Humanity Care: UPGs and SDGs 11

 

Member Care Updates Special News--January 2021 Issue 141

Member Care Updates Expanding the global impact of member care Working together for wellbeing and effectiveness Special News--January 2021 Blessing the Planet--Blessing the Peoples No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. Isaac Watts, 1719, Joy to the World Image courtesy and (c) ENOD 2017  “The Christian mission requires that we meet basic human needs for education, food, water, medicine, justice, and peace. As is evident in the Apostle John’s assertion that Jesus was sent to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8 NASB), our mission is to continue his earthly mission by undertaking the kind of organized research and enterprises that combat evil in all its forms—violence, injustice, poverty, environmental exploitation, drug trafficking, and disease”. David Hesselgrave, describing Ralph Winter’s “kingdom mission” (2010, p. 196). Quoted in Charting Your Course through the Sectors, Global Member Care Volume 2 (pp. 10-11). The Blessing Music videos of this encouraging song, in multiple languages, during covid and beyond ----------- In this Update we turn our attention to the responsibility to steward creation well--our living in harmony with nature and protecting the earth. In so doing we honor the Creator and seek to bless the entire planet and all the peoples, and hence as far as the curse is found. We feature the recent Special Address by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the State of the Planet (part one). This 28 minute video is a good way to overview and probe the ongoing climate-environment concerns and crises, actions and debates. This is the main item in the Update that we want to emphasize. And then as you have time and interest, part two encourages us to go deeper, presenting several resources related to climate and the environment for perspectives and insights (faith-based, civil society, UN). Note that seven items below are in blue highlights--our suggestions for what to prioritize. It is impossible, and arguably irresponsible, for us to only share a couple items on such a crucial, vast, and diverse topic. Guterres’ message (like the resources in this Update) does not shy away from presenting unpleasant news. In fact, it is disturbing. And it comes at a time when so many of us are really wanting—and needing—to hear some good news in our lives and world. Nonetheless, we encourage you to take the time to prioritize this Special Address, carefully review it, and discuss it with others.  We also continue to include Perspectives and Resources for Covid Care (part three). These materials have been compiled over the past nine months to support you, your family, your organization, and others in your life and to support your work in mission and member care. Finally, as you go through the resources in this Update, consider the links between member care in mission and blessing the planet (creation care), blessing the peoples (humanity care), and battling the pandemic (covid care). This quote below--and others throughout this Update--will surely prime the pump! “What percentage of non-Christians personally know a Christian?...The [research] results are startling in the sense that Christians and non-Christians appear to be living in quite separate worlds. This distance has implications for Christian missions but is also problematic when it comes to dialogue, peace initiatives, environmental and health challenges, and many other areas of human interaction. Our hope is that highlighting the problem will help in planning solutions for the future.” Todd Johnson, David Barrett, and Peter Crossing (2010, p. 29). Quoted in Charting Your Course through the Sectors, Global Member Care Volume 2 (pp. 9-10). Warm greetings, Kelly and Michèle        --Share your comments and resources on our MCA Facebook page  --Send us your ideas and resources for future MC Updates --Forward to your colleagues and networks MCAresources@gmail.com   Featured Resources Blessing the Planet--Blessing the Peoples Image source: Global Peace Index, Institute for Economics and Peace “To put it simply, the state of the planet is broken…Humanity is waging war on nature. This is suicidal. Nature always strikes back -- and it is already doing so with growing force and fury.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Special Address on The State of The Planet, 2 December 2020  “If Jesus is Lord of all the earth, we cannot separate our relationship to Christ from how we act in relation to the earth. For to proclaim the gospel that says ‘Jesus is Lord’ is to proclaim the gospel that includes the earth, since Christ’s Lordship is over all creation. Creation care is thus a gospel issue within the Lordship of Christ.”  The Cape Town Commitment (7-A, We Love God's World, 2010) “We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ—the fullness of life, the repentance and forgiveness of sin, and the promise of eternal life—in word and deed, in a violent world where many are sacrificed to the idols of death (Jeremiah 32:35) and where many have not yet heard the gospel….We are called to care for God’s creation, and to be in solidarity with nations severely affected by climate change in the face of a ruthless human-centered exploitation of the environment for consumerism and greed.” The Arusha Call to Discipleship (2018) ---------- Part One State of the Planet Our Suicidal War on Nature   Source: UN image “I have detailed an emergency, but I also see hope. I see a history of advances that show what can be done – from rescuing the ozone layer to reducing extinction rates to expanding protected areas. Many cities are becoming greener. The circular economy is reducing waste. Environmental laws have growing reach. At least 155 United Nations Member States now legally recognize