What Profit in Your Prayers?

I WAS HUNGRY:
and you set going a humanisitc association,
and you discussed my hunger.
Thank you.

I WAS NAKED:
and in your mind you debated
the morality of my appearance.

I WAS SICK:
and you knelt and thanked God
for your health.

I WAS HOMELESS:
and you preached to me
of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I WAS LONELY:
and you left me alone
to pray for me.

You seem so holy,
so close to God.
But I am still hungry and lonesome, so cold.
So where have your prayers gone?
What does it profit a man
to page through his book of prayers
when the rest of the world
is crying for his help?

CLIMBING MOUNTAIN DEO

Once all the people of the world were one, they lived, they cried, they laughed and they died together - all in the shadow of Mount Deo. But when selfish ambition and greed were released from their prison people became suspicious of one another, they sought division rather than communion, and they ignored the shadow of Mount Deo.

Humanity planted new villages and towns in the valleys and plains surrounding Mount Deo. In all directions they dispersed around the Mount: to the East, the West, the South and the North they fought and claimed land as their own. They developed new rules of living, new laws of life and they sought to find new paths to climb the mountain.

For many years suspicion fed jealousy and people allowed xenophobic hedges to grow. Every now and then the people would attack one another - accusing each other of cultural, moral and religious superiority. Tolerance and acceptance in the face of diversity are hard won today, in the shadow of Mount Deo.

But, despite the inherent distrust and suspicion of all others, there existed a kernel of hope. Suspicion and greed could not completely destroy the power of friend - and from the villages in the shadow of Mount Deo four friends met: they ate, they laughed, they cried - and they hoped.

They hoped for a time when once again, the people in the shadow of Mount Deo would honour and respect one another; they prayed for a time when diversity would not divide but unite; and they longed for an era that would be defined by acceptance in the face of difference.

From the vantage point in their villages, Hameed, Isaac, Daryl and Yun stared with eyes of hope at the summit of Mount Deo. Hameed looked east and saw the sun rise above the peak, Isaac looked north and watched the shadow slowly shrink, Daryl gazed west as the side of the mountain was lost in darkness and Yun stared to the south as the shadow cast by the rising sun changed the shapes on the face of the slope.

The friends stared in awe at the same Mountain - and yet, as each of them had named it differently, so too the summit and the path to it, appeared different. Each of them imagined a different journey. Each of them plotted a unique path to the summit - yet each of them longed for the same goal - the Summit of Mount Deo.
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Is it possible that the Cartographer has mapped multiple paths to Summit Deo and that humanity, in its division and diversity has named them in their own language? Is there a hope that the climb, though by different paths, and the reaching of the summit, though by different light are more important than the name, the language, the division, the dispersal and the past?

Is Santa Real?

As parents we decided that when our daughter asked if Santa was real we would tell her the truth - that Santa was as 'unreal' as the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. We just didn't think that the question would come before she turned 3! (And let me say that the lifting of the conspiratorial veil of parental secrecy did not spoil the excitement, or anticipation of Christmas, Easter or loosing teeth.)

Our decision was based on the theory that if we told her the truth about these cultural idols then when she asked us if Jesus was real she would know that we were telling the truth - and that not only did God exist but that he was engaged in our living.

It is interesting to me that the issue of 'proof of God' is not just a matter for children. For most, if not all euro-centric theological institutions the priority for the examination of the existence of God is a core subject, and necessarily a priority. Hours are spent researching the ontological, cosmological and teleological arguments for God.

This same focus, the revelation and proof of God is reflected in the majority of preaching and teaching from platforms all over the western ('minority') world. We want to have proof that God exists, that there is a supreme being that is in control.

The interesting contrast is that in my experience with Pacific Islanders, Africans and Asians, (and from a theoretical cultural anthropology perspective) the people of the 'majority world' know that God exists. Their priority is not 'proof of God'.

They know that God exists, they have a practical theology that accepts and interacts with the spirit realm. They want a theology of healing, demonisation and poverty. They want to hear about how the God that lives will step into their reality and make a difference - now!

It's not enough to pronounce that God is Real, God is the Answer, or that Jesus is the Reason unless we are willing and able to move beyond the theoretical, cognitive, scientific and rational argument and be jesus in relationship: in love, acceptance, healing, freedom and sharing.

Delayed Gratification

The message came across loud and clear as I watched the TV the other day. Not only do I deserve 'it', but I deserve it now!

There is no doubt that two values that define our generation, and inform our lives are individualism, and immediacy. I take care of myself and at a stretch for 'mine', because I'm worth it. Not only is it all about me, but it should be mine now. Financial, emotional or physical debt is irrelevant, the way my wants affect you is irrelevant - providing I get what I want when I want it.

These same cultural values are reflected in the church. (Proponents find biblical justification for it, but let's face it we could justify anything if we tried hard enough.) There are loud voices crying in the wilderness, demanding individual evangelistic results. They are keeping score, cutting notches in their bibles and arguing that unless I am 'winning souls for Jesus' and doing it now, that I am failing as a Christian. They suggest that a relationship is only worth my time if a salvific result is achieved quickly.

