In Christian community development circles, there is a story about a ministry working in an underserved community. Suburban churches were interested doing weekend service projects with this ministry. Unfortunately, with limited experience and training, there was little that these well-intentioned congregations could actually contribute. Ministry staff decided to tell the visitors they had a wall that needed painting. The visitors would spend an afternoon cheerfully painting the wall, and go away pleased with the notion … [Read more...] about Repaint! For the Kingdom of God is at Hand: Balancing Hope and Critical Analysis in Community Service
short term missions
Summer Snapshot: Research, Teaching, Missions
Assistant Professor Meagan Medley shares the mix of things in her summer with readers in this Summer Snapshot [1]. Also check out Meagan's Scholar's Compass pieces here. Photo: New Orleans at Night, from NASA. While many picture summer as a time of beaches, pools and binge watching the latest drama, God's plans for me this summer involve a juggle of research, teaching, and coordinating mission teams coming to New Orleans. It's such a blessing to have a full plate and to see impact in a tangible way as the typical … [Read more...] about Summer Snapshot: Research, Teaching, Missions
Scholar’s Compass: Building Thanksgiving
World Changers New Orleans, 2014. Lower Ninth Ward Crew of Students working on a house. Summer Staffers Sarah Horton and Megan Tilman (Navy WC Tees on left). And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17 (ESV) Reflection Oh how I give thanks throughout the year: Thank you Lord for the new school year! Thank you Lord for Fall/Spring Break! Thank you Lord for a light hurricane season! Consider yourself blessed if … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Building Thanksgiving
Issues in College Christian Humanitarianism: Part 3
"Join Wall Street. Save the world." This article went viral in my Facebook feed: [Jason] Trigg makes money just to give it away. His logic is simple: The more he makes, the more good he can do. He's figured out just how to take measure of his contribution. His outlet of choice is the Against Malaria Foundation, considered one of the world's most effective charities. It estimates that a $2,500 donation can save one life. A quantitative analyst at Trigg's hedge fund can earn well more than $100,000 a year. By giving … [Read more...] about Issues in College Christian Humanitarianism: Part 3