Aug
27
Good News Goods – August 2009
Filed Under Good News Goods | Leave a Comment
Good News Goods brings Fair Trade* products to churches all across Texas and seeks to fight poverty through ethical spending. Purchase of these goods relieves suffering, and benefits the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger. Our premier partner and product supplier is Trade as One*. Through events at churches, Trading Posts where Fair Trade goods will be sold regularly in churches, and www.goodnewsgoods.com, we hope to provide simple, sustainable, and effective ways for church members to bring “good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18)
So why is this initiative important?
Seldom do we know how the goods we purchase impact other people around the globe. Some of the clothes we wear and things we own are made by slaves, some of the chocolate and fruit we eat is harvested by indentured laborers, and some of the carpets we walk on are made by women and children, who realize almost no return for their work. As Christians, we are called to use our money to provide hope, dignity, and freedom to such people, not further enslave and exploit them with our everyday purchases. Good News Goods connects us to the people who make our products: purchasing bags and jewelry gives freedom, restoration, and purpose to sex-trafficked women in Thailand and Cambodia; Divine chocolate from Ghana alleviates the forced slavery of women and children working on cocoa bean farms; and coffee provides peace and prosperity to farmers in Uganda who have struggled with constant conflict and extreme poverty. The goal of Good News Goods is to transition beyond simple charity to justice that not only breaks the cycle of poverty but plays a vital role in job creation, sustainable development, and the restoration of dignity and security to women, men, and children in the developing world.
How does this initiative apply to Texas churches?
Good News Goods gives Texas churches the opportunity to host Market events and establish on-going Trading Posts where fair trade products are made available to your church and community members. By simply redirecting spending to help the people Jesus called “the least of these,” (Matt. 25:40), we support His mission to “bring good news to the poor,” (Luke 4:18) which is so central to God’s Kingdom.
I leave you with this question and hope to spark a conversation about our ethical actions, our personal responsibilities to “the least of these,” and our call to bring about the biblical justice that Jesus envisioned in His Father’s Kingdom:
What if every time we did something for ourselves, we did something for someone else?
For more information, contact Charlotte Bumbulis at charlotte.bumbulis@bgct.org or (512) 473-2288
*Fair Trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering developing country producers and promoting sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a fair price to the producer as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods.
* Trade as One is a Fair Trade company founded in 2006 to equip American church members to use their spending power to help free captives, release the oppressed and bring good news to the less fortunate. They partner with producers from all over the world such as Guatemala, Nicuaragua, Colombia, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Cambodia, and Thailand, in order to bring their products to the West.
We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.
Aug
27
Human Trafficking Bill Signing
On August 20th, the Christian Life Commission was invited to be present at the bill signing ceremony of landmark Human Trafficking legislation. Such invitations are often based on the work of advocates in pursuing passage of the bill. The CLC strongly supported these bills and worked to make sure both legislators and Texas Baptists understood how important the legislation was in fighting Human Trafficking in this state. We are honored that the Governor recognized our efforts and extended the invitation. We especially want to thank and commend our legislative consultant, Shelton Green, on his efforts. Shelton has since gone on to further work and advocacy on behalf of human trafficking victims, check out http://whatsyourresponse.com and this article to see what he’s been up to recently.
To read more about the bill, including quotes from Suzii Paynter see this article from The Baptist Standard.
Proposed Texas Lottery Rule
Last week, the CLC sent out a public policy alert regarding some proposed rule changes at the Texas Lottery Commission that would allow electronic instant printed games. The CLC opposes this rule change in part because it would create a computer system very similar to those used by Video Lottery Terminal slot machines. While the public comment period at the Lottery Commission has now closed, you may still contact your elected officials and urge them to oppose this rule.
National Health Care Reform
The attention of the nation is certainly tuned to Washington and the debate surrounding national health care reform. The debate has generated much heat and little light lately. During this August recess many members of Congress are holding town hall meetings and conference calls. The CLC encourages you to learn about the key elements of proposed reform, to consult various factual sources both those in favor and opposed to current proposals and engage the issue in a civil manner remembering our call to Christian humility. If you feel strongly please find out what your elected officials are doing about the issue and attend town halls and let your voice be heard.
