I was given a subscription to the Digest as a Christmas gift. It looks a little odd stacked up next to my other magazines (Harpers, and the occasional sojourners and new yorker), but I have been reading fairly regulary. I have learned a lot about diet, cancer research, identity theft and other things I don't normally read about, but it was a treat to find this article about farm subsidies to corporate farmers...an issue I have been hearing quite a bit about from organizations fighting poverty, but we call them "commodity payments" rather than subsidies.

Bread for the World has chosen the farm bill (the bill containing titles dealing with commodity payments) as the focus for this years offering of letters. Churches and students are being mobilized to write congress about this bill because commodity payments as well as other titles in the farm bill effect rural communities at home and abroad.

Family farms are often not eligible for commodity payments and struggle to compete with corporate farms that are, and many family farms are forced to mono-crop certian crops soley because they recieve payments to do so, and otherwise their farming is not secure. This hurts the land, takes the creativity and ingenuity out of farming, and binds them to one commodity because it is secured by payments.

Internationally our commodity payments make competition very difficult. Becasue of payments from the government US grown commodities can be sold at an artificially low price on the world market. This price is often below the cost of production for certian commodities. This puts rural local farmers out of business as they cannot compete with such artifically low prices.

Readers Digest criticized commodity payments solely because it is unjust to taxpayers. Why should our tax money go into the hands of wealthy land owners who live in Beverley Hills just because they have a strong lobby and own corn fields?

I thought it was so interesting that we are all wanting the same end, but for different reasons. Give the article a read, and also check out www.bread.org as well as www.maketradefair.com for more information on the farm bill.

-jason

Friend of the Micah Challenge,

This is a new list of the students, professors, and young people who do justice, are passionate about kindness, and walk humbly with God. Some of you signed the Micah Call, others of you visited Micahmorphosis, and others we encountered through campus visits or events. Welcome!

New Developments

Websites

• Micah Challenge's international website got quite the facelift. Check it Out
• Halve-it!. Halve-it A new global justice and MDG resource library.Upload your own resources or check out others.
• Micah Challenge US launches very own website
• MicahMorphosis, a Youth led website of the Micah Challenge is undergoing changes. We believe there is a void among the social networks on the interweb. So to fill that void we are in the process of creating a Social 'Justice' Networking tool that allows student groups, conferences, clubs, and individuals to have their own unique section that they control. This new section would include blogs, photos, events calendars, and whatever else you like. If you see the potential that we see and are interested in helping develop this tool email Jason Fileta.

Events

Mark your calendars--great events from the friends and partners of Micah Challenge US.

• International Rural Development Conference; February 22 -24 2007 at Messiah College, Grantham PA. This student-led conference focuses on the interrelation between faith, cultural issues, public policy, economic development, appropriate technology, and international health...more
• Christian Peace Witness for Iraq; March 16 2007, Washington DC and in Your Community. End the occupation, Support the troops--bring them home, commit to rebuild Iraq, say "no" to torture and "yes" to Justice...more
• Sojourners/Call to Renewal Pentecost: Taking the Vision to the Streets; June 3-6, 2007 at National City Christian Church, Washington DC. The goal of Taking Vision to the Streets is to call individuals, churches, and most importantly, our political leaders to commit to putting poverty at the top of our national agenda...more.
• Bread for the World National Gathering: Sowing Seeds, Growing a Movement; June 9-12 2007 at American University, Washington DC. A totally unique DC opportunity equipped with worship, workshops, lobbying, an interfaith convocationpresidential candidate forum, revival...more
• Want to monitor elections in Sierra Leone? June 2007. Micah Challenge Sierra Leone and Micah Challenge US are working on bringing a group of excited professors and students to monitor national elections in Sierra Leone this summer. We are still in the developing stages of this opportunity. If you want to be part of the discussion, and are interested email Jason Fileta.

