Yow! Ice Pick Headaches
So, I’ve been getting these weird pains in my head – more like my brain – for the past year and a half. They’ve lasted a split second to maybe 2 seconds, and I could go for weeks without getting one or have a period where I would get 2 or 3 an hour. I was a little worried, but since they occurred in several different places of my head, I figured they weren’t a brain tumor. Besides, I didn’t have any other symptoms – before, during or after the actual attack. So, I just forgot about them when they weren’t happening and slightly fretted over them when they did.
The last couple months, however, the pains have lasted longer – up to several seconds – and have become more intense, though it may just seem that way since they are lasting longer. I went to my doctors’ office (I’m becoming more and more convinced that they are all quacks at this particular practice) and saw one of the physician assistants. Since I was also having trouble with my sense of smell – or, rather, lack thereof – the PA thought that I maybe had sinus problems, and she prescribed a neti pot, which I used a total of one time (that’s another story altogether!).
So, now I’m really beginning to wonder what’s going on with my head! (No comments from the peanut gallery, please.) While the pain lasts but a few moments at best, it is, nonetheless, quite severe. The piercing pain is very concentrated in one small spot. The best way to describe it is that someone has stabbed me in the head with an ice pick.
So, I decided to do an Internet search for these symptoms and see if I could find out what, exactly, was wrong with me. (BTW, I am an expert at diagnosing my ailments through Internet research. I am available to you, too, for a small fee. ha-ha-ha) Well, what I have is called – no surprise here – ICE PICK headaches!
According to my research, ice pick headaches are short, stabbing, extremely intense headaches that can be "absolutely terrifying." They generally only last between five and 30 seconds, though mine are much shorter. However, they come out of nowhere, can strike anywhere on the head, literally feel as if an ice pick is being stuck into your head, then disappear before you can even figure out what's happening. The pain can also seem to occur in or behind the ear.
Criteria for diagnosing ice pick headaches:
1. Head pain occurring as a single stab or a series of stabs.
2. Exclusively or predominantly felt in the orbit, temple and parietal area.
3. Stabs last for up to a few seconds and recur with irregular frequency ranging from one to many per day
4. No other symptoms
Ice pick headaches are considered a primary headache because there isn't a deeper underlying cause. THE HEADACHE ITSELF IS THE PROBLEM. A secondary headache has another cause such as a tumor, stroke, or something as simple as not eating. These short, sharp headaches can be located anywhere on the head, but they're usually located near the orbit, temple, or parietal region.
Whew! I’ve learned that they’re not dangerous and don’t indicate an underlying condition. Most, though not all, people who get them also experience migraines or cluster headaches. Thankfully, I am not one of these people. My dad, however, has suffered with cluster headaches ever since I have been aware of his existence, so the ice pick headaches I experience may be somehow genetically linked to whatever causes my dad’s headaches.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure. A person can take aspirin or acetaminophen for the pain, but since the headaches happen so infrequently and are over so quickly, by the time one swallows a pill the headache is gone.
.
So, I guess what I have learned is good news and bad news. The good news is that I now have a name for these short, stabbing headaches I get occasionally and that they are harmless. The bad news is that they are probably here to stay and there is nothing I can do about it. Oh, well… it beats a brain tumor!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - Part 1
Girl Slavery in America
From The Huffington Post
A few weeks ago in Trenton, New Jersey, five young men were charged with gang-raping a seven-year-old girl who was sold to them by her 15-year-old stepsister. These men purchased the little girl and then raped her. They will now face prosecution for aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment.
And that is what should happen in every case in which a girl is sold for sex.
Unfortunately, in both urban and rural regions of the nation, American-born girls are being trafficked and sold. An estimated 100,000-300,000 American children are at risk for becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation. According to the Department of Justice, the average age of a prostituted girl in the U.S. is 12-14 years. These sexually exploited girls are routinely raped, beaten into submission, and even tattooed like cattle by their pimps.
This is a new and emerging phenomenon. Ten years ago, there were not the same disturbing stories of traffickers seeking out and preying on girl runaways within 48 hours after they have left home. Or very young girls in rural and suburban communities being kidnapped and then sold to men for sex. In the last decade, there is even a lingo that has developed of "domestic trafficking hubs," where Ohio and Georgia are considered among the top states for the selling and purchasing of American girls.
Why is this happening? There is the Internet, which has created an easy and accessible venue for the commercial sexual exploitation of children. As a result, young girls are the new commodities that traffickers and gangs are selling. And, there isn't a culture of crime and punishment for selling girls as there is for selling illegal drugs. It is less risky, and more profitable (the girls are "reusable"), to traffic girls, instead of meth or crack.
Perversely, it is the girls -- and not the men -- who end up being criminalized. Prostitution is the leading reason for girls' involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, citing the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention statistics on juvenile arrests, reports that 63% of girls in detention are there for prostitution. Girls are put behind bars for being raped and sexually exploited by pimps and the men who purchase them for the night.
Unlike the international landscape of non-profits set up to rescue and rehabilitate victims of sex trafficking, here in the U.S., there are few such safe havens or trauma-based programs. There are presently less than 50 beds in the entire nation for American trafficked victims. Girls sold into sexual slavery in Thailand or India are perceived as victims. In the U.S., they are cast aside as "hos", "prostitutes", and "bad girls". Yet, these discarded American girls share the same experiences of victimization, poverty, and abuse endured by those who are trafficked abroad. They deserve the same support systems and chance to heal that is afforded by many worthy NGOs overseas.
But that is not enough. We must also stem the demand for buying and selling girls for sex.
Men who purchase girls for sex are committing child abuse. They are not simply paying for sex; they are instead perpetrating brutal acts of rape against vulnerable children who do not choose to sell their bodies. No child wants to be sold for sex.
It is time to prosecute those who sell and purchase girls. If they are subject to punishment for their criminal acts against children, pimps and "johns" will be less interested in the marketplace of very young girls. The laws already exist---but there is minimal political will, at the state or federal level, to prosecute them--especially the "johns". Despite all the political jingoism about being tough on crime or protecting our children, lawmakers are remarkably indifferent to prosecuting these child abusers.
.
