Saturday, December 24, 2005
The Salvation Army--Tsunami Relief efforts
The Salvation Army in India
The Salvation Army first established its presence in India in 1882 and its membership now totals 352,346. Currently there are 1,410 Salvation Army churches, 1,314 outposts, 218 social institutions (which include hostels, children’s homes and hospitals) and 73 schools.
India Central Coastal Rehabilitation Program
Purpose:
To re-establish the lives of 2,776 families who depend on the fishing industry. By working with and strengthening the capacity of local institutions, this project will improve previous living conditions and create sustainable development for the most marginalized groups in Indian society.
Results to Date:
9 supplementary feeding programs for 2,832 families
31 new fishing boats supplied
16 boat engines replaced
68 boat engines repaired
4,973 fishing nets supplied
India South East
Tsunami Rehabilitation
Purpose:
To rebuild several villages in the Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts and the small state of Pondicherry. The reconstruction of damaged housing, the building of new homes and the provision of fishing equipment will allow for livelihood rehabilitation and help these communities to become self sufficient.
Results to Date:
88 new fishing boats supplied, 10 on order
22 fishing boats repaired, 50 on order
40 new outboard motors supplied, 63 on order
40 new kattamarans supplied. 60 on order
510 fishing nets supplied, 250 on order
130 cold boxes supplied, 285 on order
260 boat lights supplied, 150 on order
The Salvation Army in Indonesia
The Salvation Army commenced its work in Indonesia in 1894 with a network of educational, medical and social services. These programs continue as its 42, 581 members operate 196 churches, 128 outposts, 94 schools, 6 hospitals, 18 clinics and 21social institutions.
Indonesia
Aceh Post Tsunami Construction
Purpose:
To construct 500 new homes in the village of Suak Ribee in Aceh Meulabuh. All 500 homes will be equipped with basic household items and come complete with electricity, water and toilet facilities. On December 26, 2005, all beneficiary families will receive written title to both the completed homes and the land.
Results to Date:
408 new homes have been completed
92 homes are under construction
727 new homes to be built in January 2006
The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka
The Salvation Army first established its services in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1883 and currently maintains 45 churches and outposts in the country. Its 4,500 members help run 28 institutions that include hostels, day-care centres, community centres and hospitals.
Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Program
Purpose:
Provide permanent housing solutions for 650 families in the Galle and Kalutara districts. Provide household kits to 650 families. Establish rainwater storage facilities at 650 new homes that will benefit 3,250 people with clean drinking water. Re-establish the livelihood of 1,200 families through the provision of business skills and employment creating business opportunities. Conduct substance abuse surveys that will educate 27,531 people about the negative consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Establish 3 community centres in Galle, Hikkaduwa and Kalutara that will include education facilities for children, HIV/AIDS and trauma counseling, gender awareness and a variety of other community services. Establish community based early tsunami warning systems in the Galle and Kalutra districts.
Results to Date:
A detailed funding proposal has been finalized and submitted to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), for use of government matching funds.
The Salvation Army first established its presence in India in 1882 and its membership now totals 352,346. Currently there are 1,410 Salvation Army churches, 1,314 outposts, 218 social institutions (which include hostels, children’s homes and hospitals) and 73 schools.
India Central Coastal Rehabilitation Program
Purpose:
To re-establish the lives of 2,776 families who depend on the fishing industry. By working with and strengthening the capacity of local institutions, this project will improve previous living conditions and create sustainable development for the most marginalized groups in Indian society.
Results to Date:
9 supplementary feeding programs for 2,832 families
31 new fishing boats supplied
16 boat engines replaced
68 boat engines repaired
4,973 fishing nets supplied
India South East
Tsunami Rehabilitation
Purpose:
To rebuild several villages in the Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts and the small state of Pondicherry. The reconstruction of damaged housing, the building of new homes and the provision of fishing equipment will allow for livelihood rehabilitation and help these communities to become self sufficient.