Please pass this email on to your friends, family and whoever else may be interested. If you received this from a friend and would like to subscribe please email us. God Bless you as you Do Justice, Love Kindness, and Walk Humbly. ]]> filetaj 2007-02-16T11:59:04-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2007/01/31/notice/index.php comments are temporarily shut down because of all the spam that gets through. its not worth the trouble for the one commentator to comment (sorry mom). from now on if you are dying to tell me something email me

]]> filetaj 2007-01-31T09:30:51-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2007/01/29/the_anticipation_is_growing/index.php The World Social Forum ended last week, and I wish I could have been there. It sounds like such a place of celebration, activism, and solidarity. I know of one Micah Challenge Facilitator who attended, and I am dissapointed that more MC folks were not there.

The world social forum is a collossal event and statement in itself--it typically meets during the world economic forum and contrary to that stuffy neo-liberal meeting it is held in the global south. It is a time for activists, groups, leaders, individuals, and whoever wants to come together and " pursue their thinking, to debate ideas democratically, formulate proposals, share their experiences freely and network for effective action".

Sometimes, the Forum gets a bad rep as being a magnet to leftist, Marxists, anti-establishment activists...but I would re-classify some of these people as innovators who are not afraid to say that the economic process of the last 50 years isn't working and never really was, specifically for the poorset in our world. Here they come together to figure out new ways of bringing the voiceless to the decision making table...and of course I would leave the classification of leftist Marxist for some of the participants who have claimed such titles for themselves.

I wish Micah Challenge (by the way check out the new website) had been more present as I am sure in a setting like the Christian voice is not very strong...and Christianity might be wedded to moral degenerate neo-liberal imperialistic policies that they are there to oppose, for some of the activists at least. It would be refreshing for them, and opportune for christendom to represent at the next WSF. I may be wrong about the underrepresentation of Christians, and will have to do research to know for sure, but this is my instinct.

Finally to what I actually did last week. I went to Wheaton College and had a fantastic time. I was able to have lunch with some inspiring students and faculty, and then attend a task force meeting on HIV/AIDS to discuss the colleges response to this global pandemic.

I wish every school, especially small Christian colleges, had such a task force, and not just on HIV/AIDS, but on the MDG's, Global Health, Hunger, Homelessness, etc. all of our pressing needs in our country and abroad.

For those of you who may live in IL, check out the AIDS benefit they are having at Wheaton College coming up in February...it looks like a good program and if you want more information email me.

Thats all for now, I think I may have promised pictures at some point, they will come.

-jason

]]> filetaj 2007-01-29T11:55:01-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2007/01/01/ringing_it_in_the_baptist_way/index.php Hey Folks,

Its been a long time, my apologies...the holidays have been crazy. I rung in the new year here in Atlanta GA at Antiphony; a fantastic get together of Cooperative Baptist Students. It has been a good time, I was surprised that they know how to party!

Sorry, I lost my train of thought becuase I am doing one of my favorite things, TABLEING! Its so great to sit here and meet new people, pass out business cards, and make chatty. I just met Hali from Mercer college here in GA, she's talking about gettin her CBF bible study engaged in some good ole social action.

I have really appreciated the format of this conference. The sessions have all been smaller and the format is panelists who present for 5 minutes and then on to the questions and discussions. the iead has been to get the students talking and it has worked! I think I may try and copy this format for some future engagements. It also allows for some time to reflect and process all that is learned.

I will post some picture from our New Years Gala, there was dancing, and I mean dancing! I refrained from the dance floor until R. Kellys ignition remix came on...then everything changed. The only thing that was missing was Lil' John and the east side boyz.

Well, pictures and more to come later this week, I hope. Blessings this new year!

-jason

]]> filetaj 2007-01-01T15:30:52-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/12/18/is_every_life_worth_saving/index.php

My friend Heidi sent me this article today. It is by Peter Singer and I was very pleased to read such a sound moral ethic from a leading athiest thinker. The insights made in this article are very challengeing, but also very frank. We can EASILY afford to virtually end extreme global poverty, and we don't. He breaks down how much we could milk from the top 10% of U.S. households without denting their incomes too dramatically, and the number is shocking, especially when juxtaposed with how much it would cost to meet the millenium development goals, and halve global poverty.

give it a read, and let me know what you think.

