Here's a cool site, if just for the presentation alone. I recommend it for more than presentation alone, however, lest i be misconstrued. It is one of many things Ganns Deen is doing these days. And congratulations are in order as he heads toward his wedding.

Does anyone else blog as voluminously as Irene Q?

As we approach Thanksgiving in the United States, let's remember the persecuted church in China and throughout the world.

Station No. 20

Charles snuck back in to the cafe shortly after Rosa had left the second time. He had simply crossed the street and stood at the newsstand looking at the daily papers, waiting for her to return, pay for the tea and go home.

As he slid through the door, casting a glance over his shoulder just to be sure she was not around, he found the same seat near the window where he and Jason had been sitting originally. Jason was up and helping customers. Charles noticed a book laid on the table in such a way as to keep the book open to a particular page. It was the complete, unabridged volume of Chin li’s poetry.

Charles picked up the book and read the poem which was marked.

There is a voice in the wind;
There is a charm in the stars;
There is a romance in the storm
And i hear a call to enter even this chaos.

Although Charles and Jason had never discussed Chin li’s work, he assumed it must be Jason’s book. Jason seemed like the type of man who would be familiar with Chin li, and Charles fancied himself and Jason to be men who were intellectually savvy, appreciating art and beauty.

“That’s one of my favorites,” Jason said, startling Charles.
“I have never read this one before,” Charles said. “I did not know there was an unabridged compilation of his poetry.”
“A friend of mine who exports coffee, tea and other items from Indonesia found it for me,” Jason continued.
“I’m not sure I completely understand this poem,” said Charles with a tone in his voice which gave Jason the impression that Charles was pretty confused.
“Sometimes you have to spend time with a particular poem before it comes into focus,” Jason said. “Would you like to borrow the book?”

Charles was glad Jason had offered the book. He had been wanting to ask for it, but as Charles was not the type of man who was comfortable asking for anything from another person, he had been silent as his heart ached. Jason knew Charles enough by now to know more or less what was going on in his heart and mind, and — because Jason was the sort of man who felt good things were meant to be shared — was quick to make the offer.

Charles headed out of the cafe but not home. He walked the streets with the book clutched tightly to his chest and his coat pulled up to his face to keep out the chill. He did not know where he was going.

Wonderfully Made Part 2

i was not going to post this, but i couldn't help myself after reading Francis Mooney's post on the child. you have got to see these pictures. the link is worth following.

The struggles shared by Irene Q which have received much attention in the blogosphere among concerned Christians are very real and significant. i have mentioned these in the past few days, but felt an acute need to mention another aspect of the struggle after hearing from some friends of mine today who have been mistreated at the hands of Christian leaders.

i will not resort to gossip about the particulars, nor will i malign anyone's character. i will, however, say that all too often the leaders within the Church of Jesus Christ have no ears. Sadly, those who are put in a position of nurturing the flock are often guilty of being too fixed on their own agendas to hear the tender cries, and at times the raw screams, of those whom God has entrusted to them.

Jesus was never like that. He listened and did not rush past the pain of the hearts to which he sought to minister. Jesus was always driving to the heart, with every person he met _ whether they were tax collectors and prostitutes or religious leaders. Would that we had that same drive and purpose. Instead, we can be so focused on programs, attendance figures and marketing the church as though it were a product to be sold.

i can say all this from personal experience. i committed all the crimes of which i speak. i am humbled and outright ashamed at the way i behaved in some _ not all _ situations. Many good things happened and i am grateful for that. And yes, God still works through His very flawed church. But let's not hide behind that and whitewash the truth: leaders often get a intoxicated with their power and prestige in the church. When that happens, people get hurt instead of getting the compassion which _ quite frankly _ Christ would have given them.

These words from a praise song have been speaking to me powerfully the last few days.

You are the fountain of my life.
And in Your light i find my reason.
Your love reaches to the stars, even the great deep.
Your love reaches to this heart and it makes me sing.

Your love reaches me, it's what i need, it's what i need.