Results to Date:
88 new fishing boats supplied, 10 on order
22 fishing boats repaired, 50 on order
40 new outboard motors supplied, 63 on order
40 new kattamarans supplied. 60 on order
510 fishing nets supplied, 250 on order
130 cold boxes supplied, 285 on order
260 boat lights supplied, 150 on order
The Salvation Army in Indonesia
The Salvation Army commenced its work in Indonesia in 1894 with a network of educational, medical and social services. These programs continue as its 42, 581 members operate 196 churches, 128 outposts, 94 schools, 6 hospitals, 18 clinics and 21social institutions.
Indonesia
Aceh Post Tsunami Construction
Purpose:
To construct 500 new homes in the village of Suak Ribee in Aceh Meulabuh. All 500 homes will be equipped with basic household items and come complete with electricity, water and toilet facilities. On December 26, 2005, all beneficiary families will receive written title to both the completed homes and the land.
Results to Date:
408 new homes have been completed
92 homes are under construction
727 new homes to be built in January 2006
The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka
The Salvation Army first established its services in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1883 and currently maintains 45 churches and outposts in the country. Its 4,500 members help run 28 institutions that include hostels, day-care centres, community centres and hospitals.
Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Program
Purpose:
Provide permanent housing solutions for 650 families in the Galle and Kalutara districts. Provide household kits to 650 families. Establish rainwater storage facilities at 650 new homes that will benefit 3,250 people with clean drinking water. Re-establish the livelihood of 1,200 families through the provision of business skills and employment creating business opportunities. Conduct substance abuse surveys that will educate 27,531 people about the negative consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Establish 3 community centres in Galle, Hikkaduwa and Kalutara that will include education facilities for children, HIV/AIDS and trauma counseling, gender awareness and a variety of other community services. Establish community based early tsunami warning systems in the Galle and Kalutra districts.
Results to Date:
A detailed funding proposal has been finalized and submitted to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), for use of government matching funds.
Tsunami: A Year Later
Tsunami: A Year Later
Michael Stittle, CTV.ca News
One year after a massive tsunami struck Banda Aceh, the reconstruction continues. The natural disaster altered the city's landscape forever. But, less visible are the deep psychological wounds carried by the survivors.
"Everybody has a story here of what happened to them," Canadian Red Cross worker Russ Froese told CTV.ca. "I'm so impressed by how resilient these people are and how they get on with life. But if you scratch the surface you find all kinds of issues."
The island of Sumatra is a highly earthquake-prone area. Tremors are as common as the rain, and residents never feared the shaking until Dec. 26, 2004.
"We get tremors every week," Froese said. "And if there are any large tremors, people don't take them in stride like they used to. There's a lot of terror in their eyes. They'll be calling relatives; they'll be looking to the ocean to see if another wave is coming."
Froese said the anniversary will be a dark, sorrowful affair. Everyone has lost friends and family.
"The anniversary is going to be something that is very personal for people," he said.
"We're not trying to have big events, because people will be going to mass graves, which are all over the city, and doing very personal things to commemorate their loss and remember people."
The Canadian Red Cross has committed itself for 10 years to help rebuild the city. It is a complex operation. Most of Banda Aceh survived the tsunami relatively unscathed, including the city's airport and downtown area. However, the outlying coastal area -- roughly a third of the city -- was wiped out, destroying the fishing industry.
"They had a lot of the villages and housing right near the water," Froese said.
"It's not habitable now because the land is sunk. A lot of it is underwater. The wells have been tainted by seawater. You have to move them and that's where the problems have arisen.
Because you have to find replacement land, get the government to come up with a policy of who's going to pay for it, and register people."
According to Froese, most of the land was never registered before the disaster. It must now be done in the customary Muslim manner, he said, using witnesses. But in some villages, where the tsunami killed up to 80 per cent of the population, there are no witnesses left.
Waiting for housing
In Banda Aceh, an estimated 70,000 homeless can only wait, their lives still on hold.
Zoelfitri, who like some Indonesians only goes by one name, lives in a homemade shanty on the outskirts of the city, where he cares for what remains of his family. He knows that international aid has reached Banda Aceh, but is frustrated with the results.
"We know a lot of money is going to Aceh, but where is it? Where are the buildings? Where is the construction?" Zoelfitri, 32, told The Associated Press.
Aid organizations are working hard to construct new homes. Sewage pipes are also being laid, and a major road on the west side of the city is being rebuilt.