Read Article

]]> filetaj 2006-12-18T14:28:58-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/12/08/for_you_a_thousand_times_over/index.php I finished reading the kite runner two nights ago, and it rocked me. I had heard about the book for a long time now, and it has been suggested to me that I read it many times. Usually when this happens I pick up the book out of obligation and can't get past 50 pages. With Kite Runner it was different. Though I was reading it because I was told to, it swept me away really quickly.

Though fictional, Kite runner did for me something that needs to happen every now and then, it put a face on injustice. As I just said, it is fictional, but everything that happened in that story happens every day. It reminded me that when I hear baffling statistics about refugees, hunger, war, and orphans that there are complex stories behind each of those people. There are families, loyalties, regrets, beauties and more behind each of those numbers that represent a person.

It also reminded me that there is so much complexity behind everyone that I come in contact with. When I watch a newscast where something awful has happened -- war, natural disasters and the like, and I see someone in the background of the shot I have to remember that they have a story. That the little boys in this photo might have a story as beautiful, heartbreaking, and complex as Amir and Hassan from Kite Runner, or that the man walking with a friend might be walking into a situation as daring and scary as when Amir walked into the Taliban’s sunglasses clad man's house.

I kept thinking these thoughts about the characters while reading. A simple scene where they were on the side of the road, or driving, or on an airplane would send my mind racing about how no one around them knew the depth behind them. They had no clue all that went into the little boy on the plane whom they sat in front of, or the busted up man waiting for a taxi. I realized that I see these people everyday. I walk by someone and to me they are just a face, but there is always more.

This was a really good reminder for me as well as the book being a heart wrenching tale that made me ball my eyes out numerous times. Two days later I still find myself repeating the line in my head "for you, a thousand times over".

Anyway...I guess you'll just have to read the book to see why.

]]> filetaj 2006-12-08T11:50:37-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/11/27/give_the_gift_of_disturbing/index.php Christmas is around the corner, and the pressure to get good gifts is on. I've recently discovered that Christmas is a good time to spread the word on good movies, music, and books; as well as develop new traditions that stray from the typical traditions of buying stuff and eating too much.

I like the idea of being disturbed at Christmas, not in the typical negative way, but more like how Christ disturbed this world with his birth. Aside from connotations of mental illness disturbed can mean agitated. Christ agitated the powers and principalities of this world with his entry into this world, but also his life thereafter. As we celebrate that I hope we can be pushed to the similar places. I'll be putting some gift ideas, i.e. movies, books, and other sorts of things that may help us along that path...not just gifts for entertainment and enjoyment, but also to disturb us.

A cool Christmas/advent read is "whose birthday is it anyway?" put out by Alternatives for Simple Living. Whose B'day is full of reflections, fun activities, and good ideas for a de-commercialized Christmas.

One cool example for families is "Gifts of Kindness". This family took a shoebox, cut a whole in top, and wrote "to Jesus, from (family member’s names)". Then each family member tried to do three acts of kindness a week that were out of the ordinary. They wrote down the act and put it in the box. On Christmas day they opened it up and read them aloud. Kind of cheesy, but I think it’s a really cool alternative to kids stuffing their faces with candy and fighting over toys.

If you are interested in this resource email me at filetaj@micahchallenge.us and let me know, I’d be happy to send you ANY AMOUNT

.

Ok, gift ideas. We'll start with movies:

• The Power of One, Apartheid South Africa
• John Q, healthcare injustice in the U.S.
• Lord of War, Small arms trade
• Gandhi, No expl. needed
• The Mission, Jesuits in South America, colonialism
• Romero, Archbishop in El Salvador during trying times
• City of God, Gangs in brazil and child poverty

Those are just a few of my favorite movies that are inspiring, disturbing (in that good way), worth watching with or giving to friends and family.

I'll post some book ideas later this week. Please bombard me with your own movie/music/book/tradition/shopping/anything ideas for a more refreshing holiday!