There are two important things to keep in mind. First, almost all participants agree some sort of change is necessary. Current trends in costs and number of uninsured mean the current system will likely be unsustainable in the long term. Most disagreement centers around what reform should look like. Second, the current version of the bill in congress will not be the final version that is passed. Both the Senate and House versions of the reform bills have a long way to go with many changes and amendments to come. While we should pay close attention to content of all bills, we should be careful not to base support or opposition for the legislation on single sections that may not survive the process.
Here are a few resources worth reading.
Opinion: The moral imperative of health-care reform
By David Gushee
Associated Baptist Press
How Heath Insurance Reform Will Benefit Texas
From HealthReform.gov of the US Department of Health & Human Services
5 Myths About Health Care Around the World
By T.R. Reid
The Washington Post
We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.
Aug
27
Substance abuse sounds so clinical. It sounds generic. After all, “substance” is a term large enough to capture a multitude of things. So generic in fact that it kind of sanitizes the whole reality of destruction that is present in say “heroin” addiction, or “meth” addiction or “cocaine” addiction or “prescription drug” addiction. We have this way of trying to create sanitized terms that take us out of the sphere of real pain that ripples out like shock waves when meth addiction takes over a mother or sister or best friend.
Try all you want to sanitize terms, addiction is neither tidy nor clean. And the reality of addiction is not remote. I was speaking with a nutritionist from the Department of Agriculture, during the last week. Our conversation turned to schools and the baked goods kids bring for their birthdays. “Sadly,” she said “Homemade baked goods are not allowed in many schools. I know of a school,” she continued “where an entire classroom of children was sent to the hospital with serious illnesses. It turns out that the cupcakes baked for a birthday celebration were baked in the oven which had also been used to cook methamphetamine.” This is a tragic picture on so many levels, but the image that stuck in my mind was of someone trying to wrest a shred of celebratory birthday normalcy out of a nightmare of addiction.
School started yesterday here in central Texas. Three college freshmen are in ICU tonight after a night of binge drinking and a three car collision that shattered several lives for years to come. This is not the picture of the “time of your life” that was prompted by the alcohol ads and upperclassmen who seemed so cool just yesterday.
The pain and chaos of addiction is not remote and neither is the path of involvement that is required of redemption.
There is no long distance pole for touching lives that are broken by addiction. Jesus did not spend his ministry figuring out ways to keep his distance. In fact, the scripture is surprisingly graphic about Jesus’ proximity to those in desperate need. He touches them, puts his saliva on them, goes to their homes, gives them his hands and heals them. Meet two grandmothers who are teaching three generations of their families what redemption looks like:
Florence lives in a home that is only 625 square ft., built in 1945; it suffers from a bad foundation, poor plumbing and a sagging roof. It is located in one of the poorest neighborhoods of her city. She has dedicated her home and the vacant-lot-turned-playground next door to “her kids.” You can find up to 30 kids there after school. These neighborhood kids are the children of parents on crack, families riddled by alcoholism and violence. These kids need a safe place, open whenever, with showers and beds and real food. Ask Florence and she will tell you “They need a garden, a place to really play, where they know they are loved and can be a kid. They need a place close by where every time they come, I am here, I am not on drugs or drunk – I am full of love for them.” Her next door neighbor says, “Yeah, Florence, finds the broken things in everyone and does her best to bring beauty bigger than pain.” Some of her kids have graduated high school, gone to college, come back to thank her on occasion like the returning leper coming back to Jesus. “God gives me love enough for all these kids,” Florence says sincerely, “I’m tired and some days I really feel the time, but I am not too old to love good.” Redemption – it’s work.