According to AP, roughly $4.5 billion US in relief money has been collected for Banda Aceh and the province of Aceh:
The World Food Program estimates it has spent more than $125 million US in Aceh during 2005. Of that amount, $20 million US bought helicopters and airplanes to transport survivors and cargo, while $26 million purchased 72,000 tons of food aid.
British-based Oxfam gave $11.5 million for public health, including sanitizing water and the construction of new wells.
Save the Children has focused on restoring schools, investing $1 million US on text books and supplies. About 20 per cent of Aceh's schools were destroyed.
There are billions of dollars still to be used, as charitable organizations like the Canadian Red Cross prepare to spend years in the reconstruction.
Banda Aceh is not alone in its struggle to rebuild. The United Nations estimates that more than 230,000 people died either directly or in the weeks that followed the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami. At least 31,229 people died in Sri Lanka, 10,749 in India and 5,395 in Thailand.
Many of the survivors are still waiting for adequate shelter.
"Large numbers of survivors remain forced to live in sub-standard conditions that fail to meet criteria for adequate housing and living conditions dictated by international human rights standards," the UN said in a statement.
Sri Lankans hope for change
The problem is typical of many areas in Southeast Asia. In Galle, Sri Lanka, the conditions are far worse. About 95 per cent of the population is still homeless, living in flimsy shacks with little protection against the heat and rain.
Shivani, who lives in a tin-roofed temporary shelter in Galle with her daughter, is one of the many victims waiting for help.
"I'm not asking for a palace," Shivani told CTV's Matt McClure. "Just a small home like we had before, where my daughters and I can forget about everything we lost that day."
Basic sanitation problems, like garbage collection, remain unresolved. Worse, when the tsunami struck it carried waste that polluted the city's water supplies.
Recovery has been slow partly because the tsunami crippled the city's infrastructure, leaving Galle's workers helpless to rebuild. The mayor, Mohammad Arif, still remembers the desperation in the first days following the disaster.
"When we saw this devastation, we didn't know what to do," he said. "We were not eating, we were not drinking, because we were so sorry."
Aid groups like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are hoping that rebuilding the city's infrastructure will help solve Galle's homeless crisis. FCM has an $11-million partnership with Sri Lanka to restore its municipalities.
One year after the tsunami brought so much destruction to Banda Aceh and Galle, aid workers know it will take far longer before their efforts bring noticeable results. In Banda Aceh, where most of the city survived, the slow progress can be baffling.
"On one hand, you've got a city that is working, thriving, moving along," Froese said. "It's so frustrating not to be able to just turn this around."
Michael Stittle, CTV.ca News
One year after a massive tsunami struck Banda Aceh, the reconstruction continues. The natural disaster altered the city's landscape forever. But, less visible are the deep psychological wounds carried by the survivors.
"Everybody has a story here of what happened to them," Canadian Red Cross worker Russ Froese told CTV.ca. "I'm so impressed by how resilient these people are and how they get on with life. But if you scratch the surface you find all kinds of issues."
The island of Sumatra is a highly earthquake-prone area. Tremors are as common as the rain, and residents never feared the shaking until Dec. 26, 2004.
"We get tremors every week," Froese said. "And if there are any large tremors, people don't take them in stride like they used to. There's a lot of terror in their eyes. They'll be calling relatives; they'll be looking to the ocean to see if another wave is coming."
Froese said the anniversary will be a dark, sorrowful affair. Everyone has lost friends and family.
"The anniversary is going to be something that is very personal for people," he said.
"We're not trying to have big events, because people will be going to mass graves, which are all over the city, and doing very personal things to commemorate their loss and remember people."
The Canadian Red Cross has committed itself for 10 years to help rebuild the city. It is a complex operation. Most of Banda Aceh survived the tsunami relatively unscathed, including the city's airport and downtown area. However, the outlying coastal area -- roughly a third of the city -- was wiped out, destroying the fishing industry.
"They had a lot of the villages and housing right near the water," Froese said.
"It's not habitable now because the land is sunk. A lot of it is underwater. The wells have been tainted by seawater. You have to move them and that's where the problems have arisen.