How is it that in our nation, in the 21st century, any one of our daughters can be bought and sold for the purposes of sexual exploitation, and without the severe threat of punishment? What is happening that girls' lives are worth so little? In the context of a civilized society, this level of tolerated violence against girls is an irreconcilable contradiction. No girl in America should be purchased, sold, raped, abused or exploited -- and with impunity.
From The Huffington Post
A few weeks ago in Trenton, New Jersey, five young men were charged with gang-raping a seven-year-old girl who was sold to them by her 15-year-old stepsister. These men purchased the little girl and then raped her. They will now face prosecution for aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment.
And that is what should happen in every case in which a girl is sold for sex.
Unfortunately, in both urban and rural regions of the nation, American-born girls are being trafficked and sold. An estimated 100,000-300,000 American children are at risk for becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation. According to the Department of Justice, the average age of a prostituted girl in the U.S. is 12-14 years. These sexually exploited girls are routinely raped, beaten into submission, and even tattooed like cattle by their pimps.
This is a new and emerging phenomenon. Ten years ago, there were not the same disturbing stories of traffickers seeking out and preying on girl runaways within 48 hours after they have left home. Or very young girls in rural and suburban communities being kidnapped and then sold to men for sex. In the last decade, there is even a lingo that has developed of "domestic trafficking hubs," where Ohio and Georgia are considered among the top states for the selling and purchasing of American girls.
Why is this happening? There is the Internet, which has created an easy and accessible venue for the commercial sexual exploitation of children. As a result, young girls are the new commodities that traffickers and gangs are selling. And, there isn't a culture of crime and punishment for selling girls as there is for selling illegal drugs. It is less risky, and more profitable (the girls are "reusable"), to traffic girls, instead of meth or crack.
Perversely, it is the girls -- and not the men -- who end up being criminalized. Prostitution is the leading reason for girls' involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, citing the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention statistics on juvenile arrests, reports that 63% of girls in detention are there for prostitution. Girls are put behind bars for being raped and sexually exploited by pimps and the men who purchase them for the night.
Unlike the international landscape of non-profits set up to rescue and rehabilitate victims of sex trafficking, here in the U.S., there are few such safe havens or trauma-based programs. There are presently less than 50 beds in the entire nation for American trafficked victims. Girls sold into sexual slavery in Thailand or India are perceived as victims. In the U.S., they are cast aside as "hos", "prostitutes", and "bad girls". Yet, these discarded American girls share the same experiences of victimization, poverty, and abuse endured by those who are trafficked abroad. They deserve the same support systems and chance to heal that is afforded by many worthy NGOs overseas.
But that is not enough. We must also stem the demand for buying and selling girls for sex.
Men who purchase girls for sex are committing child abuse. They are not simply paying for sex; they are instead perpetrating brutal acts of rape against vulnerable children who do not choose to sell their bodies. No child wants to be sold for sex.
It is time to prosecute those who sell and purchase girls. If they are subject to punishment for their criminal acts against children, pimps and "johns" will be less interested in the marketplace of very young girls. The laws already exist---but there is minimal political will, at the state or federal level, to prosecute them--especially the "johns". Despite all the political jingoism about being tough on crime or protecting our children, lawmakers are remarkably indifferent to prosecuting these child abusers.
.
How is it that in our nation, in the 21st century, any one of our daughters can be bought and sold for the purposes of sexual exploitation, and without the severe threat of punishment? What is happening that girls' lives are worth so little? In the context of a civilized society, this level of tolerated violence against girls is an irreconcilable contradiction. No girl in America should be purchased, sold, raped, abused or exploited -- and with impunity.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Part 3
He's Back! Or, Is This His Brother?
That wascally wabbit is back! He was just hopping around my garden, probably checking out that one pansy he hasn't eaten yet. I got a few photos of him before I chased him away. However, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before he returns...
Is he after the little pansy?
He spots me and starts to run away.
However, he stops (and allows me to get a great close-up of him).
I know he's just waiting for me to leave so that he can go back and get that pansy.
That wascally wabbit is back! He was just hopping around my garden, probably checking out that one pansy he hasn't eaten yet. I got a few photos of him before I chased him away. However, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before he returns...
Is he after the little pansy?
He spots me and starts to run away.
However, he stops (and allows me to get a great close-up of him).
I know he's just waiting for me to leave so that he can go back and get that pansy.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Part 2
Images of Spring
Here are some photographs I have taken on my property over the past 6 weeks of evidences of Spring. Enjoy!
Grape Hyacinth growing in my front garden
Tulip growing in my front garden
Wild violets
Wildflower growing in the woods behind my house
The creek at the edge of my property
New growth on the evergreens
Baby leaves sprouting on the trees
The trees are returning to life!
My woods
New life creeping up the trees
A new tree is born!
Beautiful yellow wildflowers
New Life!
Looking up
The trees are in bloom
Fungi
Beautiful red azaleas growing in my garden
Gorgeous orange azalea flowers
The azalea bush is in full bloom
White azelea
Beautiful pink azalea blooms
Purple azalea bush
Big, fluffy flowers
The lovely green carpeted path into my woods
Here are some photographs I have taken on my property over the past 6 weeks of evidences of Spring. Enjoy!
Grape Hyacinth growing in my front garden
Tulip growing in my front garden
Wild violets
Wildflower growing in the woods behind my house
The creek at the edge of my property
New growth on the evergreens
Baby leaves sprouting on the trees
The trees are returning to life!
My woods
New life creeping up the trees
A new tree is born!
Beautiful yellow wildflowers
New Life!
Looking up
The trees are in bloom
Fungi 
Beautiful red azaleas growing in my garden
Gorgeous orange azalea flowers
The azalea bush is in full bloom
White azelea
Beautiful pink azalea blooms
Purple azalea bush
Big, fluffy flowers
The lovely green carpeted path into my woods
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Part 1
That Wascally Wabbit
Our garden has been plagued this year by a rabbit that is eating our flowers. He especially made a yummy meal of our pansies. So, we got rabbit repellent, which smells just like REALLY strong chai tea (I hope this doesn't ruin my love of this drink!). This morning I caught the culprit standing in my driveway, but thankfully it was NOT eating my flowers. I think the repellent is working. BTW, this rabbit was BIG, the size of a housecat!!