]]> filetaj 2006-11-27T12:56:48-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/11/10/samaratins_purse_taking_christ_out_of_christmas_giftsor_not/index.php I read an article today on "Christian Today" a global Christian news source titled "Operation Christmas Child Rejects 'Christmas' Gifts". You can read it HERE or read my brief summary below.

For many years Samaritans Purse has facilitated a donation program around the holidays called 'Operation Christmas Child'. Essentially, congregations, families, schools, and individuals fill shoeboxes with gifts to be given to poor and needy children in over 95 countries. It is a HUGE operation that has a lot of support. This year they've asked that no religious gifts are given, i.e. bible stories or coloring books, Christian images, that sort of thing, as well as war or violence related toys, guns, knives, army action figures, etc.

There has been some apparent criticism of these packing rules, mainly pertaining to the "Christian toys" rule. The article quotes from a few folks who think the rule is "bizarre" and "a shame", including religious leaders, and a member of parliament. One accusation in particular stuck out to me:

• John Midgley, cofounder of the Campaign Against Political Correctness, said: "It seems extraordinary that a Christian charity is so concerned about political correctness that it is banning itself from its own core values"

My question for Mr. Midgley is, What core value? Is insensitivity a core value? I think there are two assumptions adopted by people like Mr. Midgley that contribute to this perspective :

• 1. That the act of charity is intended to impact the child receiving the box and him/her alone.
• 2. Sharing the Gospel is only possible by explicitly sharing a 5 step program to Salvation.

I think that the act of charity could have major implications for onlookers in our own neighborhoods and communities--seeing a Christian group acting in benevolence while being sensitive (sensitive to a degree, this type of random gift giving across cultures is a bit insensitive by nature). Also, in this case where there is not a deep relationship and a pressing need is present, I think the message of Christ is more effective if delivered through deed rather than colorful words on a paper in a language these kids may not even know. Now, of course deed alone is not enough just as word alone, word and deed must become one. In this situation of dropping off Christmas gifts I think that the deed alone is the act of necessity and love, not the contents.

So, in response to Mr. Midgley and others I think that Samaritans Purse is holding onto some very core values of the Christian faith, Charity, Love, Sensitivity, Humility, and Generosity.

I also understand that there are and should be differing opinions on this topic, so I'd love to read some comments disagreeing or agreeing.

Now, for your pleasure, photos from the St. Louis Zoo...

All kinds of Penguins,

A derranged Camel who definitely was not at his best,

Zzzzzebras,

Wise Monkeys,

That's all today, have a great weekend!

-jason

]]> filetaj 2006-11-10T13:37:30-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/11/09/60_degrees_and_sunny/index.php I've returned from some travels; Chicago/Kentucky/St.Louis.

I had a delightful time almost two weeks ago with the folks at Hope CRC in Oak Forest, IL discussing fair trade coffee and delighting in fair trade chocolate and more. It was very exciting to go to a church and see people so open to change. Often times if someone waltz's in and tells you that the way you've been doing something for the last 20 years is harmful to people and destructive we push back. Even if it is something as little as where we buy our coffee no one likes to be told that they have been supporting a market that has been crippling farmers and effecting the livlihoods of 125 million people. However, the folks at Hope CRC did not push back, in fact they were eager to push forward as fast as they could and make the switch to fairly traded coffee. I belive they sold out of the coffee they were selling in just that one day. It was so encouraging to spend the day with them and learn from their eagerness and openness.

I left for Kentucky Nov.3 and was there through the 5th. The conference, Engaging our World, was equally as encouraging as my time at Hope CRC. Engaging our world is a student run conference for students in the southeastern united states, and it travels from campus to campus beginning last year at Berea College and spending this year at the University of Louisville. I presented on foreign aid and the international debt crisis. Other topics included everything from the millenium development goals to Buddhist monks explaining the links between spiritual unrest and physical stress...plus everything in between. I got to hear workshops on:

• Art Therapy and Activism
• Community organizing for change
• Animal Rights
• ...and more...
For me the best part of the conference was getting to hang out with passionate folks, listening to people talk about their passions, and learning A LOT from keynote speaker, Paul Loeb.