Because you have to find replacement land, get the government to come up with a policy of who's going to pay for it, and register people."
According to Froese, most of the land was never registered before the disaster. It must now be done in the customary Muslim manner, he said, using witnesses. But in some villages, where the tsunami killed up to 80 per cent of the population, there are no witnesses left.
Waiting for housing
In Banda Aceh, an estimated 70,000 homeless can only wait, their lives still on hold.
Zoelfitri, who like some Indonesians only goes by one name, lives in a homemade shanty on the outskirts of the city, where he cares for what remains of his family. He knows that international aid has reached Banda Aceh, but is frustrated with the results.
"We know a lot of money is going to Aceh, but where is it? Where are the buildings? Where is the construction?" Zoelfitri, 32, told The Associated Press.
Aid organizations are working hard to construct new homes. Sewage pipes are also being laid, and a major road on the west side of the city is being rebuilt.
According to AP, roughly $4.5 billion US in relief money has been collected for Banda Aceh and the province of Aceh:
The World Food Program estimates it has spent more than $125 million US in Aceh during 2005. Of that amount, $20 million US bought helicopters and airplanes to transport survivors and cargo, while $26 million purchased 72,000 tons of food aid.
British-based Oxfam gave $11.5 million for public health, including sanitizing water and the construction of new wells.
Save the Children has focused on restoring schools, investing $1 million US on text books and supplies. About 20 per cent of Aceh's schools were destroyed.
There are billions of dollars still to be used, as charitable organizations like the Canadian Red Cross prepare to spend years in the reconstruction.
Banda Aceh is not alone in its struggle to rebuild. The United Nations estimates that more than 230,000 people died either directly or in the weeks that followed the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami. At least 31,229 people died in Sri Lanka, 10,749 in India and 5,395 in Thailand.
Many of the survivors are still waiting for adequate shelter.
"Large numbers of survivors remain forced to live in sub-standard conditions that fail to meet criteria for adequate housing and living conditions dictated by international human rights standards," the UN said in a statement.
Sri Lankans hope for change
The problem is typical of many areas in Southeast Asia. In Galle, Sri Lanka, the conditions are far worse. About 95 per cent of the population is still homeless, living in flimsy shacks with little protection against the heat and rain.
Shivani, who lives in a tin-roofed temporary shelter in Galle with her daughter, is one of the many victims waiting for help.
"I'm not asking for a palace," Shivani told CTV's Matt McClure. "Just a small home like we had before, where my daughters and I can forget about everything we lost that day."
Basic sanitation problems, like garbage collection, remain unresolved. Worse, when the tsunami struck it carried waste that polluted the city's water supplies.
Recovery has been slow partly because the tsunami crippled the city's infrastructure, leaving Galle's workers helpless to rebuild. The mayor, Mohammad Arif, still remembers the desperation in the first days following the disaster.
"When we saw this devastation, we didn't know what to do," he said. "We were not eating, we were not drinking, because we were so sorry."
Aid groups like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are hoping that rebuilding the city's infrastructure will help solve Galle's homeless crisis. FCM has an $11-million partnership with Sri Lanka to restore its municipalities.
One year after the tsunami brought so much destruction to Banda Aceh and Galle, aid workers know it will take far longer before their efforts bring noticeable results. In Banda Aceh, where most of the city survived, the slow progress can be baffling.
"On one hand, you've got a city that is working, thriving, moving along," Froese said. "It's so frustrating not to be able to just turn this around."
Tsunami relief effort is not over
Clinton warns tsunami relief effort is not over
CTV.ca News Staff
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the UN special envoy for tsunami recovery, is urging the international community to follow through on its promises for help, almost one year after the disaster devastated Southeast Asia.
"One year ago ... millions of ordinary people across the globe rallied to the immediate aid of communities devastated by the tsunami," Clinton said in remarks prepared for the one-year anniversary and published Saturday in the International Herald Tribune.
"Now our collective challenge is to finish the job, to leave behind safer, more peaceful and stronger communities."
On Dec. 26 last year, the most powerful earthquake in four decades -- stronger than magnitude 9, ripped apart the ocean floor off Sumatra island, sending giant waves crashing into Indian Ocean coastlines from Malaysia to east Africa.