Not a good shot, but here is the critter just peacefully sitting at the end of my driveway.
I guess that since he couldn't eat the pansies, he decided to soak up some early morning sun instead.
He let me get really close to him. He was probably hoping that I had some untreated flowers he could eat.
He is a handsome rabbit. Too bad he likes to munch on my flowers.
One little flower remains, though you can see it has definitely been nibbled on.
Cute fella. Destructive fella!!
Our garden has been plagued this year by a rabbit that is eating our flowers. He especially made a yummy meal of our pansies. So, we got rabbit repellent, which smells just like REALLY strong chai tea (I hope this doesn't ruin my love of this drink!). This morning I caught the culprit standing in my driveway, but thankfully it was NOT eating my flowers. I think the repellent is working. BTW, this rabbit was BIG, the size of a housecat!!
Not a good shot, but here is the critter just peacefully sitting at the end of my driveway.
I guess that since he couldn't eat the pansies, he decided to soak up some early morning sun instead.
He let me get really close to him. He was probably hoping that I had some untreated flowers he could eat.
He is a handsome rabbit. Too bad he likes to munch on my flowers.
One little flower remains, though you can see it has definitely been nibbled on.The damage up-close.
Cute fella. Destructive fella!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Living Hope: Salvation Appreciation
During today’s message, pastor Robin Boisvert preached from 1 Peter 1:10-12 on how Christians are strengthened as we consider our privileged position as recipients of such a great salvation. Titled, “Salvation Appreciation,” the message continued our series called Living.Hope.The First Letter of Peter.
The Prophets Who Prophesied (verses 10-12a)
Who were the prophets? They were men like Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and
David. They were called by God, brought into His divine council, and invested with the Holy Spirit. They were divine spokesmen who were divinely commissioned ambassadors, sent by God, to speak authoritatively on behalf of God. They prophesied about the grace that we have received through Jesus Christ. But they only understood that grace in part. They were intrigued by what they did know, so they searched and inquired carefully and intently wanting to know what person, what time frame, what circumstances the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating that the Messiah would suffer and be glorified. However, their prophecies were not serving themselves, but Peterʼs original readers and, by extension, us.
The Angels Who Long To Look (verse 12b)
Angels were no strangers to Godʼs plan of salvation. They were there announcing the birth of Jesus; they were there when He rose from the dead and when He ascended into heaven. But because they have never sinned, they will never experience the gift of salvation. However, the holy angels are able to perceive that our great salvation is worthy of their intense interest.
The Object of Their Intense Interest (verse 11b)
What the prophets predicted and into which the angels longed to look were “the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.” The writings of the prophets enlighten us and strengthen us.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ... For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones—they gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:1, 16-18)
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces. He was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that has brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned each one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:3-6)
But now through the Apostles and others, the good news, the gospel of the sufferings and glories of Jesus Christ, has been announced to us. And “because the sufferings and glories of our Redeemer are the main subject of the Gospel, they should be much in our thinking.” (Leighton-Thomas)
Just as the sufferings and glories of Christ are the substance of the gospel message, they also serve as an example for us to follow because trials of various kinds await us. Peter knew that the best way to encourage and strengthen his fellow believers in the midst of trial was to remind them of the gospel and of the glories that followed. But sufferings are not the final word. In Jesus life, his sufferings were followed by the glories of resurrection, glorification, ascension, and his seating at the right hand of the Father, in that position of glory that He had with the Father from all eternity. The same is true for Christians. Our suffering will be followed by the glory of eternal life, of life forever in the presence of our Savior.
“Then [Christian] stood still awhile to look and wonder, for he was very surprised that the sight of the Cross should ease him of his burden…He looked, therefore, and looked again, even until springs in his head sent water flowing down his cheeks.” (Pilgrim’s Progress)
During today’s message, pastor Robin Boisvert preached from 1 Peter 1:10-12 on how Christians are strengthened as we consider our privileged position as recipients of such a great salvation. Titled, “Salvation Appreciation,” the message continued our series called Living.Hope.The First Letter of Peter.
The Prophets Who Prophesied (verses 10-12a)
Who were the prophets? They were men like Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and
David. They were called by God, brought into His divine council, and invested with the Holy Spirit. They were divine spokesmen who were divinely commissioned ambassadors, sent by God, to speak authoritatively on behalf of God. They prophesied about the grace that we have received through Jesus Christ. But they only understood that grace in part. They were intrigued by what they did know, so they searched and inquired carefully and intently wanting to know what person, what time frame, what circumstances the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating that the Messiah would suffer and be glorified. However, their prophecies were not serving themselves, but Peterʼs original readers and, by extension, us.
The Angels Who Long To Look (verse 12b)
Angels were no strangers to Godʼs plan of salvation. They were there announcing the birth of Jesus; they were there when He rose from the dead and when He ascended into heaven. But because they have never sinned, they will never experience the gift of salvation. However, the holy angels are able to perceive that our great salvation is worthy of their intense interest.
The Object of Their Intense Interest (verse 11b)
What the prophets predicted and into which the angels longed to look were “the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.” The writings of the prophets enlighten us and strengthen us.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ... For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones—they gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:1, 16-18)
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces. He was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that has brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned each one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:3-6)
But now through the Apostles and others, the good news, the gospel of the sufferings and glories of Jesus Christ, has been announced to us. And “because the sufferings and glories of our Redeemer are the main subject of the Gospel, they should be much in our thinking.” (Leighton-Thomas)
Just as the sufferings and glories of Christ are the substance of the gospel message, they also serve as an example for us to follow because trials of various kinds await us. Peter knew that the best way to encourage and strengthen his fellow believers in the midst of trial was to remind them of the gospel and of the glories that followed. But sufferings are not the final word. In Jesus life, his sufferings were followed by the glories of resurrection, glorification, ascension, and his seating at the right hand of the Father, in that position of glory that He had with the Father from all eternity. The same is true for Christians. Our suffering will be followed by the glory of eternal life, of life forever in the presence of our Savior.