Paul shared a lot of interesting things with us, but I want to just mention one of them. He was talking about history and how history has been written to take amazing events and isolate them. Example: Rosa Parks "starting" the civil rights movement by refusing to go to the back of the bus on day cause her feet hurt and she was tired. Paul stressed how important it is that we teach the full history, the fact that she was had been the secretary for the NAACP for many years, and that she was already an active member of the existing civil rights movement, and this was not an isolated incident of inspired greatness, but part of a larger river of activism and inspiration and persistence. Within this point he mentioned how we never know who we will impact. Rosa Parks became involve because her husband, Raymond, was a part of the movement. But one thing we don't know is who Raymond involved? Could it have been a man whose hair he cuts (he was a barber), or a neighbor, or a pastor. Whoever did, Rosa and Raymond Parks were part of an interconnected web of activists and committed people who stand for justice, who may never get credit. I felt inspired by this, do I know the next Mandela or King? Or even more likely, do I know the next Raymond Parks who will inspire someone to be a figure head for a movement? Thanks Paul. I encourage you to check out his website and hear him speak if you get a chance.

Finally, after Engaging our world I hopped over to St. Louis to see good friends Scott and Heidi McPheeters. I'll post some pictures from our adventures there, but wanted to say thanks to them for letting me stay with them and showing me their fabulous city.

Till tomorrow,

-jason]]> filetaj 2006-11-09T11:09:41-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/10/27/200_miles/index.php I'm off to Chicago today. I can't wait to see my folks, my friends, and of course do some work. I'm attending an arts festival, the first of its kind on my radar, its called Least. I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures and you be sure to check it out.

Alright, thats it for now, I need to get on the road. oh, and by the way I am giving a "fair trade" teach-in at Hope Christian Reformed Church. When I return I'll post my notes up here for all to see, but in the mean time if you want to read about fair trade check out the following:

• fair trade federation
TransFair USA
• OXFAM, Make Trade Fair

until next time how about some fun pictures.

This is me, my mule, and don manuel:

This is my godchild Verity and I:

Oscar and Kizzy snuggling:

Take care!

-jason

]]> filetaj 2006-10-27T11:56:40-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/10/20/stand_upa_success/index.php On October 15th people worldwide celebrated Micah Sunday and STAND UP. These efforts were organized by the Micah Challenge, the Millennium Campaign, and the Global Call to Action against Poverty. The idea was essentially to create a day in which more people than ever before around the globe could be mobilized in solidarity with the global poor. STAND UP in specific wanted to reach a world record for the most people literally standing up against poverty. It worked!.

23,542,614 people stood up around the world against poverty!. This is so amazing to me. Not because people standing up will end poverty, but because there is something unique about this current movement to end extreme poverty...it is truly global and it is larger than ever before. Working to end extreme poverty is nothing new; however, over 23 million people participating in a single event is new. These people didn't just stand up from watching Brady bunch re-runs and then sit back down. They attended huge events with inspiring speakers, prayer, music, and advocacy opportunities.

The other amazing thing about an event like STAND UP and Micah Sunday is that all of those small justice groups on campuses, or churches, or local organizations that wonder if they are really making a difference with their efforts were united with millions of others worldwide encouraging them and invigorating them to do more. When you realize that what you are doing to fight injustice is not just a stand alone action, but is happening as a part of this huge body globally it gives meaning to the work.

God of course has this perspective all the time. He can see what ever individual is doing and how they all come together to make an impact. We however are not God and thus need events like STAND UP and Micah Sunday to give us a glimpse at the bigger picture, encourage us, and invigorate us with hope. I am happy to be a part of this movement, though my part is ever so small, because I know God will take all of these different things happening worldwide and accomplish with it what He wants.

Well, I don't have too many other thoughts today. I am not traveling too much these days which is nice, but I am looking forward to trips to come as well. Next weekend I am in Chicago, the following weekend I am in Louisville Kentucky and St. Louis, and then I am home for a bit, and then off to DC, back to Chicago, then back home in GR and it will be just in time for Thanksgiving. Well, take care out there.