Villages in Indonesia and Sri Lanka were carried away, five-star resorts in Thailand were flooded, and entire islets temporarily disappeared in the Maldives.
Although there are conflicting reports on the death toll, it's believed more than 230,000 were killed either directly in the disaster or in the weeks that followed.
According to the UN, almost 400,000 houses were reduced to rubble, more than 2 million people left homeless, and the livelihoods of 1.5 million swept away.
Though the international community responded with donor pledges of some $13.6 billion US, many refugee camps are still overflowing and concerns linger about the pace of the reconstruction.
Indeed, thousands of survivors have been found new homes but humanitarian agencies say they are only about 20 per cent of the total number that still need homes.
Meanwhile, two days before the first anniversary of the tsunami, survivors gathered to mark the grim date.
Peter Pruchniewitz, 68, who was swept from his hotel room and lost a friend to the disaster, returned from Zurich to attend the ceremonies in Thailand. When asked why, he told The Associated Press, "to remember."
The ceremony in Thailand is one of the first of hundreds which are to be held in the dozen countries ravaged by the tsunami.
At Bang Niang beach in Thailand's Phang Nga province, hundreds of mourners, including Western tourists, Buddhist and Muslim villagers watched as the nomadic Moken (or sea gypsy) tribe launched a ceremonial bird-shaped boat laden with offerings into the Andaman Sea to ward off evil spirits.
In Indonesia, which took the brunt of the deadly tsunami, workers at a historic mosque in a coastal suburb of Banda Aceh were preparing for special services on Monday.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono intends to join survivors in prayers on Monday evening, officials said.
During his two-day trip to Aceh, Yudhoyono is also expected to visit mass graves and respect a moment of silence at the Baiturrahim mosque.
CTV.ca News Staff
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the UN special envoy for tsunami recovery, is urging the international community to follow through on its promises for help, almost one year after the disaster devastated Southeast Asia.
"One year ago ... millions of ordinary people across the globe rallied to the immediate aid of communities devastated by the tsunami," Clinton said in remarks prepared for the one-year anniversary and published Saturday in the International Herald Tribune.
"Now our collective challenge is to finish the job, to leave behind safer, more peaceful and stronger communities."
On Dec. 26 last year, the most powerful earthquake in four decades -- stronger than magnitude 9, ripped apart the ocean floor off Sumatra island, sending giant waves crashing into Indian Ocean coastlines from Malaysia to east Africa.
Villages in Indonesia and Sri Lanka were carried away, five-star resorts in Thailand were flooded, and entire islets temporarily disappeared in the Maldives.
Although there are conflicting reports on the death toll, it's believed more than 230,000 were killed either directly in the disaster or in the weeks that followed.
According to the UN, almost 400,000 houses were reduced to rubble, more than 2 million people left homeless, and the livelihoods of 1.5 million swept away.
Though the international community responded with donor pledges of some $13.6 billion US, many refugee camps are still overflowing and concerns linger about the pace of the reconstruction.
Indeed, thousands of survivors have been found new homes but humanitarian agencies say they are only about 20 per cent of the total number that still need homes.
Meanwhile, two days before the first anniversary of the tsunami, survivors gathered to mark the grim date.
Peter Pruchniewitz, 68, who was swept from his hotel room and lost a friend to the disaster, returned from Zurich to attend the ceremonies in Thailand. When asked why, he told The Associated Press, "to remember."
The ceremony in Thailand is one of the first of hundreds which are to be held in the dozen countries ravaged by the tsunami.
At Bang Niang beach in Thailand's Phang Nga province, hundreds of mourners, including Western tourists, Buddhist and Muslim villagers watched as the nomadic Moken (or sea gypsy) tribe launched a ceremonial bird-shaped boat laden with offerings into the Andaman Sea to ward off evil spirits.
In Indonesia, which took the brunt of the deadly tsunami, workers at a historic mosque in a coastal suburb of Banda Aceh were preparing for special services on Monday.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono intends to join survivors in prayers on Monday evening, officials said.