This model of evangelism betrays a selfish agenda - it seems to say more about me than it does about 'others'. It appears to be more about validating me than valuing others. It's more about results at any cost; cheap, quick cultural conversion and a notch in my leather bound study bible.

If this is the model of evangelism to which I am to be held to account then I'm a failure, and I suspect I'm not alone. Lucky for me I don't believe it's Jesus' model (or is that just my justification?). It seems to me that Jesus was in for the duration, the long-haul relationship -not the lightening raid!

Sri Lanka

Amazing news of cessation of three decades of war, but I can't help feeling some degree of cynicism. Is it really over? Have the most passionate of people really laid down their arms uncinditionally? And regardless of the immediate outcome, what of the cost to Sri Lanka and her people?

And where to from here? I've heard the cries of 'One Nation, One People' but who gets to decide? Will the Tamil (and Moor) minorities actually get a voice in the decisions to come? And what future is there for the thousands of displaced people - those Sinhalese and Tamil people who fought to live and in the process lost homes, family and friends.

In the sprint to create a nation who watches out for the citizens that won't matter?

I don't pretend to understand the complexities that inform a thirty year war. But there are some that have benefitted from the ongoing fighting, there are some that have made their reputation: but I do not believe that it is over for thousands who were, and will be, used as pawns in an essentially greedy and ugly grab for power.

WELCOMING STRANGERS

The issue of assylum seekers and their journey through Indonesia in the hope of finding safety and hope in Australia (and New Zealand) is one that continues to dominate the media and political agenda. Images of fishing trawlers burning and survivors in bandages perpetuate the emotive agenda of refugee advocates, whilst political speak of security and economy drive politicians on both sides to call for another discussion – to build a better, cleaner way to welcome (approved and limited) strangers.

Our leaders tell us that the main issue is the “scum of the earth” (Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, AAP) that profit from the transport of assylum seekers, not the refugees. Apparently, providing a person fits within the United Nations category of refugee, and meets the requirements of entry into our ‘lucky country’, we are ready and willing to welcome them! But, those people smugglers, “they should rot in hell”. (K Rudd)

So why don’t we circumvent the people smugglers? Why don’t we put a fence around the cliff instead of a screaming ambulance on Ashmore Reef?

I know this is hugely simplistic, but surely the establishment of a refugee assessment / processing unit (with the approval and partnership of the Indonesian government) on the ground in Indonesia would be a better use of finance, not to mention it would remove the client base from the privateers (or is that pirates) that would trade on the desperation of hope-driven humanity. This refugee assessment centre could conceivably accept (or return) and transport personnel from Indonesia cheaper than protecting borders, salvaging ships and hospitalising asylum seekers. And again, it has the potential to remove the people smugglers from the scene – after all they’re the problem.

Killing Crocs

The discussion about killing all the crocs within a certain area in the Northern Territory got me thinking.

Apparently we are going to declare open season on the animals because they have killed a couple of idiots that decided that if they went swimming in croc infested waters they would be safe. Despite all the warnings, the documented stories, the experience of many others over many years and the signs that say "Don't Swim Here" - they believed that it would never happen to them. So society decides, it's not the fault of the idiot but rather the croc.

I wonder what would be said if we applied the same logic to tobacco and alcohol. Perhaps we should cull these 'killers' too, after all they are responsible for the deaths of many more idiots that despite the warnings believe that lung cancer, or liver poisoning, or death as a result of drunk driving will never happen to them.

If it isn't their fault then blame must be laid on the "crocs", mustn't it!

Lies or Lapse in Judgement

It seems that there is a difference between lying and not telling the truth, until you're caught out.

Recently former Federal Court judge Marcus Einfeld was sentenced to jail for telling lies. All in an attempt to avoid a $77.000 traffic fine. Not too much later the government dismissed Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon's failure to disclose trips to China as a "lapse in judgement".

Now, I'm not an expert but it seems bizarre to me that we would sentence any person to jail for lying. Given the costs of incarceration and the apparent over population of jails - I am sure there has to be a better way of publicly shaming and punishing a person for lying. Or is Einfeld being punished so harshly because he is supposed to be a man of truth, a man we respect both for that which he has achieved and for the office that he held.

On the other hand a sitting government minister (a man elected to represent the public) speaks in parliament and acts contrary to accepted and published rules of behaviour and he is excused, his is just a 'lapse in judgement'!

Public figures: church leaders, government ministers and judges should be held to a high standard. We should be able to rely on them to tell the truth. But maybe we should hold them all to the same standard. There should be no parliamentary privilege, or governmental grace, that excuses a 'lapse in judgement'.

The same standard by which Einfeld was judged for a $77.00 lie should be used to examine Fitzgibbon's (perhaps) $ 10,000.00 lie.

Any person that seeks a position of power; any person that represents others, should be held to the highest of ethical standards. No person who seeks to be a leader should be excused for a deliberate, self-protectionist, lapse of judgement: a lie. I join Prime Minister Rudd in his understatement, I "expect better'.

