Kibera,..... Lord, you know that I love you..... Really!!??

So, imagine you're one of about 1.2 million people (and by some estimates, up to 3 million) in a community, and immediately adjacent to your home is a stream. It has rained the previous night and the stream is overflowing,... y'know, similar to your local river after the torrents have come. Downstream, a goat has relieved itself in the water that feeds your brook. You have to go to work, presuming you can find work, and your children have to go to school crossing the footbridge outside your "backyard" that crosses the stream, that the goat has relieved itself in. You step nimbly across the muddy footbridge, one foot across the other, -- you do this everyday-- and you and your children are on your way to find work and to go to school. Stepping through mud across the refuse and sewage as you make your way ot the main road, you greet others along the way,.. "jambo, habari gani?",... "mzuri sana, na wewe?" is the reply and you in turn respond, "mzuri sana", very well. But is it well? Kibera, perhaps the world's largest slum in the center of Nairobi, Kenya is home to the worst poverty on this planet. There are more routinely stories of disease, teen pregnancy, unclean water, no sanitary conditions or electricity, than not,.. all in an area 2 km square containing 10 villages. Today we trampled, climbed, slid and otherwise journeyed through three of these villages: Gatwakera, Soweto and Kianda. These 1.2 million people live here, I get to go home and eat a nice meal. The children, play here, amidst the unsanitary conditions, sometimes falling as they do, but these conditions are alien to my children. "How are you?" is the song heard as the visitors pass many smiles ripe for picture taking. But this is not a pretty picture and we woudn't be smiling if we lived here. As we walk, replying to the greetings we receive and returning the smiles, our hearts are heavy as is the dusty air, and as we continue on, our allergies are affected,.. our eyes begin to water,... tears of allergy,.. or are we crying for Kibera?


My kids, their kids, they're all God's kids, and regardless of where they were born, should anyone "live" like this? Susan Werner's Gospel Project says it well: "When I close my eyes so I would not see,.. my Lord did trouble me. When I let things stand that should not be, my Lord did trouble me. " Not enough of us are troubled when see this, or, too many of us close our eyes. The problems of Kibera and Mathare Valley and other places are too numerous to mention or think about much less solve, but this generation can at least begin the process. We fight over strips of land in Palestine and Israel, when the land we should be concerned about lanquishes in poverty and desperate need. The war on which we need to concentrate is one that combats disease, homelessness and other elements of poverty while claiming human dignity as the victory prize. We decry abortion while allowing those born to exist in squallor. Do you want this for your children? Perhaps the answer is obvious, but we have turned away from many obvious answers while neighbors suffer and die. Jesus said, the poor will always be with you because he knew that without Him, we'd turn away,... like we turned away from Him. He also said, that we should "love each other as I have loved you", and He knew that without Him, we wouldn't do this, yet we say we reciprocate the love He has for us. "Lord you know all things, you know that I love you." Do we really? So, maybe the key is that Jesus needs to be in the love we extend to each other and in the eradication of poverty. Smart man, that Jesus. If we want to be like Jesus, and He didn't turn away from the poor, why do we? Can we hold all children in our hearts, the way Jesus holds us in His? Do we really love and want to be,... like Jesus?

The road to nowhere?

Just returned to Nairobi from Ruai... Now if you've never heard of Ruai, it might be because 'you can't get there from here'. Oh, Ruai has much life to it and plenty of people, ...not like its a deserted small town (although compared to Nairobi, its miniscule). But the roads we were on,-- and roads is a very generous term,-- the travel and the smaller towns and communities, were a little reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure, and now, ...Cat Stevens' "Road to Nowhere" springs to mind. But this road to nowhere, --first becoming quite narrow, then dissolving into tracks of mud--evaporates completely into about 1600 acres of grassy and very often muddy Kenyan plains that, by June 2011, my fellow travelers say, will begin to take shape as a community of homes, shops, a hospital/medical training center, a postal office, complete with electricity and clean running water (rare in these parts). Now, this place is home to cattle, Nomadic Masai tribes, a few empty brick dwellings dotting the landscape, whose completion was clearly postponed due to lack of funding. Here, there is no tapped electricity, no clean running water, no medical care or other amenities usually associated with sustained healthy community living. But the 11 men I'm traveling with on this bright Kenyan afternoon have a vision, a blue print, the courage and the faith resources to breathe life into this Kenyan plain.