that a healthy environment is a basic human right. And the knowledge base is greater than ever”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Special Address on The State of The Planet, 2 December 2020  On 2 December at Columbia University, UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented an overview--and dire warning--on the woeful state of the planet. He also highlighted progress in improving aspects of the environment yet clearly emphasized the serious collaborative action that needs to take place at all levels--individual through international--to lessen and/or avert major catastrophes. We strongly encourage you to watch this address and to seriously consider--and critique from your vantage points--the assertions, concerns, and action steps outlined. You can access the video HERE (28 minutes). The text is available in the six official UN languages. Guterres mentioned several examples of collaborative efforts/events in 2021: --World Ocean Summit, Lisbon, Portugal, 2-4 March 2021 --Biodiversity Conference, Kunming, China, 17-30 May 2021 --International Conference on Chemicals Management, Bonn, Germany, 5-9 July 2021 --Food Systems Summit, September or October 2021 --Climate Change Conference (COP 26), Glasgow, UK,  1-12 November 2021 --Global Sustainable Transport Conference, Beijing, China, date  in 2021 TBA   Also noted: --UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) --New Urban Agenda: Habitat III Quito, Ecuador, October 2016 “We face three imperatives in addressing the climate crisis: First, we need to achieve global carbon neutrality within the next three decades. Second, we have to align global finance behind the Paris Agreement, the world’s blueprint for climate action. Third, we must deliver a breakthrough on adaptation to protect the world – and especially the most vulnerable people and countries -- from climate impacts”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Special Address on The State of The Planet, 2 December 2020 Part Two: Going Deeper Examples of Resources to Review “Woe to you shepherds...who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?... Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?” (Ezekiel 34: 1,18 NIV). “The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt” (Isaiah 24: 4-6, NIV). Trash Vortexes in the Oceans  Original source of the above  image unknown. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Ocean, also known as the Pacific trash vortex, is the largest. This area covers about 1.6 million square kilometers--twice the size of Texas and three times the size of France.  An estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. More information: Ocean Cleanup; UN Environment Program, Oceans and Seas; SDG 14: ”Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine  resources for sustainable development” (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Sustainable Development); and Addressing Marine Plastic: A Systemic Approach, UN (December 2019). William Carey Publishing --People Trees, and Poverty, Lowell Bliss (2018). “With climate change, global warming, and the environment making headlines on an almost-daily basis, followers of Christ can find themselves asking, “What’s my role in this? What’s my responsibility? And how does it relate to the Great Commission?” People, Trees & Poverty shares a high-level overview, a snapshot, of what it looks like to reach the unreached through advocacy on environmental issues. However, this book does more than raise awareness and pluck your heartstrings. It concludes with a critical feature, listing additional resources, gatherings, and organizations to move the reader from concern to action.” This is a “snapshot” book. See the author’ longer book, Environmental Missions (2013).   --Biblical Wholism and Agriculture: Cultivating Our Roots. David Evans, Ronald Voss, Keith Wright (Editors, revised 2020).  “New generations are championing responsibility for both the environment and those peoples who depend upon it in all new ways. Biblical Holism and Agriculture addresses the urgent need for constructing a holistic perspective, grounded in the Bible, to appraise the economic, social, ecological, environmental, and spiritual impact of globalization and the unprecedented impact of powerful agricultural technologies, and marketing systems. The holistic biblical perspectives within reference ancient Hebrew insights about responsible freedom for “keeping” the land by people created in the image of God as representatives commissioned to stewardship and justice.”  Mission Connexion Northwest (15-16 January 2021) --This a free online conference endorsed and sponsored by many organizations. Four of the 100+ workshops are on on creation care (e.g., creation care as a mission of God; environmental degradation as an opportunity for sharing the good news); four are on member care (e.g., promoting rest/preventing burnout; member care and global mental health); and four are on trauma care including in the context of COVID-19. Lausanne Movement --Creation Care Network. “Stewardship of God’s creation (creation care) is a clear biblical command and an integral part of what it means to follow Jesus as Lord….But that’s not all: God’s creation is in the midst of a crisis that is ‘pressing, urgent, and that must be resolved in our generation’ (Jamaica Call to Action). This crisis, of which climate change and massive biodiversity loss are just a part, represents an existential threat to the future of human society. The Lausanne/WEA Creation Care Network (LWCCN) is a collaborative effort of both Lausanne and the World Evangelical Alliance to mobilize the global church to respond to this crisis. LWCCN now reaches 130 countries and encourages Christians in every country to work together to heal God’s creation.   --Lausanne Global Insights articles: Devastating Fires and the Church’s Mission: Understanding and Reclaiming Our Call to  Care for Creation, Tim Carriker (March 2020); Climate Change after Paris: What it Means for the Evangelical Church, Ed Brown (May 2016)   World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) --Lausanne/WEA Creation Care Network --WEA Sustainability Center   Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities --Climate and Faith resources   Brigada Today --Creation care resources World Council of Churches (WCC) --Roadmap for Congregations, Churches, and Communities for an Economy of Life and Ecological Justice (2019). See also: Churches on the Road to an Economy of Life and Environmental Justice (four archived webinars, 2020). --Cooler Earth Higher Benefits: Actions by Those Who Care About Children, Climate, and Finance   Frederique Seidel, Emmanuel de Martel (report, 2020); See also: Climate Justice with and for Children and Youth in Churches: Get Informed, Get Inspired, Take Action, Frederique Seidel and Virág Kinga Mezei (toolkit for churches, church-run schools, camps, 2020) --Examples from the WCC Weekly newsletter (10 December 2020): WCC Eco-School 2020 for Pacific region on Water, Food and Climate Justice (18 - 24 January 2021);  WCC interim general secretary welcomes “powerful moment of truth-telling” about climate change (in response the UN Secretary-General's Special Address on 2 December 2020) Roman Catholic Church --Laudate Sí: On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis (encyclical, 2015)  “13. The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home….43. Human beings too are creatures of this world, enjoying a right to life and happiness, and endowed with unique dignity. So we cannot fail to consider the effects on people’s lives of environmental deterioration, current models of development and the throwaway culture....188. There are certain environmental issues where it is not easy to achieve a broad consensus. Here I would state once more that the Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.” United Nations Resources --Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action--A Greener, Cleaner, Brighter Future. “As the world looks to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing global recognition that the catalyst for transformational change is investment in a green and sustainable global economy that produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience to climate impacts. In December, we highlight Sustainable Development Goal 13--Climate Action--as we mark the fifth anniversary of the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change [along with other efffrots for] Climate Action and an end to an unprecedented year with an ambition to recover better, stronger and healthier.” (quote from website)   --UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform offers many resources tracing progress and problems related to the SDGs,  including the foundational Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN (2015). --UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs features many items on its website including  Sustainable Development topics such as the environment, climate, oceans, etc.  --Greening the Blue Report 2020: The UN Systems Environmental Footprint and Efforts to Reduce It. UN Environment Agency (UNEP). “UNEP, in collaboration with hundreds of UN personnel from across the UN System, annually collects and analyses information provided by entities on their environmental impacts and publishes this data and case studies [in this report]…The 2020 edition…focuses on the impacts of over 310,000 personnel in Headquarters, field offices and operations on the ground.” --Paris Climate Agreement 2015. “The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century. The Paris Agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.” (quote from website) UN and Civil Society-Related --The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society."  (quote from website) --UN Global Compact. “Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence, and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. By incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success." Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges; Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.” (quote from web site) Mental Health as Mission (mental health and climate as mission) --Mental Health and Climate Change, Five on Friday, Kathleen Pike (27 September 2019) --Addressing Mental Health in a Changing Climate: Incorporating Mental Health Indicators into Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Katie Hayes and Blake Poland (2018, 15, 1806; doi:10.3390/ijerph15091806) --Psychology, History, and Human Rights. “Past and future generations need guardians to defend their latent interests in the face of capricious short-term policy decisions.” Global Network of Psychologists for Human Rights, Antoon De Baets (25 October 2020)   Concluding Remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres “This is a moment of truth for people and planet alike. COVID and climate have brought us to a threshold.  We cannot go back to the old normal of inequality, injustice and heedless dominion over the Earth. Instead we must step towards a safer, more sustainable and equitable path. We have a blueprint: the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The door is open; the solutions are there. Now is the time to transform humankind’s relationship with the natural world – and with each other. And we must do so together. Solidarity is humanity. Solidarity is survival. That is the lesson of 2020.With the world in disunity and disarray trying to contain the pandemic, let’s learn the lesson and change course for the pivotal period ahead. Thank you.