-jason

Just added Picture of STAND UP Egypt. Mom, what does his sign say? Copyright Millenium Campaign.

]]> filetaj 2006-10-20T11:44:53-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/10/05/election_fever/index.php Hello blog friends, I apologize for my lack of posting, just know that despite my lack of posts I think of you everyday.

So, yesterday afternoon I was going to the Secretary of State to get a Michigan Driver's license, and was naturally listening to NPR in the car. There was a discussion on Talk of the Nation about character and ethics in the November election, obviously sparked by the recent mark Foley scandal.

What was interesting to me on this program was what the callers had to say rather than the program material itself. The first caller I heard talked about how he doesn't think this scandal will affect republican voter turnout because for much of America the Republican Party is the only option. He later went on to say that he is a conservative Christian and that is the basis by which he votes and the republican party is really his only option.

This troubled me as I see myself as a conservative Christian, and I don't see how my heavenly allegiances could ever in a million years fully comply with an earthy political party, republican or democrat! I wanted to call in to testify this but did not know the number. Then, sweet relief, another caller called in and directly said something along the lines of: this is a response to the first caller who called in, I too am a conservative Christian and (this is where it thought his triumphal defeat of party allegiance would come) and I just want to agree that the only party I feel I can vote for is the republican party...He went on to share disappointments with the party but then said his ideal party would be a party that walks their talk, their talk being straight up GOP party lines, whereas now they don't walk their talk. Did that make sense? Anyways, I was disappointed as by the time I got the number to give a different conservative Christian take they were on to another issue. But I want to give that take here...Cause I can :)

I say I am conservative because I believe in the bible as the holy written word of god. I believe that Jesus Chris is God's Son who came to this earth and taught us how to live through His own life and death. And when I go to the polls it is not about parties, but rather it is about morals; specifically the morals that my biblical worldview dictate. Here are a few "hot button" issues for myself, in no particular order:

Torture, something our country fails to lead by example on.
• Global Poverty, 30,000 children dying a day does not come from laziness and poor work ethic but rather unjust systems-political, social, economic, educational, etc. Systems that we have the privileged position of having plenty of influence over.
• Abortion, I hope that we spend less time arguing about a legislation that will not change anytime soon and start figuring out how to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
• the death penalty, "he without sin cast the first stone", and the death penalty assumes that there is no redemption for some folks, where my bible is entirely about redemption.
• Stewardship of the Environment, last time I checked dominion does not mean destroy, but rather responsibility.

there is more, but these are the ones that came to mind right now, but there are more. I would love to hear from you all what issues you care about and where your caring comes from--whether it be faith, or experience, or whatever.

Sojourners just came out with a voters guide to help Christians vote their morals. It mentions some of the issues I mentioned, and many more, some of which I agree with others not necessarily, but it is definitely a great resource and I recommend checking it out.

Well, it was nice to blog again, thanks for reading and please share your thoughts with me. Thanks.

-jason

]]> filetaj 2006-10-05T12:37:41-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/09/28/debt_continued/index.php A long time ago I promised to write again soon, about debt. It just wasn't doing it for me though. In the meantime there were all these other things I wanted write about, but didn't because I didn't want to break my promise, so the result was me not writing for a long time.

A quick re-cap of topics that have interested me over the last week:

-Church in Southern CA getting into tax trouble for a sermon promoting peace rather than war, read about it here

-New Micah Challenge Campaigns popping up all over the world! Including Rwanda and Malawi which is very exciting.

-Zambian elections and reflections of Lawrence Temfwe...which were so good to read I have put them below, and will have to talk about debt another day!

Quoting Lawrence Temfwe:

Vote Virtue

If Zambia hopes to develop its character, it must carefully define its virtues; the most basic values held by a society dictate the caliber of leaders it produces. The society that values hard work, perseverance, creativity, ingenuity and discipline grows leaders reflective of these virtues. On the other hand, societal values of greed, egoism, flamboyant wealth, and slandering produce corrupt leaders. In our country, regrettably, we lean towards producing men and women who believe we should go into politics to get rich.