There are many excellent projects on the African continent that are inspiring, courageous, and with abundant vision. Africa is not a place where sadness abounds. Even within areas of desperate poverty, there is contageous hope. All too frequently though, we miss that which uplifts and report that which provokes feelings of sorrow, leaving us with a picture of Africa as an area of civil war, drought, famine and despair. But the balance is, that African citizens have refused, for centuries, to succumb to the images and perceptions of a world determined to undermine its vast sea of inner spirit, confidence and strength for revival. And so, the 12 of us gather on this dusty, muddy and grassy plain to visualize a community where hope lives in abundant supply. Such a community could serve as a model for changing the world's perception of a place that refuses to be forgotten. This community and those giving it birth, could be the impetus for changing a continent.

Jesus said to His 12, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Through following a vision for this City of Hope, are these 12, assembled here this afternoon, living the reality of becoming fishers of men, encouraging the human spirit, attempting to redirect our human destiny? We can do no less than to follow Christ and His vision and desire for a wholistic and healthy society. It appears that these 12 may be realizing that. These 12 may be answering Jesus' call to follow him. Isn't this the call that all of us should answer? Maybe the road doesn't have to lead to nowhere.

Choices, choices, choices

Victor was just under two years old, or maybe he was just over two,... didn't say much, so we couldn't ask him and its otherwise hard to tell his exact age. And there's no one to ask,... they're all busy doing other things. Can't say where his parents are, so its a bit strange that this little boy is laying on the examining table, peaceful but alone, with the flurry of activity around him and in other parts of this room.

Leaving Victor, we walk past a woman, Maria, laying on a gourney, alive,.. although barely,.. weak and pale, also not saying much, a bit more activity though, but most people are in other parts of this room doing other things. Its seems the real action was not with Maria or Victor but in another direction of the room where I.V.s were quickly hung, electrolyte solutions rapidly opened with the accompanying background sounds of groaning and crying and an atmosphere of urgency, without which people would die.

From one table to the next we move past the half-dead and almost dead human beings in the re-hydration room of St. Mary's Missions Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Water and food are precious commodities here and if you don't get enough of either, you will be faced with the very real possibility of dehydration. Or maybe the real enemy you face is diarrhea. Dehydration and electrolyte depletion are close cousins, and there's a home for you here, in the re-hydration room, if not comfort and healing. Hence the I.V. fluids and electrolyte solutions. So, we live in a world composed of 75% water, yet we need a rehydration room. Seems like and oxymoronic situation. And its not so much that there isn't sufficient water, ..there is. Its a matter that on this planet, resources have not been directed to insure that the water is kept clean. And in areas of drought, efforts are not made to bring fresh water to those in need. Even in the end, in a re-hydration room in sub-saharan Africa, human resources are so diminished that we choose to attend to those who might survive rather that attempt revival of those who we know won't.

So there lays Maria, not her real name but perhaps a suitable one, on the half-dead or almost dead list. Maybe she'll find renewed life, maybe she won't. Her groans are muffled and becoming softer and her breathing more shallow, as attendants rush past her to save those they can. Choices, choices, choices,....Oh yeah, and as for Victor, the almost two year old, he's already dead, so that's one less choice that will have to be made. And by the way, we never knew his real name, but made the choice to call him Victor. We don't know his real life story, but if you die at the age of two in a re-hydration room, in Nairobi, Kenya, because diarrhea has literally drained the life from you, it seems appropriate that 'Victory' should in some way be attached to your humanity.

We've made the choice to allow much of our planetary population to suffer for lack of clean water or adequate nourishment. We've made the choice to allow many of our neighbors to die, even two year olds, because of it. Paul Tillich has suggested that we impune the credibility of our Christianity when we worship a child born in a manger over 2,000 years ago, yet allow two year olds to die needlessly, today. Could it be that in this, we've made the choice to compromise our planetary humanity?

World Health (Originally posted 2/16/2010)

A new site featuring health from around the planet,... even something for Francophiles (RFI Health News),.. a regular feature of this blog (see Health Links), but for quick access, you can see it here. Check it out,..http://pharmacistforafrica.com/

Play Ball (Originally posted 2/13/2010)