During his two-day trip to Aceh, Yudhoyono is also expected to visit mass graves and respect a moment of silence at the Baiturrahim mosque.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Updated Katrina Fast FactsFriday, December 02, 2005 --
The Salvation Army responded immediately following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, serving the immediate needs of survivors by providing shelter, food, water, ice, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, and hygiene products.
Over One Million have been served in at least 30 states. The following information represents the Southern Territory’s fifteen states and the District of Columbia.
The Salvation Army has served 5,324,043 hot meals, 7,516,515 sandwiches, snacks & drinks.
The Salvation Army has provided 178 Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens),
11 Field Kitchens, capable of producing 20,000 hot meals per day (each), (Incl. 8 Southern Baptist Kitchens.) in the many areas affected.
The Salvation Army has distributed 157,957 Cleaning Kits. (Broom, bucket, mop & detergent) and 185,363 Food Boxes (groceries.)
The Salvation Army has ministered through Pastoral Care to 238,134 individuals.
The Salvation Army has registered and begun helping with 263,608 Social Services Cases.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) has received over 61,000 inquiries and has found 25,508 survivors.
Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers have served a total of 751,062 hours.
The Salvation Army has assisted a total of 1,368,603 individuals
Over One Million have been served in at least 30 states. The following information represents the Southern Territory’s fifteen states and the District of Columbia.
The Salvation Army has served 5,324,043 hot meals, 7,516,515 sandwiches, snacks & drinks.
The Salvation Army has provided 178 Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens),
11 Field Kitchens, capable of producing 20,000 hot meals per day (each), (Incl. 8 Southern Baptist Kitchens.) in the many areas affected.
The Salvation Army has distributed 157,957 Cleaning Kits. (Broom, bucket, mop & detergent) and 185,363 Food Boxes (groceries.)
The Salvation Army has ministered through Pastoral Care to 238,134 individuals.
The Salvation Army has registered and begun helping with 263,608 Social Services Cases.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) has received over 61,000 inquiries and has found 25,508 survivors.
Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers have served a total of 751,062 hours.
The Salvation Army has assisted a total of 1,368,603 individuals
Friday, December 09, 2005
Christmas
Far away and long ago.....down through the corridors of time...before the foundations of the world..God in all His splendour...gave thought to creating this place called earth..A place where He could manifest His glory in beauty and majesty.....So....."In the beginning...God created the heavens and the earth"..Genesis 1:1...What a beautiful beginning!!!Colossians reads.....Col. 1:16 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM.." We were created for HIM??? God?? The creator of the universe??? Why??? Because God had a purpose...a purpose that only a Divine Father could ever have. He wanted fellowship with someone...anyone who would want to.
God could have created mankind like a scientist would build robots....only to move or talk or listen or react at his command! But God wanted more......He wanted someone who would WILLINGLY CHOOSE to love Him!!! As a parent..don't we much more appreciate knowing our children love and obey us .....just because.. Instead of what we do for them..or what they're going to get out of it??? Of course, we do.. So why shouldn't our Heavenly Father expect as much. He wants us to want and love Him because WE WANT TO!!
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So He makes this perfect plan....creates a perfect place...puts Adam into the picture and even gives him THE perfect wife...in a perfect environment...The Garden of Eden!!! So what happened?? Did He make a mistake?? Absolutely not!!!
What happened was.."The Test"....SIN......and the "free will" to make the decision to choose "To Sin?" or "Not To Sin?". THAT is the question.. Well, we all know the story...The serpent.....the fruit...the tree of knowledge of good and evil........and two human beings with their 'free will'. Hmmmmmmm...what do they do??? They choose not to consult God about this dilemma, but rather listen to what is given them in the choice of...."Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"..and..."Ye shall not surely die...For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened..and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil". Genesis 3:1b, 4b, 5. Wow!!!!!! Gods....Us??? Sounds pretty tempting, eh? Yummy???.........NOT!!!
Well, God in all His glory..creating the perfect couple in the perfect environment..because of His holiness and His standards...has to do what was necessary..."And the Lord God said unto the serpent......Because you have done this...you are cursed above all cattle...etc."........"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:14a, 15.....A way out????? Exactly!!!! The first promise of the Savior to come...the first prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus....and strewn throughout the Old Testament Scriptures..God shares His plan of redemption for mankind!!!