“Then [Christian] stood still awhile to look and wonder, for he was very surprised that the sight of the Cross should ease him of his burden…He looked, therefore, and looked again, even until springs in his head sent water flowing down his cheeks.” (Pilgrim’s Progress)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Action Summit to End Malaria
“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalm 140:12
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8
Malaria is a needless killer. We have the means to eliminate it from this planet. (Malaria was eradicated in the U.S. in 1949.) Please pray for wisdom for decision-makers who have the power to increase resources to fight this disease. Pray for the tens of millions of children whose lives have been affected by malaria. Pray for the families of the 2,000 children who will die today from malaria. Pray for the collective will to eradicate malaria, once and for all. Pray for the collective will of non-vulnerable people everywhere, to take action and use their voices to end malaria, once and for all.
I just spent the past two days (April 21-22) in Washington, DC (my hometown) attending the Action Summit to End Malaria. People came from across the country to be part of this first-time event, hosted by World Vision. The purpose of the summit was to bring concerned citizens together to press Congress to keep its commitment to fight this leading killer of children.
Among the participants, there was a palpable sense of purpose, passion, and true belief that the voices of a few can make a difference. It was encouraging to see people from different walks of life come together to be part of this single life-saving cause.
As summit participants, we got to know one another and had the opportunity to learn from malaria experts, seasoned advocates, and government officials, all committed to eliminating malaria. We learned that malaria is a leading cause of death around the world for children – killing more than 2,000 every day – despite being entirely preventable and treatable. Each year an estimated 880,000 people die from malaria, a vast majority in Africa, and there are approximately 250 million cases of the disease. Half the world’s population is at risk of this mosquito-borne disease. Of the deaths, 85% are children under 5 years old – that’s one child every 40 seconds. Malaria also causes approximately 10,000 maternal deaths each year.
Yet effective, low-cost tools to prevent and treat malaria are well-known. Insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying of insecticides and anti-malaria drugs are highly effective and, apart from immunizations, represent the most cost-effective package of interventions for saving children’s lives. For example, a bed net costs as little as $6 and some malaria drugs less than $1.
(Right now there is no malaria vaccine available. However, scientists and researchers are developing such a vaccine. It is hoped that a first-generation vaccine will be available by 2015 with 50 percent protective efficacy against severe disease and death that would last longer than one year, and that by 2025, a malaria vaccine would be available that would have a protective efficacy of more than 80 percent against clinical disease and that would provide protection for longer than four years.)
Progress is being made in the fight against malaria and U.S. investment is paying off in lives saved. The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) has been able to reach 32 million people with malaria prevention and treatment since inception. As a result of this U.S. investment, malaria deaths and cases are dropping dramatically in many African countries. For example, Rwanda has achieved a more than 60% drop in malaria deaths and Tanzania reported a 73% reduction in malaria prevalence over the course of 2 years during peak transmission season. In Zambia, malaria prevalence dropped by 53% in just 2 years. Additionally, it is estimated that over the last 10 years, insecticide-treated nets alone have saved the lives of nearly 1 million people.
Support for efforts to combat malaria has far-reaching benefits and is a sound investment in financially constrained times. As one of the most cost-effective set of child health interventions, and having demonstrated a proven record of saving children’s lives, malaria programs represent great “bang for the buck.” Support for malaria programs is not only morally compelling and a sound investment, but is also in our nation’s best interest and can help spur economic growth. Malaria costs an annual estimated $23 billion in lost economic productivity in sub-Saharan Africa alone and is a heavy burden on families, consuming 25-40% of household incomes. The financial cost of malaria contributes to deeper poverty and the disease heavily burdens health systems, slowing down social and economic development. The trend can challenge democratic developments and transitions, and ultimately influences civil conflicts and instability. Malaria investments advance our national interests by promoting solutions that increase stability and development, while simultaneously fostering goodwill toward the U.S.
Failure to adequately invest in malaria control programs now and support global efforts could undermine the progress achieved to date and increase future costs. Global funding for malaria control has increased significantly in recent years, thanks in part to leadership by the U.S. through PMI and the U.S. Agency for International Development, along with support from the Global Fund. Yet current funding is far less than actually needed. Without increasing resources and support, there is risk of resurgence and even greater loss of life, undermining our contributions to date. Millions of children have been protected from becoming infected with malaria in the first place. Yet as a result, in some places an entire cohort of children never developed an immunity to the disease and their lives could be threatened if we do not continue forward progress in controlling malaria.
In preparation for our Hill visits, we received advocacy training from World Vision staff members on the afternoon of the Summit’s first day.
On the second day of the summit, I joined 75 other advocates as we turned our sharpened understanding of malaria and advocacy into practice and took to Capitol Hill to lobby Congress. The message we carried was simple: Malaria is killing more than 2,000 children a day, but we can help stop it. Along with the other 3 folks from the Maryland delegation, I met with the staff of my congressman, Representative Roscoe Bartlett, and my senators, Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski. We were requesting them to support the following requests and vote in favor of these measures:
Increase the U.S. government’s contribution to fight malaria to around $1 billion, including research and development, in FY 2011, and support robust funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. These funds would be invested in some of the world’s most cost-effective interventions and would put the U.S. on track to fulfill the Global AIDS, TB and Malaria Bill commitment.
Support, at a minimum, the President’s FY 2011 $58.5 billion International Affairs Budget request. Robust funding for this budget enables the U.S. to advance national security interests, strengthen U.S. leadership abroad and promote peace and economic growth around the world. In order to realize the funding needed for malaria, this account should be fully funded and across-the-board cuts avoided.
It is important that we fulfill our U.S. commitment to provide $5 billion over 5 years for malaria programs that was made by the passage of the Global AIDS, TB and Malaria Bill in 2008. This legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, committing the U.S. to significant funding increases for malaria. We have a moral obligation to fulfill this commitment. However, at the current pace, we will not be able to fulfill this national promise without Congressional support. In light of an expanding federal deficit, Congress should cut wasteful government spending and evaluate other opportunities for offsets in order to achieve the malaria funding increases required.
Among the participants, there was a palpable sense of purpose, passion, and true belief that the voices of a few can make a difference. It was encouraging to see people from different walks of life come together to be part of this single life-saving cause.