Six days, 4 hours and 18 minutes,,, not that I’m counting, ‘till spring training starts. Just heard that more snow is expected next week,,… don’t know if its fact or rumor, but either way, I think we’re about ready for at least the hint of warmth. So here it is. Spring training is on the way. February 17, 2010, coincidentally my birthday, pitchers and catchers for the Philadelphia Phillies, will report to Clearwater Florida for the start of this year’s spring ritual. Play Ball!! Now if you think this is a bit over the top, consider that this has been the snowiest winter in Philadelphia record keeping history. Yesterday Interstates 76, and 676 were closed, as was MLK and Kelly Drives. Major Universities were shut down, not that the students objected, but that has got to be a first. And so on to the big dig,,.. where are our cars?,.. WHERE ARE OUR CARS?? ,.. need a backhoe just to free ourselves from the imprisonment of our driveways..Now, I’m not complaining, its just that, in my old age I now realize why my father couldn’t wait to head south and take up residence in warmer climes. At the ripe “old” age of 76 he built a homestead in Lehigh Acres, Florida. But he came by it honestly,… my grandparents pulled up stakes and headed for Riverside, California when both were 86. So I can blame it on genes and I guess I have a “sunny” future to look forward to,… no pun intended,.. actually I did intend that,… But anyway, its time to think warm. Let’s imagine putting away the snow blowers and shovels. For me, I have tulips in my house as a reminder that spring can’t be far off. The thought of spring training, the sound of cheering crowds and visions of umpires dance in our heads with sights of 6 feet snow drifts, a distant dream. Bring on the ticket takers and the Philly Phanatic and let’s… Play Ball!!

Speaking of contrasts,...(Originally posted 2/10/2010)

So,.. its 32 degrees F. in Philly, snowy, ...already 8 inches has fallen over the last 12 hours with more on the way,.. and this following the 28 inches from last weekend. In the meantime, in Haiti its 86 degrees, partly cloudly and humid, a slight threat of rain, .. quite a contrasting picture of nature at work,... not the only contrast though. This island nation is still in the tight grasp of extreme poverty, illness and suffering. On of our major concerns in the mid-Atlantic U.S., centers on digging from under the snow. Their major concern centers on digging from under the rubble and poverty that has buried much of the country. Hunger and health care are prime concerns,.. living from day-to-day is a prime concern, ....survival and where to bury the dead are prime concerns, ..all following the massive earthquake that devastated the already weakened infrastructure and has left hundreds of thousands in need of a home, food, health care or a hug. Where do orphaned children find a home, or a Mother, her missing child? Quite a contrast indeed.

And so my good friend, Michael Johnson, boarded a plane in Philadelphia yesterday, made his way to Ft. Lauderdale FL and is now enroute to Port au Prince Haiti on a plane he describes as a "cargo transport with seats". Michael is a surgeon with his primary practice in Nairobi, Kenya. He's used to contrasts. Amidst the palm trees of Nairobi, he's used to seeing suffering of the highest magnitude. Working within a tropical climate, he's become accustomed to hearing the groans of the poor. Within corrupt governmental structures, he's acclimated to watching unnecessary death. Or has he? In developed nations, we take for granted the "luxuries" afforded us by our systems. The human rights we enjoy have eroded our sensibilities such that we become negectfully blind to our neighbors circumstance and need,... even when our neighbor is the island a few doors down the block. But then again, we do that when our neighbor literally lives on our block. But when we truly care, is it possible to ever become habituated when our neighbor hurts?

So Dr. Michael Johnson is traveling with 21 others on "Missionary Flights International" to Haiti. Unnecessary suffering, for them, has not been accepted as the norm. When they reach Port au Prince, they are sure to witness the vast array of needs that have plagued this island country for centuries. Michael is sure to be confronted with the lack of infrastructure that will prevent him from a straightforward route to the hospital where he's needed. The starvation of the country is guarenteed to greet them upon arrival. There is little doubt that these missionaries will use their gifts to care for someone before they exit the vicinity of the airport. Let our prayers and thoughts be with them. They serve with love and compassion.

Jesus talked about healing repeatedly,.. and looking closely at this, perhaps our human commonality is in the healing we all seek. And so while there are contrasts of weather and the diversity of climatic events, congruity can be the result of healing. Physicians may physically provide healing to the sick, but can receive healing through the hope and love provided by the human spirit. And maybe this is what we see in Haiti and other places in the world: Healing and hope become mutually exchanged commodities, ...contrasts yield to similarities, and we find that we can love and care for our neighbors. All we have to do, is get out of the way. Contrasts?... What contrasts?