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He gave a choice.....it was made......and then price had to be paid..Ephesians 1:3, 4 reads.."Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; According as he has chosen us in him BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love...". "For God so loved the world..that He gave His only begotten Son..that WHOSOEVER believes in Him..should NOT perish..but have EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16. Commonly called, "The Gospel In a Nutshell".
God made a way of escape......because of Who He is and being the Holy God that He is...He could not allow sin to enter His presence....So in order for this to take place ......a PERFECT, SINLESS SUBSTITUTE..had to take our place as a sacrifice had to be made. A supreme sacrifice....made by a "lamb without spot or blemish". The Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:27, 28a, 30b, 31-33, 35 "To a virgin bethrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name ws Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said.."Hail thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee......."Fear not Mary..for thou hast found favour with God.."And, behold , thou shalt conceive in thy womb,and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end..."...The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
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So...salvation's plan was begun...God chose to send His only Son into the womb of a woman..to be born as a human...so the God incarnate or 'in the flesh' could be made known and real to all those who knew Him. But..did they know Him?? Did they recognize their Messiah or Savior? Unfortunately not!! He lived a life....apart from His Father and from the Glory of Eternity Past and Present and chose to die for our sins..and become that supreme Sacrifice. You know that story, too, don't you? Yes, He was mocked, ridiculed, spat upon, beaten, stabbed, made to be a "king" with the crown of thorns, and then finally....the ultimate...crucifixion upon a cross....a death only for the worst of criminals....and then if that wasn't so horrible........the complete separation from His Father. The Holy God that could not look upon sin..He had to turn His face from the terribly mauled precious face of His Son...because He was to bear the SIN for ALL mankind.
If you haven't already.... Visit this site called "John 3:16" See what Jesus did for YOU!!!
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But this story has a wonderful end.....Jesus just didn't die for our sins.........He ROSE from the dead...to become the first fruits of the resurrection. The hope for us all to come..I Corinithians 15 reads..."But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that died. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, shall all be made alive." (Verses 20-22). And also..I Corinthians 15: 3,4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
Very simple....why do so many people make it so difficult?? They say....."There has to be MORE than to just accept that Jesus came to be our substitute...die on the cross...be buried...and rise from the dead. I have to do more, don't I?"..
"For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord SHALL BE SAVED!!!!!" Romans 10:13. And, friend..that WHOSOEVER is YOU!! Put your name in its place. Don't delay.......don't wait ANOTHER Christmas to miss that special Gift that God sent just to you.....He's been knocking and knocking for years at your heart's door...."Behold..I stand at the door and knock..if any man (or woman) hear my voice and open the door....I will come in to sup with him and he with me."..Rev. 3:20.
Get into the wonderful family of God. A family that will be there for you with the unfailing love of a Father who loves you beyond measure...
Christmas celebrations in the West today
Christmas celebrations in the West today
From November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Coloured lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows.
In streets and shops, 'Christmas trees' (real or plastic evergreen 'conifer' trees) will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.
Shopping centres become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late.Shopping centre speaker systems systems will play Christmas 'carols' - the traditional Christmas Christian songs, and groups of people will often sing carols on the streets to raise money for charity. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas. Although traditional Christmas foods may be eaten, drink (and plenty of it) means that little work will be done after the party!
By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with coloured electric lights, a habit which has long been popular in USA.
In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes. In UK this year, the British Post Office expects to handle over 100 million cards EACH DAY, in the three weeks before Christmas.
Christmas cards
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century's communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.
Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.
The old man with the sack
'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.
In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.
Who was he?
Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.
Boxing Day
In English-speaking countries, the day following Christmas Day is called 'Boxing Day'. This word comes from the custom which started in the Middle Ages around 800 years ago: churches would open their 'alms boxe' (boxes in which people had placed gifts of money) and distribute the contents to poor people in the neighbourhood on the day after Christmas. The tradition continues today - small gifts are often given to delivery workers such as postal staff and children who deliver newspapers
From November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Coloured lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows.
In streets and shops, 'Christmas trees' (real or plastic evergreen 'conifer' trees) will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.