As summit participants, we got to know one another and had the opportunity to learn from malaria experts, seasoned advocates, and government officials, all committed to eliminating malaria. We learned that malaria is a leading cause of death around the world for children – killing more than 2,000 every day – despite being entirely preventable and treatable. Each year an estimated 880,000 people die from malaria, a vast majority in Africa, and there are approximately 250 million cases of the disease. Half the world’s population is at risk of this mosquito-borne disease. Of the deaths, 85% are children under 5 years old – that’s one child every 40 seconds. Malaria also causes approximately 10,000 maternal deaths each year.
Yet effective, low-cost tools to prevent and treat malaria are well-known. Insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying of insecticides and anti-malaria drugs are highly effective and, apart from immunizations, represent the most cost-effective package of interventions for saving children’s lives. For example, a bed net costs as little as $6 and some malaria drugs less than $1.
(Right now there is no malaria vaccine available. However, scientists and researchers are developing such a vaccine. It is hoped that a first-generation vaccine will be available by 2015 with 50 percent protective efficacy against severe disease and death that would last longer than one year, and that by 2025, a malaria vaccine would be available that would have a protective efficacy of more than 80 percent against clinical disease and that would provide protection for longer than four years.)
Progress is being made in the fight against malaria and U.S. investment is paying off in lives saved. The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) has been able to reach 32 million people with malaria prevention and treatment since inception. As a result of this U.S. investment, malaria deaths and cases are dropping dramatically in many African countries. For example, Rwanda has achieved a more than 60% drop in malaria deaths and Tanzania reported a 73% reduction in malaria prevalence over the course of 2 years during peak transmission season. In Zambia, malaria prevalence dropped by 53% in just 2 years. Additionally, it is estimated that over the last 10 years, insecticide-treated nets alone have saved the lives of nearly 1 million people.
Support for efforts to combat malaria has far-reaching benefits and is a sound investment in financially constrained times. As one of the most cost-effective set of child health interventions, and having demonstrated a proven record of saving children’s lives, malaria programs represent great “bang for the buck.” Support for malaria programs is not only morally compelling and a sound investment, but is also in our nation’s best interest and can help spur economic growth. Malaria costs an annual estimated $23 billion in lost economic productivity in sub-Saharan Africa alone and is a heavy burden on families, consuming 25-40% of household incomes. The financial cost of malaria contributes to deeper poverty and the disease heavily burdens health systems, slowing down social and economic development. The trend can challenge democratic developments and transitions, and ultimately influences civil conflicts and instability. Malaria investments advance our national interests by promoting solutions that increase stability and development, while simultaneously fostering goodwill toward the U.S.
Failure to adequately invest in malaria control programs now and support global efforts could undermine the progress achieved to date and increase future costs. Global funding for malaria control has increased significantly in recent years, thanks in part to leadership by the U.S. through PMI and the U.S. Agency for International Development, along with support from the Global Fund. Yet current funding is far less than actually needed. Without increasing resources and support, there is risk of resurgence and even greater loss of life, undermining our contributions to date. Millions of children have been protected from becoming infected with malaria in the first place. Yet as a result, in some places an entire cohort of children never developed an immunity to the disease and their lives could be threatened if we do not continue forward progress in controlling malaria.
In preparation for our Hill visits, we received advocacy training from World Vision staff members on the afternoon of the Summit’s first day.
On the second day of the summit, I joined 75 other advocates as we turned our sharpened understanding of malaria and advocacy into practice and took to Capitol Hill to lobby Congress. The message we carried was simple: Malaria is killing more than 2,000 children a day, but we can help stop it. Along with the other 3 folks from the Maryland delegation, I met with the staff of my congressman, Representative Roscoe Bartlett, and my senators, Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski. We were requesting them to support the following requests and vote in favor of these measures:
Increase the U.S. government’s contribution to fight malaria to around $1 billion, including research and development, in FY 2011, and support robust funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. These funds would be invested in some of the world’s most cost-effective interventions and would put the U.S. on track to fulfill the Global AIDS, TB and Malaria Bill commitment.
Support, at a minimum, the President’s FY 2011 $58.5 billion International Affairs Budget request. Robust funding for this budget enables the U.S. to advance national security interests, strengthen U.S. leadership abroad and promote peace and economic growth around the world. In order to realize the funding needed for malaria, this account should be fully funded and across-the-board cuts avoided.
It is important that we fulfill our U.S. commitment to provide $5 billion over 5 years for malaria programs that was made by the passage of the Global AIDS, TB and Malaria Bill in 2008. This legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, committing the U.S. to significant funding increases for malaria. We have a moral obligation to fulfill this commitment. However, at the current pace, we will not be able to fulfill this national promise without Congressional support. In light of an expanding federal deficit, Congress should cut wasteful government spending and evaluate other opportunities for offsets in order to achieve the malaria funding increases required.
“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalm 140:12
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8
Malaria is a needless killer. We have the means to eliminate it from this planet. (Malaria was eradicated in the U.S. in 1949.) Please pray for wisdom for decision-makers who have the power to increase resources to fight this disease. Pray for the tens of millions of children whose lives have been affected by malaria. Pray for the families of the 2,000 children who will die today from malaria. Pray for the collective will to eradicate malaria, once and for all. Pray for the collective will of non-vulnerable people everywhere, to take action and use their voices to end malaria, once and for all.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Introducing God
After a busy day at the Action Summit to End Malaria in Washington, DC, I rushed back to Gaithersburg, Md., for the second week of Introducing God. After a yummy dinner of lemon chicken and potatoes, CLC pastor Robin Boisvert, gave tonight’s talk, “Our Declaration of Autonomy.” Referencing Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3, Robin spoke about how Adam and Eve were deceived in the Garden of Eden by the serpent into eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the one tree God told them not to eat from. Why did they allow the “crafty” serpent to trick them? The serpent told them they would “be like God,” which was appealing to them.
After they ate, God approached Adam and Eve. He asked Adam if they had eaten from the forbidden tree. Adam immediately blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Thus, the first case of blame-shifting was born. Sin had entered the world.
Man declared his independence from God; man declared that he wanted to control his own life. The consequences of this assertion were very serious. God punished the devil, the woman and the man. Not only were Adam and Eve expelled from the Garden of Eden, but their lives and the lives of their descendents (which is EVERYONE on Earth!) would be cursed with pain and difficulty.
However, the story did not end there. Next Wednesday’s session will focus on how God fixed the problem.