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Special Address on The State of The Planet, 2 December 2020 Part Three--Covid Care Perspectives and Resources Don't fear. Trust God. Do good. Image courtesy and (c) ENOD 2017 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39 NIV Come Lord Jesus, Maranatha Harpa Dei, sung in 10 languages --------- 1. Perspectives Pandemics, like many crises, bring out the best and the worst in us--our selfless and our selfish qualities. The reality of the uncertainties and anxieties of life, and indeed survival--existential risk--is heavy upon the world. Positively, the current COVID-19 pandemic certainly provides plenty of opportunities for us all individually through internationally--to reflect on the types of people we want to be, the types of societies we need to build, and the types of changes we have to make. We join together in solidarity with the world community's efforts, locally through globally, on behalf of covid-care and in hopes to stir up the heroic in all of us. We also note that the many overlapping, problems in our world continue unabated--shadow pandemics--even as this covid pandemic dominates the center stage globally: multi-dimensional poverty, protracted violence, human rights violations, gross inequalities, racism, mental ill health, environmental degradation, etc. This is the ongoing, cascading context--full of challenges and opportunities--in which member care resources need to be provided and developed for workers and their sending groups around the world. And from our faith-based perspective, as co-workers with God engaged in the many areas of “humanity care,” we live and work for God’s glory.  Our recent Updates below are compiled for helping ourselves and others with covid care. Examples of issues/resources: anxiety, trauma, depression, confinement, loneliness, loss, grief, relationship strains, coping for children, work insecurities, spiritual struggles, uncertainty/concerns about what is going on, etc. Have a look! 2. Resources for Covid Care --Grieving Well--Healing Well: Resources for Growing through Loss Global Integration Update (November 2020) --Tough Times: Tougher People:  Best selves--Better world Global Integration Update (October 2020) --Uniting for Covid-Care: Real-Life Ordinary Heroes Member Care Update (September 2020) --Doing Good: Positive Stories in the Pandemic Member Care Update (August 2020) --Staying the Course in Global Member Care: Pandemics, Problems, and Beyond Member Care Update (July 2020) --Managing Stress and COVID-Distress: Faith-Based Resources Member Care Update (June 2020) --Staying Sane during COVID-19: Mental Health Resources  Member Care Update (May 2020) --Confronting COVID-19: “Don’t Be Afraid”  Member Care Update (April 2020) See also these resources: --2020 Year in Review: The Impact of COVID-19 in 12 Charts, World Bank (5 languages) --Curated COVID-19 Resources, SentWell --Covid-19 Impact Survey (on missions, 141 organizations, USA based)  Missio Nexus (Nov. 2020) --Covid Resources, Humanitarian Disaster Institute, Wheaton College --Global Health COVID-19 Response Framework, World Council of Churches (Nov 2020) --WHO COVID-19 Resources and Guidance, World Health Organization Image courtesy Nancy Ford Duncan Member care: Renewing the strengths of our souls No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. Isaac Watts, 1719, Joy to the World Member Care Associates MCAresources@gmail.com Member Care Associates Inc. (MCA) is a Christian non-profit organization working internationally and across sectors. We focus on personnel development for mission, humanitarian, development, and health workers and their organizations; global mental health; ethics and good practice; and integrity/anti-corruption. Our services include consultation, training, research, developing resources, and publications.   Share the Updates with your colleagues and networks Sign up is easy: http://eepurl.com/kcuon ----------   Our Special News-Updates 1) promote the wellbeing and effectiveness (WE) of staff and sending groups and 2) support the diversity of colleagues with member care responsibilities. The focus is on the mission sector with applications for/from the overlapping health, development, and humanitarian sectors. ----------   Global Integration (GI) is a framework for responsibly and actively engaging in our world--collaborating locally through globally for God's glory. It encourages connecting relationally and contributing relevantly on behalf of human wellbeing and the issues facing humanity, in light of our integrity and core values (e.g., ethical, humanitarian, human rights, faith-based). See more perspectives about GI HERE.   You can share your comments and resources on our MCA Facebook Page   More MCA Resources  Recent Publications by Member Care Associates Global Portal for Good Practice (main website) Global Mental Health-Map (website) CORE Member Care (weblog) Member Care Updates Global Integration Updates Member care books Global Member Care: (volume one): The Pearls and Perils of Good Practice (2011;  e-book version is available on Amazon) Global Member Care (volume two): Crossing Sectors for Serving Humanity (2013;  e-book version is available on Amazon)

follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright ©2021 Member Care Associates, Inc. Archived on the Member Care Associates website: Resource Updates section To receive the Updates: http://eepurl.com/kcuon To comment and add resources on the Updates: https://www.facebook.com/globalintegrators MCA blog--Reflections, Research, and Resources: www.COREmembercare.blogspot.com MCA main website: www.membercareassociates.org MCA email: MCAresources@gmail.com   Disclaimer: The material and information in these Updates are shared as a service to the community and should not be seen as an endorsement by MCA or as a substitute for professional medical and/or mental health advice.