Let's be honest Fitzgibbon's (and Einfeld's) main problem was that he got caught. It's just as well we can expect better of all our other politicians, church leaders and judges otherwise our jails might be a little more crowded and our parliaments, churches and courts a bit emptier!

Attitude

When a motivational products company interviewed Tim Dumler by phone for a sales job, he told them his goal was to become their number one employee.

After meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So, despite serious misgivings, they hired him. And it's a good thing they did. He came in early, worked late, and within six years became their top producer.

His clients loved him because when you're blind you become a great listener. And his associates loved him because of his caring, positive attitude. He said, "It's unfortunate that I'm visually impaired but adversity made me a better person. I have a lot more than I don't have."
Tim has the 100-degree attitude!What's the 100-degree attitude?

At 99 degrees Celsius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great. (Story from the Web)

Attitude, yours and mine, has an amazingly powerful influence on the effectiveness of our ministry.

Attitude can reveal more about who you really are than anything you say, or do. It can be that one thing that makes me want to hear what you say, or walk away. And that’s completely unfair because it’s entirely subjective—and often irreversible.

Integrity (and therefore potential for influence) can be destroyed in five seconds by attitude, but confidence and trust take infinitely longer to rebuild.

Bushfires

I have had the privilege of working in the communities of Whittlesea, Kinglake, Kinglake West and Flowerdale over the past three weeks. Called up to help coordinate the Material Aid Centre in Whittlesea I spent the first 10 days or so working with a team of people that took delivery of the mountain of generous donations given by people from all over Australia.

My role in the last few weeks has changed focus to the affected communities (pictures opposite) up in the hills. It's here that I have experienced, and been on the receiving end, of just about every human emotion. And most of this as a result of well intentioned people; people who want to help and so make promises that cannot be kept, (or at least not in the time frame that the affected people need).

One of the things I am reminded of in this experience is that well intentioned is not good enough! It is not good enough to send well intentioned people into these environments - we need people that understand the emotional and physical roller coaster that is in play here. We need experienced people that are able to separate the barrage of anger from the release of frustration and fear.

We need organisations that have used the devastation to gain exposure by advertsising assistance to keep their word!

No longer is it good enough to promise and hope delivery is possible - we need to be professional: we need to know our limitations, our resources and our capacities and we need to do what we do well.

Promises

Development and transformation are built on trust. Trust is built on integrity. Integrity is built on a foundation of reliability. If promises are made they must be kept! If decisions are advertised they must be carried through. If your word cannot be relied upon, then your integrity is flawed, you (and any organisation you represent) can not be trusted and you will not be a catalyst for effective transformation.

I think the most destructive element in building a relationship of trust is broken promises. Don't advertise that you can provide a service if it is not ready to go. Don't use promises to make you look good, or even to make the other happy and to give them hope, unless you have the authority and resources to fulfill the promise.

'Let your yes, be yes, and your no, no!' More often than not you only have your word as an individual; you only have your integrity - don't base your promises on any organisation's resources or reputation - hopefully (and more often than not) they are reliable - but ultimately a relationship (and a shared journey) is built between individuals not organisations.

What a Week

Now that I have remembered the details to sign in I can finally update my blog... and if that was the only reason why I haven't updated it that would be great!

I would imagine that everyone knows about the Bushfires that have devastated the Victorian (Australia) countryside. I heard a comparison the other day that claimed that the area of land that has burnt so far is approximately the same as England, and with a death toll climbing over 180 people it is Australia's worst ever natural disaster.

The fires began in the early hours of Saturday 7th and within 20 hours had wiped out entire towns, joining together to create an awesome wall of fire almost the entire width of the state. It was on Monday (9th) that I was called in to help coordinate the material aid centre in Whittlesea, a town just 30 minutes up the road from where I live and work now.

I arrived to find an amazing group of volunteers, many of whom had been on the go for over 40 hours, and now just needed support and a break to re-group. It has been my privilege to work with these people to provide a place where people can donate, (mountains of clothes, shelves of food and many other goods) and a safe and quiet place where the victims can find supplies, support and safety.

I've heard amazing and terrifying reports of fire and escape and stories of death and devastation. I listened to a child of 7 tell us about the wall of fire that raced behind them down the road. I sat with a man who three days after the fires was reunited with a partner he though had died. I walked with a man who four days after running for his life had just comprehended that the shoes that he needed for work were in the cupboard, in the bedroom, in the house that was no more.

But in the midst of the stories of devastation there are the stories of heroism, hope, faith and generosity. The people of Australia have, as they usually do, opened their hearts, their wallets, their garages and their cupboards to assist those that have lost the lot. So much so, that we have almost covered an entire cricket ground with pallets, marquees, piles of clothes, food and equipment and that's not to mention the hundreds of people that have come to volunteer their time and talents to relieve and ultimately rebuild.

The Centre and the support effort continues at Whittlesea as I try and juggle a continuing "consultant" role with the work I am supposed to do.