Gulurun!
Went to the Guluwalk (and we actually ended up running a large part of it despite some crazy heat!) this Saturday to raise money for the children of Northern Uganda . . . It was a good event with a lot of folks with a lot of passion and drive, and a good amount raised I believe. It was wonderful to be around so many folks of all ages who were actively involved, and it got me thinking . . . There seems to be such a groundswell these days of politicians, movie stars and ordinary folks like you and I engaged in the growing awreness of need in the world, coupled with a commitment to “do something”. I know that it is far from a new thing, but it is heartening to see the trifecta of action, awareness and passion that continues to rise.
I have been reading Jeffrey Sachs book “The End of Poverty - Economic Possibilities for Our Time”, which outlines in some detail a specific plan to end extreme poverty in a relatively short time. Sachs’ contention is that we are the first generation in the history of civilization that has the ability to do this in such a targeted way. As the economic advisor to the UN his voice is one I am excited to listen to . . . His plan may not be perfect (and I am DEFINITELY not an economist!), but if there is a chance we can stop it, can we do anything else but try?
And just think, how amazing it would be to tell our grandkids about how extreme poverty is “just something we teach in the history books”. I hate apathy, and yet see it so much in myself - May my heart burn ever more strongly for those in brokenness in our world . . .
Some resources I have found of interest:
Books:
Irresistible Revolution -Shane Claiborne
The End of Poverty - Jeffrey Sachs
Under The Overpass - Mike Yankoski
Arrow Pointing to Heaven - James Smith
Movies:
Hotel Rwanda
Invisible Children
The Interpreter
The Corporation
The Constant Gardener
Born Into Brothels (Haven’t seen this one yet, but hear it is amazing)
Please let me know if you recommend any others . . .
October 23rd, 2006 at 10:34 pm
hey forgot to tell you on the phone today - i’m reading End of Poverty as well. sometimes the universe does click doesn’t it?
i like it so far and have found chapter 2 - the one about the spread of economic prosperity - really interesting.
October 24th, 2006 at 10:21 am
hey mark,
wanted to stop by and thank you and kim so much for dinner last friday, you are an amazing cook. we had such a great time with you guys, hope to see you guys again soon
hugs!
October 25th, 2006 at 11:35 am
T - Very cool; the universe is totally clicking. I found the history of economics really revealing too . . . We Brits have some stuff to answer for I guess!! Did you think his plan is workable? It’ll be awesome to see you @ Humana, and for talks round the campfire . . . Say Hi to D and the kids!
Niza - Thanks so much!! English lasagna is sooooo much better than the “European” version!! We had an awesome time too, and are looking forward to seeing you guys again soon too.
October 25th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Hey MMM,
To be honest, I haven’t read far enough yet to get into the meat of what he is proposing as a solution. It’s a good read so far though - engaging and interesting. Even for someone who isn’t interested in economics at all [me like you.] But maybe these times and our mission requires us to be interested in it - for the sake of something much bigger, huh?
See you in a few short months.
October 26th, 2006 at 8:02 am
Yeah - I think we can’t afford to not be aware of the OPPORTUNITY we have - Talk about making missional fire - an open invitation to be a part of one of the biggest global movements ever: The End Of Poverty!
“Everything is about to change”
October 26th, 2006 at 9:31 am
I’m in the process of reading End of Poverty as well…the story in the first chapter about visiting the Malawi AIDS hospital was heartbreaking.
I completely agree with everyone above….this isn’t something that we can afford to be neutral on…the resources are there, the momentum is growing….but we haven’t quite reached the ‘tipping point’ when it is on the radar screens of enough of our hearts…hopefully that will happen soon!