Humanity Care: UPGs and SDGs 10

 

Member Care Updates Special News--December 2020 Issue 140

Member Care Updates Expanding the global impact of member care Working together for wellbeing and effectiveness Special News--December 2020 Persecution Pandemics: What Is Jesus Worth? The Insanity of God--The Hope of Humanity Image courtesy and (c) ENOD 2017 Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]? ...Feed My sheep…Follow Me. John 21: 16,17,19 Amplified Bible ----------- In this Update we focus on persecution: the persecution of Christians around the world through harassment, imprisonment, torture, and death (part one), and the persecution of humans around the world through genocide, trafficking, racism, and corruption (part two). It is a tough Update to navigate because the topics are uncomfortable, perplexing, perhaps overwhelming, egregious, often horrific and they are extremely resistant to real change and sustainable solutions. Nonetheless, a guiding light of encouragement for us has been the growing concern and concerted actions being taken locally through globally, many described in this Update. We are also heartened and instructed by the many historical examples of Christ followers and others taking risks to sacrificially and practically love vulnerable, exploited people. Such love is a command from the Lord to cherish and obey and we believe that it is the ultimate measure of our discipleship. In part one we feature the film, The Insanity of God (2016) which explores the persecuted Church and which is making its rounds again internationally. We also include resources for understanding and supporting the persecuted Church. Permeating the material in part one is the central theme in the film: "Is Jesus worth it?" And a corollary question, "How can we learn from and love the broken, yet often flourishing Body of Christ, His beautiful Bride? In part two we share some of the latest reading and thinking we have been doing--and struggling with--on the broader issues facing our world (Humanity Care). We present these issues in terms of humans experiencing four types of "persecution": genocide, trafficking, racism, and corruption (while acknowledging the relentless, often overlapping additional pandemics that lay waste to people and the planet such as multi-dimensinal poverty, gender-based and domestic violence, armed conflict, nuclear proliferation, trauma, environmental degradation, inequalities, humanitarian crises, forced migration, non-communicable diseases, and mental-neurological-substance use conditons--our many global ails: globeails).  Is Jesus Christ, the hope of humanity, and are people, our fellow human beings, worth it? How can we support Christians and others who are working in these dark realities? Finally, in part three, we continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing Perspectives and Resources for Covid Care. We have compiled a variety of materials over the past eight months to support you, your family, your organization, and others in your life and to support your work in mission and member care.   Warm greetings, Kelly and Michèle       --Share your comments and resources on our MCA Facebook page  --Send us your ideas and resources for future MC Updates --Forward to your colleagues and networks MCAresources@gmail.com   Featured Resources Persecution Pandemics: What Is Jesus Worth? The Insanity of God--The Hope of Humanity All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11: 13,16 ----------- Part One--Persecuted Christians Loving the Broken Body of Christ My Beloved, My Beautiful Bride Don't pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn't pray for a lighter load to carry, but for a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and power. Brother Yun, Back to Jerusalem (2003, p. 58) 1. The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith and Persecution (2016 film) “The Insanity of God is the true story of missionaries Nick and Ruth Ripken. After the death of their son, this ordinary couple journeys into the depths of the persecuted church, asking the question- IS JESUS WORTH IT? How does faith survive, let alone flourish in the places of the world that are over­ come with the darkness of sin, despair and hopelessness? Join the Ripkens as they tell the story of being taught by believers in persecution “how to follow Jesus, how to love Jesus, and how to walk with Him day by day even when it doesn't make sense." The film is based on the best-selling book Insanity of God (BH Publishing) and is released in association with the International Mission Board (IMB).” Note: For a limited time you can watch the film for free HERE. Watch the film trailer HERE. Film review by World Venture HERE. Quotes from the film (slightly paraphrased): --There is not one free church and one suffering church. There is only one church. --I have a doctorate but what can I teach this man who has gone through so much suffering for Christ? --Our prisons are our seminaries. --Is Jesus worth the lives of your spouse...of your children? --Jesus' resurrection and the gospel is authenticated by what people suffer for Jesus' sake. The Insanity of God: The True Story of Faith Resurrected (2013) Book review by The Gospel Coalition HERE. 2. Going Further--More Resouces Commemorating the Witnesses to the Faith (chapter five in Doing Member Care Well, 2002, scroll to the chapter) "This homily was delivered by John Paul II during a special ecumenical gathering, 7 May 2000, to honor all those Christians killed for their faith during the 20th century. It was given at a unique memorial service at the Coliseum in Rome, the ancient site where so many early Christians...gave their lives for their faith....  "[following] the footsteps of the crucified King, becoming a numberless multitude "from every nation, race, people, and language"'...bold heralds of the gospel and silent servants of the kingdom." " Listening to Our Global Voices (chapter 2 in Global Member Care Vol. 1: The Pearls and Perils of Good Practice, 2011) "Our colleagues from around the world have so much to share with us all. We want to carefully listen to them and to learn from one another...--the joys and sorrows, issues and insights--of working in difficult settings. Their voices, and at times their cries, collectively recount the struggles and sacrifices of mission/aid workers, along with their incredible resiliency, the organizational responsibilities for care, helpful member care programs, and discrepancies in resource allocations." Responsible Logistics for Hostile Places (chapter 43 in Doing Member Care Well, 2002, scroll to the chapter) “Doing logistics well in potentially dangerous and antagonistic settings: that is quite a task! This chapter explores this subject via a team which went through sudden expulsion from their host country. There is much to learn as the authors discuss the salient factors which affect outcomes: good preparation, group cohesion, contingency plans, debriefing, organizational support, and concern for persecuted national believers.” Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” (Articles 1,18) Part Two--Persecuted Humans Loving Broken Humanity Genocide, Trafficking, Racism, and Corruption If you travel here, you will feel it all: the brightest and the darkest. If you travel here, listen to your heart and take with you what lasts forever. Traveler’s Song, Future of Forestry  (music video) 1. Genocide --Global Integration Update (December 2020). This new Update features the contributions from genocide scholar Dr. Jane Gangi. As the Guest Contributor, she shares her perspectives as well core resources for understanding, preventing, and confronting the crime of genocide. Historical examples of genocide and current crises are also highlighted, noting that genocide in its many insidious forms continues to plague humanity and that confronting it entails political, social, and personal action--and risks. --International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime (9 December, United Nations). “The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the [1948 Genocide Convention] and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims. In adopting the [UN’s 2015 resolution for this Day], without a vote, the 193-member Assembly reiterated the responsibility of each individual State to protect its populations from genocide, which entails the prevention of such a crime, including incitement to it.” Watch the UN video on The Genocide Convention: A Call to Action (4 minutes) --Geneva Peace Week (GPW), 2-6 November 2020. You can now access the events –presentations, panels, interactions, etc.—from this year’s GPW.  The events are arranged into eight thematic areas, accessible HERE. The themes are: Harnessing the Economy for Peace, Horizon Scan for Cyber Peace, Building a Culture of Peace, What Works in Peacebuilding, A Ne Vision for peacemaking, How to Build peace, Peacebuilding in a Post-COVID-19 Era and Beyond, and Environment, Conflict,  Climate, and Peace. --The Power of Creativity: A Path to Healing for Survivors of Sexual Violence, War, and Displacement (23 November 2020), Global Geneva. “The Rosebush’ is a story cloth created by a woman whose teenage daughter was raped and murdered in front of her by men who had broken into their home at the dead of night. After escaping from Colombia to Ecuador, she joined a women’s circle facilitated by The Common Threads Project. Creating story cloths gives survivors the opportunity to heal and to bear witness to the trauma and sexual violence that are endemic in conflict situations. Catherine Butterly, psychotherapist, trainer and Adviser for the Common Threads Project, spoke to Sarah Grosso, anthropologist and gender consultant, about the healing powers of creativity and the resilience and courage of survivors of SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence) in conflict.” 2. Trafficking in Persons --Human Trafficking. Humanity Care: Unreached People Groups and the Sustainable Development Goals Number 9 (6 November 2020) CORE  Member Care: Reflections, Research, and Resources for Good Practice, Member Care Associates. This weblog features the special issue from Mission Frontiers (November-December 2020, 10 articles), Human Trafficking: The Church Should Stop Supporting It. “People are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced begging, forced marriage; for selling children and as child soldiers, as well as for removal of organs. Women make up 49% and girls 23% of all victims of trafficking. Sexual exploitation is the most common form of exploitation (59% share) followed by forced labour (34% share). Most victims are trafficked within their countries’ borders – those trafficked abroad are moved to the richest countries.” World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 June, United Nations). --United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (2003). “This Protocol to the Convention]  is the first global legally binding instrument with an agreed definition on trafficking in persons. The intention behind this definition is to facilitate convergence in national approaches with regard to the establishment of domestic criminal offenses that would support efficient