience yesterday.

Zohair had us meet him in Heliopolis and presented Grace with one of Karim's "thousands" of trophies--Zohair had asked Karim for permission and the reply was reportedly, "With pleasure."  Zohair then gave us a tour of this part of Cairo that we had not yet seen.  Heliopolis was built near the same time as Maadi, but it was constructed out in the dessert as opposed to the green, fertile area near the Nile.  The Belgian who designed Heliopolis was a much better planner and demonstrated greater foresight than the planners of Maadi.  The streets in Heliopolis, as well as the sidewalks, are much wider and make navigating through the city a bit easier--of course, for Egyptians, this also means that you can just squeeze that many more cars side by side on the roadway!

Zohair took us to the stables and riding club where Karim keeps his horses; this was quite a nice place with a cafe'/restaurant overlooking the corral.  Karim came and was very gracious and invited Grace to ride his horse; (Zohair said this was quite an honor because NO ONE rides Karim's horse except for Karim).   Grace needed help to get upon this much taller horse, but once up in the saddle, she was able to move quite comfortably on this mammoth animal.  She may have been a bit too comfortable and confident--Karim encouraged her to pick up the pace, and as she did her slick Converse and tiny frame became separated from the different stirrups and saddle than she had been accustomed.  She was able to bring the horse, or the horse brought himself, to a slower pace as she gently slid off the side and into the dirt.  She got back up and Karim had one of the stablehands give her some pointers on riding in this type of saddle and stirrups.

We knew she enjoyed herself because she stopped only when she couldn't stand the pain any longer--not coming properly dressed for the ride, the Converse she was wearing did not protect her foot and shin from the stirrup.  As a result, her ankle/shin was bruised and quite swollen within the hour.

But the bruises and trophy were not the only prizes she keeps from this unique memory.  She has also made a nice pair of friends in Zohair and Karim who also know those in charge of the riding club here in Maadi.  They are going to attempt to get Grace an opportunity to ride there as we have opportunity, too.

Scenes from Tahrir

I had to spend a couple days in downtown Cairo to take care of some business at the Mogamma, the main government office building that faces Tahrir Square.  While there, I was able to take some pictures, while praying and reflecting on the scenes of the now famous uprising of the people of Egypt.

As Egypt now faces the anniversary of the resignation of Mubarak, and the potential gatherings and revolts that anniversary will likely bring, a new struggle is emerging with their strongest western ally, the United States.



These continue to be difficult days for the people of Egypt--we hope these videos will continue to prompt you not only to pray for these events, but the work of God within hearts and minds to bring the renewal from within that will eventually heal not only their souls, but also their families, their communities, and their country.

light reading...

While traveling the Pacific Northwest last fall to complete our fund-raising, David Griggs asked me, "So, what do you like to read?"  I'm one of those guys who likes to read a strange mix of business meets sociology meets psychology meets inspiration meets leadership; authors like Gladwell, Chip Heath, and Seth Godin have been filling up my reading list, and I have a stack of them waiting to be shipped to us now.  I did have room to pack this little book, Poke the Box, in my carry-on last month. 

This is actually my first Seth Godin book, and I'm not sure what to think because this book reads like no other I've ever come across.  It's like reading a shuffled set of notes for a book he wanted to write--there are no chapters, only sections with headings, and each section can be as short as a sentence or a couple of pages.  If you are totally A.D.D. or you only have brief seconds to read before you have to do something else--then this is the book for you.

The basic premise of the book is the need to initiate; "Initiative is scarce.  Hence valuable" (p.27).  And so this seemingly random set of notes and quotes are all along the theme of risk--stop thinking, scheming and dreaming and start doing it.  Throughout the little book, Godin attempts to encourage the reader to get past the fear of failure and to actually fail and try again. 

Those of you who know us know that this is a big teaching point for us; it's one of our key values in developing young leaders.  We want you to risk, to try, and even to fail--not that we want young people to be failures, but we want to give them the opportunity to learn--and we learn best in the midst of falling on our faces.  We're more humble, more teachable, and more apt to see the connection between the better way and what we just attempted.  We want to cultivate the desire to attempt something new, and in the process the environment to teach grace, mercy, and forgiveness of ourselves and others along the way. 

Apparently, there is a follow-up book called "Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who are Poking the Box and Making a Difference".  I believe both are available for Kindle and e-readers.

Another aspect of this book is that it is a part of the Domino Project, founded by Godin and "powered by" Amazon (learn more at TheDominoProject.com) -- I had not heard of this but like the concept a lot.  Basically, books are to be shared and discussed, and they have a variety of ideas for you to do that with this and other books. 

So, have any of you read this or any other Seth Godin Book?  Any thoughts, recommendations, or questions that were raised that you would like to bring up?

By Seth Godin (c)2011 by Do You Zoom, Inc.

"where did it all go wrong?"

you may have seen CNN or Fox News reports in the states, but here's one from the Middle East's Al Jazeera...

meanwhile, though there apparently has been a lot going on downtown, we have seen more English and American families throughout our corner of Cairo then since we arrived.  Keli and Zeke have taken Grace's new kitty MoMo to the vet--it's apparently quite sick and we're not sure it will make it.  I will go towards downtown for Bible Study tonight at St. Andrew's Church where the CCF meets each week.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support...

we're fine here...

photo from CCN.com

as many of you are beginning your day in the USA, you may be seeing the news reports of soccer (football) riots in Egypt that have led to more than 70 dead, and many more injured last night in the city of Port Said (northeast Egypt, at the mouth of the Suez Canal).

we first heard about this early this morning--through an ESPN headline while i was checking sports scores; we were not aware of any trouble last night, and there has been no sign of troubles today throughout El Maadi.  we have received warning from the US State Department that the potential for riotous gatherings exist tonight as we begin the weekend here.

apparently, the stadium was getting increasingly hostile as the game progressed, with reports of bottles and other debris being thrown at the opposing team.  at the final whistle, home fans stormed the field after beating the leading league team from Cairo--the Cairo team ran for the locker room, though some players had to run back out to save an assistant manager.  the fans also turned on rival fans in the stadium who were trying to exit, but were prevented when the stadium gates remained locked.

the escalation of violence continued, despite riot police being on hand.  the police have been issued an order not to engage civilian amidst protests and demonstrations after such public fallout in the year's previous events.

so...
people were obviously and rightly upset for police not controlling the insanity--yet, the people themselves could not control themselves, demonstrating by violence, arson, and destruction of property.

The premier league of football (soccer) here in Egypt is right to postpone all matches until order can be restored.

But we're fine.  Pray for Egypt; pray for the people to seek justice, yet to also recognize their responsibility for decency and respect of life and peace.

funny moments...

Keli and i tried a new Chinese/Thai restaurant today near the house (we're "researching" in preparation for the groups and guests we'll entertain later); anyway...

While we were enjoying tremendous soup, an Asian guy comes in to order from the Egyptian behind the counter.  When he comes back to get his food, Bob Marley is playing on the radio and he starts singing to and dancing along with the song!

Just a great intercultural experience: Chinese/Thai/Egyptian/Jamaican, and us.

By the way, I continue to be perceived as Egyptian:
- walking home from the store a couple of days ago, i was stopped 3 different times for someone to ask me directions--in Arabic!

- a delivery from the post office came today requiring us to pay a customs fee; as the representative was trying to explain in broken English to Keli, I came through the door and he gave a relieved smile while proceeding to explain to me in Arabic.  After Yhay (pronounce "Ye-hee-a", the gardener) laughed, he told him i couldn't speak Arabic either.