Meet Karenna. Karenna is 83. She is widowed and well off. Her life is filled with successes, friends and family. She is vital, living in her beautiful home and carefully watching her health. She has always been a paragon in her church and her husband was the beloved deacon of his era. She has a big family spread out over Texas and beyond. Out of her 17 grandchildren there have been the ups and downs and more than a fair share of health emergencies, but this year is different. Her granddaughter left medical school to enter a drug rehab program. After a successful college career, her dream of being a doctor is shattered on the grim realities of cocaine addiction. The rehab center is hundreds of miles away, but Karenna prayed to find a way to be a part of her granddaughter’s redemption. It would be easier just to let the parents deal with it, say a few prayers and worry, fret or scold. She could be the complaining grandma or the distant grandma or the grandma that was in total denial. But every Wednesday, Karenna gets in her car and drives to AlAnon. “I am just learning,” she says “You have to go at least 6 times just to get started.” But she is not the only one learning; her whole family is learning a lot about the effort that is required when love means what it says. Watch Karenna and witness redemptive love. She is willing to put 83 year old feet to her words and go weekly to join the other family members in AlAnon and say those famous word on behalf of her granddaughter, “Hi, I am Karenna….” There are pathways to healing but they are rarely traveled alone.
Redemption – it’s not a spectator sport.
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Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.
Aug
27
In schools across Texas this fall, students and teachers will observe Red Ribbon week during October 19-23. Communities will be planning prevention and education programs to communicate to students regarding the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
The Christian Life Commission is sponsoring Recovery Sunday on October 18 to encourage churches in Texas to highlight the issues of addiction, recovery, and prevention. In addition, Recovery Sunday gives Texas Baptists an opportunity to affirm and encourage our students and teachers in their ongoing struggle against drugs and alcohol.
Red Ribbon week grew out of an effort to honor the memory of a DEA agent named KiKi Camarena who died in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel. Following his death, friends and family began to wear red ribbons to honor his memory. This tradition has developed into a national campaign to address the issues of prevention and education. Beginning this fall, the CLC will help congregations to promote Recovery Sunday through providing educational, sermonic, and promotional resources.
Please join us as we encourage churches across Texas to confront the issues of addiction in our congregations and communities. We encourage you to wear your red ribbon during the week of October 19-23 to show your support as students and teachers take a stand against substance abuse in their schools.
There is a sample sermon, bulletin insert and the pathways to prevention curriculum available on the website.
View sample sermon
Recovery Sunday Ideas
1. Pastor preaches a sermon on recovery.
2. A testimony is shared about recovery in the worship service.
3. The youth minister utilizes “Pathways to Prevention” and has a Bible Study about a prevention issue.
4. The church could pass out Red Ribbons to the congregation in support of Red Ribbon week.
5. The church could do a focus on Red Ribbon week and be supportive of students and teachers in the public school system.
6. Hand out drug education fact sheets to parents of youth.
7. Invite a counselor or drug prevention speaker to a special forum for youth parents.
8. Include a bulletin insert about Red Ribbon week and/or Recovery Sunday.
9. Have a copy of the 12 steps put in the Sunday bulletin.
10. Provide drug prevention information in the hallway for church members
We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.
Aug
27
I recently had the experience of testifying in court. It’s quite an experience to stand before a judge lift your hand and promise to tell the truth in a court of law. The words are powerful and can affect the outcome of a case, a life and a family.
Truth is also an important concept in recovery. Unless a person can truly be honest about the reality of their life and choices then true recovery is not possible. Actually telling the truth can be very painful as one admits to short comings, poor choices and sinful deeds. Yet in the pain honesty, forgiveness and restoration can be found.
Step 5 in AA says, “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” As a therapist, I’ve worked with hundreds of people on this step and have gotten to be a part of the awesome transition from guilt to grace. For as a person is able to fully see the truth about their life and choices, repent, and experience forgiveness then one is free to walk with Christ in His grace.
Part of the struggle of Step 5 is to admit that wrong is wrong. The step is a time to agree with God about the exact nature of the wrong and the fact that the sinful part of ourself is focused on covering up the problem. Part of the freedom that comes in step 5 is admitting what we know deep down inside to be the truth.