international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons cases. An additional objective of the Protocol is to protect and assist the victims of trafficking in persons with full respect for their human rights.” --International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) United Nations   --International Justice Mission (IJM). “There are 40+ million people in slavery globally. That’s more than ever before in human history. Slavery is a multibillion-dollar industry. Human trafficking generates $150B annually. Slave owners prey on the poor and weak.1 in 4 victims of modern slavery is a child.” IJM’s work has three parts: “Rescue and restore victims. Bring criminals to justice. Strengthen justice systems.” --Global Slavery Index 2018. Walk Free. "Too often, the onus of eliminating modern slavery is placed only on the countries where the crime is perpetrated. They certainly have a responsibility, but they are not alone in this regard. An atrocity as large and pervasive as modern slavery requires a united, global response. Last year, the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, developed with the International Labour Organization and International Organization for Migration, showed that more than 40 million people globally are living in modern slavery and over a period of five years, 89 million people experienced some form of slavery – whether for a few days or several years. These numbers represent people held in debt bondage on fishing boats, against their will as domestic servants, trapped in marriages they never agreed to, and numerous other abuses. Though almost every country has declared it illegal, modern slavery still exists on a shocking and unacceptable scale in these and many other forms. And yet, action from the countries most equipped to respond is underwhelming. By declaring modern slavery as a problem that happens “over there”, high-GDP countries are ignoring their culpability for this human rights crisis." (page vii)  3. Racism --The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism (2019), Jemar Tisby. “[This book] is not a call to shame or a platform to blame white evangelical Christians. It is a call from a place of love and desire to fight for a more racially unified church that no longer compromises what the Bible teaches about human dignity and equality. A call that challenges black and white Christians alike to standup now and begin implementing the concrete ways Tisby outlines, all for a more equitable and inclusive environment among God's people. Starting today.” (quote from Amazon). “History demonstrates that racism never goes away; it just adapts” (p. 19). “We must learn to discern the difference between complicit Christianity and courageous Christianity” (p.24). “History and Scripture teach us that there can be no reconciliation without repentance. There can be no repentance without confession. And there can be no confession without truth” (p. 15). Watch the book trailer here. --Global Integrity Day—Moral Lives Matter (9 June). “This is a positive day to reflect, teach, and collaborate on ways to integrate integrity in all we do throughout the entire year. It is a day to promote a) cultivating lifestyles of integrity from the individual through the international levels; b) working together to address the causes and consequences of corruption in its many forms; and c) collaborating for just and equitable societies marked with wellbeing for all persons/peoples and for the planet. [It] is also a solemn day to consider our ways…” The theme this year (2020) is Confronting the Corruption of Racism. The featured resources include statements, articles, books, blogs, and music. See also the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965, entry into force 1969). 4. Corruption --Ten Resources for Integrity and Anti-Corruption: Moral Resilience and Relevance for the Church Mission Community (November 2020). Lausanne-WEA Global Integrity and Anti-Corruption Network. “These resources have practical applications at the individual, institutional, and international levels of society, and everything in-between…and inform our collaborative efforts to promote moral resilience and relevance within the international Church Mission Community.” Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity (2012), Katherine Boo. This is an outstanding work of narrative journalism that takes us into the daily lives of people in Mumbai’s Annawadi slum. I (Kelly) found it to be gripping, disturbing, eye-opening, and at times heart-wrenching as it explores the very personal realities of multi-dimensional poverty; individual, institutional, and systemic corruption; and the despair as well as the tenacity of those who survive the undercity, and those who do not. Over one billion humans live in slums or informal setttlements (UN, SDG 11, sustainaable cities and communities). --Faith and Public Integrity Network. “The Faith and Public Integrity Network exists to help Christians deal with the root causes and long-term effects of corruption. We recognise that most efforts to control corruption have failed, and that churches and individual Christians are often complicit in corruption. However, based on the research findings of leading scholars and the experience of our members, we think there is potential for the global Christian community to make a difference.” --International Anti-Corruption Day (9 December, United Nations). “Every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5 per cent of the global GDP…No country, region or community is immune. To mark International Anti-Corruption Day, we will leverage the recognition of the multi-year "United Against Corruption" theme and will continue to support the 2030 Agenda, which forms the backbone of the campaign.” See also the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2003).   