Christian aid agencies suspended from Somalia

According to Ecumenical News International, three Christian Aid agencies have been suspended from Somalia by an Islamic militant group, Al Shabaab. In spite of all three groups insisting that they have not engaged in proselytising, they have been falsely accused of it and are now suspended from Somalia. Jesus said, "You shall know them by their fruit." I think that applies to both those within the Christian faith and those outside of it. Eventually one hopes and prays that the truth will set free those who are enslaved by corrupt and evil tyrants. May God help and have mercy on the people of Somalia who will face further adverse consequences from this oppressive suspension. You can read the article here.

Weird Church Bulletin Announcements

Over the years, I've come across some rather weird and eccentric church bulletin announcements. Recently my wife had some time off and visited a parish, which I won't name, and discovered this announcement:

Health Ministry Notice - "Comfort Boxes"

If you are feeling ill during the service and need a quiet place to rest or wait for an ambulance, a Comfort Box is located in the vestments closet in the Vestry. There is also a Comfort Box located in the entryway to the Parish Hall.

I'm left scratching my head as to what this announcement is actually communicating. First question, which may seem rather ignorant, but here goes: What's a Comfort Box? Second question: Does the announcement imply that Worship Services are bad for your health? I know that Worship Services can be dangerous in that they convict us of sin and work repentance and motivate us to a deeper, risky faith active in love, which leads to a cruciform lifestyle. However, I also believe that Worship Services are good for your health and bestow countless measures of hope, and joy, peace, goodwill, and love to those who attend often. Dear readers, what do you think? I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a comment.

Hiroshima and zero nuclear weapons

Today marks the 65th anniversary of the Americans dropping a nuclear bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The following trailer video emphasises the need to abolish all nuclear weapons. The possibility of terrorist groups accessing nuclear weapons is a scary reality in which we live today. Zero nuclear weapons would bolster the movement towards a more free, environmentally-friendly, and peaceful world for everyone.

Video of LWF president-elect

Here is a video of the new president-elect of the Lutheran World Federation, Munib Younan.

Flower Friday

Marigolds

Pansy

Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love!

Hearts unfold like flow'rs before thee, Praising thee, their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the gloom of doubt away.

Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.

[Text: Henry van Dyke; Tune: Ludwig van Beethoven]

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come. [The Song of Solomon 2:12]

Book Review on Meltdown Iceland

Meltdown Iceland: Lessons On The World Financial Crisis From A Small Bankrupt Island

Roger Boyes

Bloomsbury US, 2009

256 pages, $31.00, Hardcover

During the 1990s and 2000s, Iceland had a group—quite small, about 30 altogether—of political and economic elitists; who were influenced by the free market ideology of Milton Friedman, President R. Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. These Icelandic politicians and business entrepreneurs were a new breed of people; abandoning traditional Scandinavian values for avarice and the premise that they could compete and win economically in the world markets.

These elitist Icelanders did everything within their powers to become numbered among the world’s rich and famous. They were frequent flyers to New York or London for dinner or a day’s shopping in the most expensive restaurants and shops of the world. They rented posh hotel rooms or purchased trendy flats in New York, London, Copenhagen and elsewhere.

In contrast to most Icelanders; who were content to live a modest lifestyle by often combining fishing with farming or small businesses; the new breed of Icelanders came up with creative ways and schemes to invest their money through their national banks, which they had privatised. The problem was that they spent more than they earned. Yet, living in denial of the financial crisis of Iceland and the larger world; the new breed of Icelanders kept on taking risks with their investments and racking up even more debts.

The end result of Iceland’s free market, right-wing economics and politics was that their nation went bankrupt. Now Iceland is forced to its knees and has to receive loans with conditions from the International Monetary Fund. Consequently, the burden of debt for every Icelandic household is astronomical—likely; it is estimated, requiring three generations to pay it off. If life for the younger generations becomes too hopeless; many of them may seek better opportunities by immigrating to other countries.

As payment for their debt; some foreign governments who invested in Iceland are making the case for their right to have access to Iceland’s natural resources—primarily water and geothermal energy. Iceland views this as a threat to their national sovereignty. It seems the future of Iceland remains rather uncertain—will they be able to retain their national sovereignty or are they destined to be a satellite province of one or more of the other Scandinavian countries?

Quotation from Laurens van der Post

"Life decreed that I survive it, unlike a great many people who deserved to survive more than I did. In that sense, it was significant. I think everything in life is significant. But it's dangerous to look back--though it's good to remember. Look what happened to Lot's wife. Remembering is an act of making the past present. Looking back is an act of wishing the present into the past."