The size of our minds (Originally posted 2/6/2010)

Let's think BIG in the name of Jesus. Sometimes we, as human beings, think on a small scale in or Ministries and service to Jesus. Are we afraid of the power He could unleash in our lives, if we were truly to believe in, and practice His greatness. I'm not convinced that when we live in our smallness, we honor His greatness.. Its true, we are finite creatures, but can we, in that limited nature, tap into His infinitude through our faith. He did say, "If I be lifted up from the earth, I'll draw all men (and women) unto me" (John 12:32). What, exactly, did he mean by this? Was Paul giving us a clue as to what we can become in Jesus when he said "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phillipians 4:13). Let's check out this sermon www.inglewoodfirstpres.org/Think_Big_for_Jesus.htm

Answering the call (Originally posted 1/13/2010)

What a tragedy,..Can you imagine, .. its almost dusk, the ground opens up beneath you, your world begins to crumble around you, literally, and you have no governmental infrastructure, no equipment, little food, no clean water. Night falls, and now, there are no lights. Imagine the long and frightening night of aftershocks, fearful that the next one could be even more devastating than the last. The cries for help and the prayers permeate the dust laden air as you begin to realize that even the closest assistance is countries away. Imagine this at the end of your day. After making your dollar. Its only a matter of where you were born that separates the "developed" world from underdeveloped nations. Only a matter of geography that even the poorest of the poor are faced with even greater physical devastation. On this planet of almost 7 billion, we are called to help our neighbors, regardless of location. In Haiti, as with those victims of Tsunami's in Asia, the call is among this planet's loudest. Will you ignore the weeping of the desperate?... Would Jesus? An organization based in Philadelphia, PA is answering the call, as many are. Visit the website of "Lamp for Haiti" to learn how you can help you neighbor. Will you answer the call? http://www.lampforhaiti.org/

Is it Spring yet? (Originally posted 1/2010)

Ok, Ok, ready for the cold to end? If you want to know what's hot today,.. its not Philadelphia, nor Florida or even L.A. where its currently 53 degrees F. But even that's a heatwave compared to Philly where its 17 degrees F. But hey,. its all perspective,.. In Duluth, MN its 2.5F with wind chills of -13F.. (wonder what that is in Kelvin?),.. some serious cold. Brrr!!!! Do prarie dogs have space heaters?

The meaning of intellegence

The Meaning of intellegence,... an insightful discussion presented on NPR's "Speaking of Faith" concerning the multitude of educational classifications in our society,.. many of which speak of the "social predestination" described by social commentator John Lewis. An interesting analysis of education in America and the "No Child Left Behind" legislation has been written by Mike Rose. Check it out in "Speaking of Service" side panel.

Can you understand this? (Originally posted 1/10/2010)

Just found a comprehensive link describing the current health reform debate and legislation. Trying to understand it all. Roses to anyone who beats me to it. See Kaiser Family Foundation in Health Links in side panel

So, when was this written (originally posted 1/7/2010)

Dateline Egypt, Jan 7, 2010,.. The Egyptian Ambassador to UAE, Tamir Mansour, conveyed the congratulations of Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak to the coptic living in the UAE and his appreciation of the UAE religious tolerance, security and stability the Egyptian community - both Muslims and Christians - are enjoying. Addressing the Mass, Religious and Judicial Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs Ali Al Hashemi said both teachings of Islam and Christianity promote noble values of good, love and peace. He also highlighted the religious and moral approach the UAE is following in its domestic and foreign policy. Seems ironic and antithetical since at the about the same time, if not earlier, a Muslim was killing coptic Christians at a Christmas service. Now its true that one act of violence doesn't a pattern make, or doesn't define a people,.. but,.. when Muslims don't act like Muslims according to the Koran, and Christians don't act like Christians according to the Gospels, where are we headed?.. What do you think? Read about it in Voice of America (Middle East) in the side panel.

Watching your health (originally posted 1/21/2010)

So, 2010 promises to be a busy year for health events. Already the NAACP and Greater Philadelphia Health Alliance (GPHA) are kicking off their year with two health fairs. Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Glucose Screening will be conducted on January 28th at 5000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, and February 4th at 1919 Hunting Park Ave also in Philadelphia. Gotta know your numbers and watch your health. Startin' the New Year right.
---NP

What's in a name?

Habari Ya Asubuhi,.... Kiswahili for 'Good Morning',... and the access name for this blog. So, the other day, my wife Pat, asked me, "Will anyone know what that means?" To which I responded, "Probably not, or maybe a few will, but all will pay attention and ask the same question." So maybe in our discussions with each other the challenge is to stimulate each other to pay attention. The world is changing, and sometimes through paying attention to those aspects of life which may make little or no sense, or that require interpretation, or hmm, maybe some thought?,.. we learn something.... about the changing world, ourselves, where we're going,.. you get the picture. Pretty trite stuff. But important stuff. Do you pay attention to that which all too often doesn't command your attention? So, what is in a name? Habari Ya Asubuhi.

Oh by the way, check out the side panel, Article for the week,... What if Jesus meant all that stuff?