After they ate, God approached Adam and Eve. He asked Adam if they had eaten from the forbidden tree. Adam immediately blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Thus, the first case of blame-shifting was born. Sin had entered the world.
Man declared his independence from God; man declared that he wanted to control his own life. The consequences of this assertion were very serious. God punished the devil, the woman and the man. Not only were Adam and Eve expelled from the Garden of Eden, but their lives and the lives of their descendents (which is EVERYONE on Earth!) would be cursed with pain and difficulty.
However, the story did not end there. Next Wednesday’s session will focus on how God fixed the problem.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Lunch with Members
Today I went downtown to the Marriott Wardman Park to have lunch at the Stone’s Throw Restaurant with some of the NAHB members I worked closely with during my years at NAHB. They were in town for NAHB’s annual Spring Board Meeting. It was great seeing them as I shared with them what I have been doing over the past 6 months. I really do miss the members and am glad that I have maintained relationships with many of them.
Bill Warwick, Manny Gonzalez, Jane O'Connor (sitting)
Today I went downtown to the Marriott Wardman Park to have lunch at the Stone’s Throw Restaurant with some of the NAHB members I worked closely with during my years at NAHB. They were in town for NAHB’s annual Spring Board Meeting. It was great seeing them as I shared with them what I have been doing over the past 6 months. I really do miss the members and am glad that I have maintained relationships with many of them.
Bill Warwick, Manny Gonzalez, Jane O'Connor (sitting)Bob Tippets, Barbara Kleger, George Cundy, me, Leslie Marks (standing)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Grieved Yet Rejoicing
At church this morning, our senior pastor Josh Harris preached the second message from our new sermon series, “Living. Hope. The First Letter of Peter.” Josh’s message, titled, “Grieved Yet Rejoicing, from 1 Peter 1:6-9, was on how the living hope we have in Jesus is strong enough to endure the reality of trials and suffering. It focused on three points: the REALITY of trials, the PURPOSE of trials, and our HOPE in trials.
The Reality of Trials (verse 6)
We live in a fallen, broken world that is the opposite of our heavenly inheritance. It is a world where things perish, are defiled and fade. Most suffering fits into one of these categories. Our health or the health of someone we love perishes. Something we value is taken from us and defiled. Our best dreams and greatest successes fade.
The common element of trials is that they are experiences that grieve us. In Peter’s letter, he is very honest about the reality of suffering. He doesn’t say, “If you have faith you never grieve” or “Living hope can never be touched by trials.” Instead he tells us that the living hope we have in Jesus occurs in the midst of the trial and difficulty. Christians are people whose hope is so real and so powerful that it remains even in the face of various trials. The reason we can rejoice and have hope in the midst of trial, even though we’ve been grieved, is that Jesus has overcome the world through his death and victory over the grave. (John 16:33)
Grief does has an expiration date. Peter tells us that even though we face grieving trials, it is only, “for a little while, if necessary.” A lifetime of suffering in this world is only “a little while” compared to the everlasting joy of heaven. (Romans 8:18)
The Purpose of Trials (verse 7)
The purpose of trials is to test and prove the genuine nature of our faith. Trials reveal the depth and solidity of our faith. Trials also purify and strengthen our faith. God does this so that our genuine faith can be rewarded with praise, glory and honor.
If faith in Jesus led to perfect health, wealth and a problem-free life, how could anyone tell if a person’s faith was real or just a ticket to an easy life? But if we trust in Jesus even when it’s hard, if we cling to faith even when we suffer, even when it costs us, then our faith has been tested and proved genuine. When Jesus is revealed, he will celebrate and reward every act of our weak faith, every loyalty, every moment of trust. Jesus will praise the faith of Christians who faced trial and continued to trust him.
Our Hope In Trials (verses 8-9)
Peter ends this passage by fixing our attention on Jesus. Our hope is not in an idea; it’s not in a future moment; it’s not in a concept. Our hope is a person.
“…remember that there isn’t a thing, a substance, or a ‘quasi-substance’ called ‘grace.’ All there is, is the person of the Lord Jesus — ‘Christ clothed in the gospel,’ as Calvin loved to put it. Grace is the grace of Jesus... there is no ‘thing’ that Jesus takes from Himself and then, as it were, hands over to me. There is only Jesus Himself… It is not a thing that was crucified to give us a thing called grace. It was the person of the Lord Jesus that was crucified in order that He might give Himself to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.” - Sinclair Ferguson
The inexpressible joy – the joy we can’t explain in the midst of trial – is because we believe in and trust Jesus. It is Jesus’ blood sprinkled on us that gives us a new relationship of peace with God. It is Jesus’ resurrection that has caused us to be born again to a living hope. It is the revelation of Jesus on the final day when our faith will be rewarded. It is Jesus who is our inheritance and our great reward! Our living hope is the living Jesus Christ. There is no hope apart from him.
.
The outcome of our faith is not an easy life, perfect health, respect of the world or wealth in this world. The outcome of our faith, won by Jesus’ death and resurrection, is the salvation of our souls. It is this salvation that allows us to rejoice and gives us a living hope even in a world of dying hope.
At church this morning, our senior pastor Josh Harris preached the second message from our new sermon series, “Living. Hope. The First Letter of Peter.” Josh’s message, titled, “Grieved Yet Rejoicing, from 1 Peter 1:6-9, was on how the living hope we have in Jesus is strong enough to endure the reality of trials and suffering. It focused on three points: the REALITY of trials, the PURPOSE of trials, and our HOPE in trials.
The Reality of Trials (verse 6)
We live in a fallen, broken world that is the opposite of our heavenly inheritance. It is a world where things perish, are defiled and fade. Most suffering fits into one of these categories. Our health or the health of someone we love perishes. Something we value is taken from us and defiled. Our best dreams and greatest successes fade.
