Haiti Appeal

Many congregations and individuals have expressed their desire to help in prayerful and practical ways the people of Haiti, following the recent earthquake that has devastated the island.

The UCA Vic/Tas Moderator, Ms Isabel Thomas Dobson has commended the Haiti Earthquake Relief Appeal by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCC), who is raising funds for distribution.

“The images from Haiti of utter destruction from the earthquake prompt our response as Christians in prayer and practical aid.

“Please pray for all in the complex and desperate task of rescue and rebuilding.

For practical assistance the National Council of Churches of Australia, through its relief agency Act for Peace, has launched an appeal that will connect with the international churches and churches in Haiti,” Ms Thomas Dobson said.

The NCCA has requested that congregations conduct a retiring offering this Sunday or the next. You can donate directly to the NCCA website: www.ncca.org.au

Alternatively, SHARE, of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has indicated they will collect funds from individuals and congregations and forward them through to the NCCA for its Haiti Appeal.

People can donate via the SHARE web site www.shareappeal.org.au, by phoning 1800 668 426 or by posting to GPO Box 4355, Melbourne, 3001.

Where you stand determines what you see

Hi Guys,

I have always believed it to be true that where you stand determines what you see. Thus, I think it’s a radical discipleship practice to stand with those without the power.

Below is the ICR’s Video of the crash and then below that the Sea Shepherd’s Video of the crash.

Both are using the footage of the same incident to back up their own position.

What do you think?

ICR’s Clip

Sea Shepherd’s Clip

eurekastreet-vigil for slain Indian student

Below is a great reflection from Cara. Thanks and good stuff Cars.

Keeping vigil for slain Indian student

CARA MUNRO JANUARY 06, 2010

They came to stop the violence. Four, maybe five of them, in dark hooded jackets and pale, worn jeans. Hovering uncertainly in the car park. Shadow-like. Haunted.

Wrongly, we assumed they had come to join us. It was 9.30pm, and we were gathered outside the place to which he had come, bleeding, begging for help. We had initiated this gathering: ‘Bring a flower. Bring a candle. Spread the word. Spread the word.’ And so with short notice we had gathered. With short notice, the word had spread.

Now, these newcomers. It was ‘the media’, angling for a statement, that had alerted them: ‘How do you feel about the protests planned for outside Hungry Jack’s tonight?’ Not wishing for violence to answer violence, the small group of Indian students, who introduced themselves as the housemates and friends of Nitin Garg, had come to stop us.

Greg was the first to respond, with a pastor’s face, wise to the inadequacy of words at times like these. Then Xingi, or was it Soph, with long stalks of white roses. Candles.

On the mutual ground of the restaurant car park we explained that we were simply people from the community. Christians, many of us. Concerned. Compelled. Our desire, like theirs, was for the violence to end. We asked them to join us.

continue reading over at eurekastreet