One of the most difficult parts of step 5 is overcoming denial. It’s tough because by definition a person has trouble understanding that they are in fact lying to themselves. It’s a person of courage who can honestly ask God to reveal to them the truth. Yet by God’s nature, He already knows the truth and loves us unconditionally. So a part of the step is to trust that even in the ugly, shameful and sometimes heart breaking truth God is big enough, loving enough and faithful enough to always forgive when we are truly repentant.
The Bible says in John 8:32, “For you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” In the process of the telling of the truth, there is an internal peace that was lost years ago that is now found. The truth does lead each of us one step closer to recovery and to a life of freedom in His Grace.
We value your input and suggestions.
Your comments and recommended resources are welcome in the comments box below.
Aug
19
Citizenship & Public Policy Alert – Stop Gambling in Texas
Filed Under Public Policy Updates | 3 Comments
Contact you Legislator immediately and tell them you are against the expansion of gambling in Texas and you are against the adoption of the new rule TAC 401.317, and the amendments to TAC 401.301 and 302.
Click Here to See Who Represents You
Dear Friends,
We need your help by Monday, August 24. Proposed rules at the Lottery Commission will create new electronic gambling with instant tickets, without Legislative approval.
Explanation: The proposed rule, TAC 401.317 and the amendments to TAC 401.301 and 302 would allow the Texas lottery to offer electronic instant lottery games on a “central determinate system.” This server- based gaming system is the key component of a video lottery system. The two proposed games include an add-on game to Lotto Texas and an instant printed ticket.
While the lottery commission claims these games are not technically a video lottery terminal, this rule would constitute a giant leap forward for electronic gambling and only one small step away from stand alone VLTs.
Question: Has Texas recognized the connection between “central determinate systems” and VLTs?
Answer: Yes, in the March 5, 2005 Texas House Research Organization’s Report: “Betting on Video Lottery Terminals to Raise Revenue”, the “central determinant” video lottery system was described as: “similar to playing a scratch-off lottery game in which players try to purchase a predetermined winning ticket that has been distributed randomly. The VLT equivalent of this system, used in New York, is called a ‘central determinant win’ in which the video lottery’s central computer system, rather than the machine itself, randomly chooses which plays are winners”
(click here to see report).
If you oppose casino gambling in this state, please take this proposed rule very seriously.
We defeated casinos in the Legislative session – act now to preserve the victory.
Act by next Monday, August 24. If enough voices are heard, the Lottery Commission may decide to abandon this rule making process at their September meeting.
ACTIONS – By Monday, August 24, 2009
Lottery Commission
1. Click the link below to submit your objections to the adoption of these rules. Be sure and fill out the entire information requested (Name, address etc.) and indicate that you are against the adoption of the new rule TAC 401.317, and the amendments to TAC 401.301 and 302.
:: Tell the Commissioners not to adopt the proposed rules.
:: I oppose electronic gambling with instant games and the Texas Lotto add-on game.
:: These games have key components of VLTs.
Email legal.input@lottery.state.tx.us or
Fax to (512) 344-5189,
Attn: General Counsel – Rulemaking; or
Mail to: General Counsel – Rulemaking,
Texas Lottery Commission,
P.O. Box 16630, Austin, TX 78761-6630
Governor
2. Encourage Governor Perry’s opposition to gambling. Ask him to instruct his appointees to the Lottery Commission to not expand gambling in this state and to vote no on the new rule TAC 401.317 and the amendments to TAC 401.301 and 302. You can use the link below to contact the Governors office.
www2.governor.state.tx.us
Legislators
3. Contact your elected State Representative and Senator and ask them to contact the Lottery Commission and request that the proposed rules (new rule TAC 401.317 and the amendments to TAC 401.301 and 302) be withdrawn. The following links can help you contact your representatives’ and senator’s office:
www.house.state.tx.us