The common element of trials is that they are experiences that grieve us. In Peter’s letter, he is very honest about the reality of suffering. He doesn’t say, “If you have faith you never grieve” or “Living hope can never be touched by trials.” Instead he tells us that the living hope we have in Jesus occurs in the midst of the trial and difficulty. Christians are people whose hope is so real and so powerful that it remains even in the face of various trials. The reason we can rejoice and have hope in the midst of trial, even though we’ve been grieved, is that Jesus has overcome the world through his death and victory over the grave. (John 16:33)
Grief does has an expiration date. Peter tells us that even though we face grieving trials, it is only, “for a little while, if necessary.” A lifetime of suffering in this world is only “a little while” compared to the everlasting joy of heaven. (Romans 8:18)
The Purpose of Trials (verse 7)
The purpose of trials is to test and prove the genuine nature of our faith. Trials reveal the depth and solidity of our faith. Trials also purify and strengthen our faith. God does this so that our genuine faith can be rewarded with praise, glory and honor.
If faith in Jesus led to perfect health, wealth and a problem-free life, how could anyone tell if a person’s faith was real or just a ticket to an easy life? But if we trust in Jesus even when it’s hard, if we cling to faith even when we suffer, even when it costs us, then our faith has been tested and proved genuine. When Jesus is revealed, he will celebrate and reward every act of our weak faith, every loyalty, every moment of trust. Jesus will praise the faith of Christians who faced trial and continued to trust him.
Our Hope In Trials (verses 8-9)
Peter ends this passage by fixing our attention on Jesus. Our hope is not in an idea; it’s not in a future moment; it’s not in a concept. Our hope is a person.
“…remember that there isn’t a thing, a substance, or a ‘quasi-substance’ called ‘grace.’ All there is, is the person of the Lord Jesus — ‘Christ clothed in the gospel,’ as Calvin loved to put it. Grace is the grace of Jesus... there is no ‘thing’ that Jesus takes from Himself and then, as it were, hands over to me. There is only Jesus Himself… It is not a thing that was crucified to give us a thing called grace. It was the person of the Lord Jesus that was crucified in order that He might give Himself to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.” - Sinclair Ferguson
The inexpressible joy – the joy we can’t explain in the midst of trial – is because we believe in and trust Jesus. It is Jesus’ blood sprinkled on us that gives us a new relationship of peace with God. It is Jesus’ resurrection that has caused us to be born again to a living hope. It is the revelation of Jesus on the final day when our faith will be rewarded. It is Jesus who is our inheritance and our great reward! Our living hope is the living Jesus Christ. There is no hope apart from him.
.
The outcome of our faith is not an easy life, perfect health, respect of the world or wealth in this world. The outcome of our faith, won by Jesus’ death and resurrection, is the salvation of our souls. It is this salvation that allows us to rejoice and gives us a living hope even in a world of dying hope.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Kevin's Hargrave Weekend
Kevin arrived home last night along with his college roommate, Andrew, so that they could drive down to their high school alma mater, Hargrave Military Academy, a Christian college prep school in southern Virginia where both Kevin and Andrew spent their high school years. They are going down to Hargrave for Alumni Weekend, which has become an annual tradition for Kevin, and he has participated every year since graduating from there in 2007.
On Thursday, the boys took the bus from New York (the boys go to SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx) to Washington DC, then caught the Metro (DC's subway system) out to the stop near our home in Maryland. They spent the night here, and then drove Kevin's Jeep to Hargrave Friday morning.
Apparently these weekends are quite wild! A whole bunch of his former classmates get together at one of their friend's house at Smith Mountain Lake. They build a big bonfire, go swimming and camp (unfortunately it is supposed to be really cold this weekend). Throughout the weekend, Hargrave has lots of activities planned for the alumni, which the boys (out of a class of 90, only 4 were girls) participate in.
I hope Kevin and Andrew have a good time down there this year. And, stay warm!
Kevin and Andrew getting ready to drive down to Hargrave.
The boys getting underway for their 5 hour drive to southern Virginia.
Kevin's already got the look of mischief on his face and he's barely out of the driveway!
Jackie and Steve
Dad and mom, with Steve, Jackie and Dennis is the background.
Me
The fire trucks are moved out of the station and tables/chairs set up for the dinner.
Kevin arrived home last night along with his college roommate, Andrew, so that they could drive down to their high school alma mater, Hargrave Military Academy, a Christian college prep school in southern Virginia where both Kevin and Andrew spent their high school years. They are going down to Hargrave for Alumni Weekend, which has become an annual tradition for Kevin, and he has participated every year since graduating from there in 2007.
On Thursday, the boys took the bus from New York (the boys go to SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx) to Washington DC, then caught the Metro (DC's subway system) out to the stop near our home in Maryland. They spent the night here, and then drove Kevin's Jeep to Hargrave Friday morning.
Apparently these weekends are quite wild! A whole bunch of his former classmates get together at one of their friend's house at Smith Mountain Lake. They build a big bonfire, go swimming and camp (unfortunately it is supposed to be really cold this weekend). Throughout the weekend, Hargrave has lots of activities planned for the alumni, which the boys (out of a class of 90, only 4 were girls) participate in.
I hope Kevin and Andrew have a good time down there this year. And, stay warm!
Kevin and Andrew getting ready to drive down to Hargrave.
The boys getting underway for their 5 hour drive to southern Virginia.
Kevin's already got the look of mischief on his face and he's barely out of the driveway!Prime Rib at the Firehouse
.
After I got the boys off to Hargrave, I joined Dennis, my mom and dad, and my sister, Jackie, and her hubby, Steve, at our local firehouse for prime rib. This is the second year that the Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department has hosted a prime rib dinner. (They almost always have spaghetti dinners.) For $16 a person, we had a delicious slab of prime rib, yummy roasted potatoes, home style green beans, baked rolls, creamy cole slaw and chunky applesauce. For dessert, there were 3 or 4 types of cakes. I can't wait until next year's prime rib dinner!
.
Jackie and Steve
Dad and mom, with Steve, Jackie and Dennis is the background.
Me
The fire trucks are moved out of the station and tables/chairs set up for the dinner. BTW, this is my mom
Me outside the fire station
Me outside the fire station
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Harpers Ferry and Introducing God
I spent the day helping my friend, Denise, who is a middle school teacher, chaperone 17 eighth graders on a field trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. A quick history lesson of Harpers Ferry includes the town’s significance in the Civil War.