The 19th International Anti-Corruption Conference (30 November--5 December). The theme is  Designing 2030: Truth, Trust, and Transparency. Virtual, free. Archives hopefully availble too. "A global community of anti-corruption experts have contributed to the programme…[and] more than 500 speakers…Together, we will assess the future we want to see in 2030, examine the challenges of combating corruption in the current political climate, and connect with filmmakers, activists and journalists who lead innovative and effective advocacy and action against corruption.” Part Three--Covid Care Perspectives and Resources Don't fear. Trust God. Do good. Image courtesy and (c) ENOD 2017 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39 NIV 1. Perspectives Pandemics, like many crises, bring out the best and the worst in us--our selfless and our selfish qualities. The reality of the uncertainties and anxieties of life, and indeed survival--existential risk--is heavy upon the world. Positively, the current COVID-19 pandemic certainly provides plenty of opportunities for us all individually through internationally--to reflect on the types of people we want to be, the types of societies we need to build, and the types of changes we have to make. We join together in solidarity with the world community's efforts, locally through globally, on behalf of covid-care and in hopes to stir up the heroic in all of us. We also note that the many overlapping, problems in our world continue unabated--shadow pandemics--even as this covid pandemic dominates the center stage globally: multi-dimensional poverty, protracted violence, human rights violations, gross inequalities, racism, mental ill health, environmental degradation, etc. This is the ongoing, cascading context--full of challenges and opportunities--in which member care resources need to be provided and developed for workers and their sending groups around the world. And from our faith-based perspective, as co-workers with God engaged in the many areas of “humanity care,” we live and work for God’s glory.  Our recent Updates below are compiled for helping ourselves and others with covid care. Examples of issues/resources: anxiety, trauma, depression, confinement, loneliness, loss, grief, relationship strains, coping for children, work insecurities, spiritual struggles, uncertainty/concerns about what is going on, etc. Have a look! 2. Resources for Covid Care: --Grieving Well--Healing Well: Resources for Growing through Loss Global Integration Update (November 2020) --Tough Times: Tougher People:  Best selves--Better world Global Integration Update (October 2020) --Uniting for Covid-Care: Real-Life Ordinary Heroes Member Care Update (September 2020) --Doing Good: Positive Stories in the Pandemic Member Care Update (August 2020) --Staying the Course in Global Member Care: Pandemics, Problems, and Beyond Member Care Update (July 2020) --Managing Stress and COVID-Distress: Faith-Based Resources Member Care Update (June 2020) --Staying Sane during COVID-19: Mental Health Resources  Member Care Update (May 2020) --Confronting COVID-19: “Don’t Be Afraid”  Member Care Update (April 2020) See also these resources: --Covid-19 Impact Survey (on missions, 141 organizations, USA based)  Missio Nexus (Nov. 2020) --Covid Resources, Humanitarian Disaster Institute, Wheaton College --Global Health COVID-19 Response Framework, World Council of Churches (Nov 2020) --WHO COVID-19 Resources and Guidance, World Health Organization Image courtesy Nancy Ford Duncan Member care: Renewing the strengths of our souls Member Care Associates MCAresources@gmail.com Member Care Associates Inc. (MCA) is a Christian non-profit organization working internationally and across sectors. We focus on personnel development for mission, humanitarian, development, and health workers and their organizations; global mental health; ethics and good practice; and integrity/anti-corruption. Our services include consultation, training, research, developing resources, and publications.   Share the Updates with your colleagues and networks Sign up is easy: http://eepurl.com/kcuon ----------   Our Special News-Updates 1) promote the wellbeing and effectiveness (WE) of staff and sending groups and 2) support the diversity of colleagues with member care responsibilities. The focus is on the mission sector with applications for/from the overlapping health, development, and humanitarian sectors. ----------   Global Integration (GI) is a framework for responsibly and actively engaging in our world--collaborating locally through globally for God's glory. It encourages connecting relationally and contributing relevantly on behalf of human wellbeing and the issues facing humanity, in light of our integrity and core values (e.g., ethical, humanitarian, human rights, faith-based). See more perspectives about GI HERE.   You can share your comments and resources on our MCA Facebook Page   More MCA Resources  Recent Publications by Member Care Associates Global Portal for Good Practice (main website) Global Mental Health-Map (website) CORE Member Care (weblog) Member Care Updates Global Integration Updates Member care books Global Member Care: (volume one): The Pearls and Perils of Good Practice (2011;  e-book version is available on Amazon) Global Member Care (volume two): Crossing Sectors for Serving Humanity (2013;  e-book version is available on Amazon)

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