If a survey of the electorate was conducted in Zambia with the question, “What do you consider the most important variable in a republican president’s success in Zambia?” I wonder how many would say selfless love, sacrifice and integrity. These virtues are not embedded in the lives of our leaders because the church is not doing enough to explain the courage of the cross. As a church we have defined the virtue of success without the accompanying values of hard-work, accountability and integrity. We admire flamboyant monetary success but have low regard for people whose lives reflect deep personal commitments to biblical virtue.

The prevailing winds of virtues have greatly impacted the kind of leaders who will emerge after the 28th September election. The polls are suggesting that it will not be biblical virtues that will carry the day; in fact, those standing and demonstrating biblical virtues in their campaign are at the bottom of the polls.

The Christian community in Chipulukusu (Mapalo), a community in which the majority live on less than $1 per day, knows that social fabric unravels when biblical virtues are distorted or forgotten in a nation. To provide a means of accountability and to deter candidates from pursuing selfish ambitions and ignoring their civic responsibilities, the community has made every aspiring candidate sign a Memorandum of Understanding in solidarity with the community. The memorandum states:

“We the people of Mapalo Community are anguished with the poverty and pain we are suffering, we are frustrated with the lack of basic services and infrastructure in our community, and we are tired of struggling alone. We want to be part of the transformation of our community and our nation, to see it flourish socially, economically and spiritually. Therefore, we make a commitment to work towards the implementation of the stated needs in our community. To see this transformation become a reality it is essential we have the support and action of our elected representatives. We call upon our elected Member of Parliament and Councillor to make a commitment to both act upon and advocate for the implementation of the stated needs in our community…”

Our elected leaders after the 28th may not aspire to lead according to biblical virtues, but when Christians demand virtue of their newly elected leaders, the tide may yet turn. Your vote for virtue may not carry the day, but your continued diligence and commitment to advocate for action will ensure that your elected leader serves you rather than his or her pocket.

Lawrence Temfwe

]]> filetaj 2006-09-28T10:50:07-05:00 http://micahm.gospelcom.net/blog4/archives/2006/09/18/drop_the_debt/index.php Last week I heard a delightful presentation from jubilee USA network, the continuation of jubilee 2000. It was so good to hear that this issue is still on the plate for activists in this country and worldwide.

What was most helpful for me was hearing a clear and well positioned update on what actually came from the 2005 g8 debt deal. The news proclaimed 100% debt cancellation after that momentous occasion, but I have been trying to get to facts of what actually happened.

The news feeds and press releases were correct to some degree. 100% debt cancellation was granted....to SOME countries...from SOME financial institutions...adding up to not enough in my book. Jubilee has a positive yet forward looking perspective: that the g8 debt deal was a first step to a long process.

How the above paragraph breaks down:




• SOME Countries....those that participated in the structural adjustment program known as HIPC, a program consisting of economic reforms that did not work in the 70's, 80's, or 90's so why would they work now? A program that only certain countries are eligible for, and that has taken current graduated countries up to 9 years to complete.


• Some Financial Institutions...debt owed the IMF, World Bank, and African Development Fund was cancelled. This however excludes some very important lenders who many indebted countries still owe monies to.



As the Jubilee campaign says, it is a good first step, and sets some great precedents for future debt activism, but it is not enough. Only 18 countries were eligible through HIPC of at least 62 that need debt cancellation in order to climb out of extreme poverty (jubilee USA). More financial institutions need to be included in the deal, and finally the crazy hoops of HIPC need to be done away with.

This was a very very basic summary of what happened in the g8 debt deal, but for a more complete and encouraging analysis/summary read this.

My next post will look at why debt relief is not only helpful, but how it is legitimately owed poor countries rather than a gracious act of 8 wealthy leaders.

Until then, have a nice day and enjoy the transition into fall.

-jason

]]> filetaj 2006-09-18T15:10:39-05:00