In 1796, President George Washington established a federal armory and arsenal in Harpers Ferry. Forty-six years later, John Brown believed he could free the slaves, and he selected Harpers Ferry as his starting point. In October 1859, Brown attempted to seize the 100,000 rifles and muskets stored here as a first step in his revolutionary scheme to rid the nation of slavery. The plan failed when local militia and a contingent of marines under the command of Robert E. Lee seized Brown and killed or captured nearly all of his raiders. Brown holed up in the “fort” (really just a small armory), but was eventually captured, tried for treason and subsequently hanged in Charlestown, Virginia (later to become West Virginia).
The Civil War, which Brown’s raid helped to bring about, trapped Harpers Ferry on the border between North and South. After Virginia forces seized the armory in April 1861, “Stonewall” Jackson dismantled the weapons-producing machinery and shipped it south to produce arms for the Confederacy. He returned to Harpers Ferry in mid-September 1862, during Lee’s first invasion of the North, and conducted a brilliant siege from the mountains that forced the surrender of both the town and the Federal troops stationed there – the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War.
During our visit to Harpers Ferry, we visited the John Brown museum, where we learned all about Brown’s unsuccessful raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859. We then participated in a program with the National Park Service, whereby the students divided into 5 groups, and each group constituted a real family that was living in Harpers Ferry during Brown’s raid. Each group received background information on their family, and then they had to decide if they were going to remain in Harpers Ferry during the Civil War or leave Harpers Ferry. We then went to each family’s “home” and the respective group of students told what their decision was and why. The park ranger, Meredith, then told us what the “real” family did, in fact, do. It was really fascinating to learn so much about the actual residents of the town; it brought the time period and raid to life.
We all had ice cream before heading to the Visitor Center for the drive back home. It was a long day, but a lot of fun and educational, too!
Yes, these are real, live dogs on the roof of this porch!
I got home in time for a quick nap before heading out again for the first week of this session’s “Introducing God” course conducted by (and at) my church, Covenant Life Church. IG is an 8-week evangelistic outreach course that looks at who God – and Jesus – is. For non-believers, as well as those who want to build their faith or just learn more about Christianity, the course uses the bible to explore why God created man, how man alienated himself from God by declaring his own autonomy, what God did to redeem man through Jesus, and what this means to us. I help host a group of about 15 folks: 4 of us church members and the others are guests. Each week we start out with dinner, then we hear a 45-minute presentation on the night’s topic, followed by group discussion.
This is the third IG course I have been involved in (before IG, I was involved in Alpha), and I have been witness to the God-changing effect it has had on many people’s lives. Non-believers have given their life to the Lord and secured their places in Heaven. People weak in their faith have grown in the knowledge and love for God. Even strong believers have benefited greatly from the course through the weekly messages. I am so blessed and humbled to be a part of this ministry and experience first-hand the awesomeness of God at work in peoples’ lives, including my own. I have made so many new friends in Christ through this ministry… people whom I would never have known before, but whom I now cherish. I give unending thanks and praise to God for giving me this opportunity to serve His people and to honor Him in this capacity for His glory and for the sake of His Kingdom.
I spent the day helping my friend, Denise, who is a middle school teacher, chaperone 17 eighth graders on a field trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. A quick history lesson of Harpers Ferry includes the town’s significance in the Civil War.
In 1796, President George Washington established a federal armory and arsenal in Harpers Ferry. Forty-six years later, John Brown believed he could free the slaves, and he selected Harpers Ferry as his starting point. In October 1859, Brown attempted to seize the 100,000 rifles and muskets stored here as a first step in his revolutionary scheme to rid the nation of slavery. The plan failed when local militia and a contingent of marines under the command of Robert E. Lee seized Brown and killed or captured nearly all of his raiders. Brown holed up in the “fort” (really just a small armory), but was eventually captured, tried for treason and subsequently hanged in Charlestown, Virginia (later to become West Virginia).
The Civil War, which Brown’s raid helped to bring about, trapped Harpers Ferry on the border between North and South. After Virginia forces seized the armory in April 1861, “Stonewall” Jackson dismantled the weapons-producing machinery and shipped it south to produce arms for the Confederacy. He returned to Harpers Ferry in mid-September 1862, during Lee’s first invasion of the North, and conducted a brilliant siege from the mountains that forced the surrender of both the town and the Federal troops stationed there – the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War.
During our visit to Harpers Ferry, we visited the John Brown museum, where we learned all about Brown’s unsuccessful raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859. We then participated in a program with the National Park Service, whereby the students divided into 5 groups, and each group constituted a real family that was living in Harpers Ferry during Brown’s raid. Each group received background information on their family, and then they had to decide if they were going to remain in Harpers Ferry during the Civil War or leave Harpers Ferry. We then went to each family’s “home” and the respective group of students told what their decision was and why. The park ranger, Meredith, then told us what the “real” family did, in fact, do. It was really fascinating to learn so much about the actual residents of the town; it brought the time period and raid to life.
We all had ice cream before heading to the Visitor Center for the drive back home. It was a long day, but a lot of fun and educational, too!
Yes, these are real, live dogs on the roof of this porch!
I got home in time for a quick nap before heading out again for the first week of this session’s “Introducing God” course conducted by (and at) my church, Covenant Life Church. IG is an 8-week evangelistic outreach course that looks at who God – and Jesus – is. For non-believers, as well as those who want to build their faith or just learn more about Christianity, the course uses the bible to explore why God created man, how man alienated himself from God by declaring his own autonomy, what God did to redeem man through Jesus, and what this means to us. I help host a group of about 15 folks: 4 of us church members and the others are guests. Each week we start out with dinner, then we hear a 45-minute presentation on the night’s topic, followed by group discussion.This is the third IG course I have been involved in (before IG, I was involved in Alpha), and I have been witness to the God-changing effect it has had on many people’s lives. Non-believers have given their life to the Lord and secured their places in Heaven. People weak in their faith have grown in the knowledge and love for God. Even strong believers have benefited greatly from the course through the weekly messages. I am so blessed and humbled to be a part of this ministry and experience first-hand the awesomeness of God at work in peoples’ lives, including my own. I have made so many new friends in Christ through this ministry… people whom I would never have known before, but whom I now cherish. I give unending thanks and praise to God for giving me this opportunity to serve His people and to honor Him in this capacity for His glory and for the sake of His Kingdom.
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