Shopping centres become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late.Shopping centre speaker systems systems will play Christmas 'carols' - the traditional Christmas Christian songs, and groups of people will often sing carols on the streets to raise money for charity. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas. Although traditional Christmas foods may be eaten, drink (and plenty of it) means that little work will be done after the party!
By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with coloured electric lights, a habit which has long been popular in USA.
In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes. In UK this year, the British Post Office expects to handle over 100 million cards EACH DAY, in the three weeks before Christmas.
Christmas cards
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century's communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.
Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.
The old man with the sack
'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.
In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.
Who was he?
Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.
Boxing Day
In English-speaking countries, the day following Christmas Day is called 'Boxing Day'. This word comes from the custom which started in the Middle Ages around 800 years ago: churches would open their 'alms boxe' (boxes in which people had placed gifts of money) and distribute the contents to poor people in the neighbourhood on the day after Christmas. The tradition continues today - small gifts are often given to delivery workers such as postal staff and children who deliver newspapers
Encarta definition of Christmas
Christ·mas [ kríssməss ] (plural Christ·mas·es)
noun
Definitions:
1. festival celebrating birth of Jesus Christ: a Christian festival marking the birth of Jesus Christ.December 25.
2. Christmas period: the period around December 25, or the Christian church season extending from December 24 to January 6
3. quarter day: in England, Wales, and Ireland, one of the four quarter days, falling on December 25
noun
Definitions:
1. festival celebrating birth of Jesus Christ: a Christian festival marking the birth of Jesus Christ.December 25.
2. Christmas period: the period around December 25, or the Christian church season extending from December 24 to January 6
3. quarter day: in England, Wales, and Ireland, one of the four quarter days, falling on December 25
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Christmas in Biloxi
Well as many of you know I was to be leaving tomorrow for Biloxi Mississippi. There was a major mess up. The person who told me to be ready to go should never have told me I was going cause the Salvation Army's policy once you have gone to a particular mission you can not return to the same one.
As you know I was so excited about being able to go back. Well my heart was crushed and I am pretty devastated I can not go. However I know that nothing happens in Gods World without a reason. I am not sure at this time what the reason is but what I do know is he will reveal this to me in his time as well.
People and friends have been very generous in what they have given me for toys and gifts to send the Children in Biloxi. I have spoken to my contact within the Army and he will make arrangements for these gifts to get to Mississippi for me. Thank you all for your continued love and support.
Prayer request for now are as follows:
* people of Mississippi
* Major Rob Vincent and his family
* Coastwide Security---for the owners and their family
* for all the people affected by natural disasters Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Wilma, earthquake in Pakistan, by man made disasters caused by war, and many others
* for those grieving the lost of love ones, grieving the lost of their homes and worldly belongings and many more
* for the relief workers and also the over seas missionaries
* For the Salvation Army as a whole
* for the kingdom of God
This list could go on and on
I do ask also for personal prayer that the Lord will guide me and direct me as to what he wants me to be doing. I ask that you pray for my strength, courage, wisdom, and endurance to wait and listen for his directions to me.
I have always said as one door closes another will open. I still believe that I just hope this door will be revealed to me sooner than later. I need a focus.
God Bless
Please keep coming back for more updates about everything.
DownHere junior band
DownHere is going to get a run for their money as they say. HEHEHE
I guess there really is no competition, this band just has better looking members.
So I gave Jonah the guitar for his first birthday and Miles the keyboard for his first birthday.
Now since I was to be going to Biloxi Mississippi I wanted to deliver their Christmas gift before I left.
Now Miles is going to have a few weeks of band practice without his cousin but I am sure it really will not make much difference.
Apparently Sherri the whole band is going to be set up downstairs. HEHEHE just kidding.
I love it when you can give loud toys and then leave. HAHAHAHA I guess that is what aunts, uncles, and good friends just do. There where many giggles in the toy department at Walmart while I was buying these toys. Many others doing exactly as I was.
Any ways it sure was fun watching them play the instruments and I am sure it will do to create lots of good laughs at the Lavs household.
Happy Birthday Boys and a very Early Merry Christmas
Monday, December 05, 2005
Hurricane Relief Efforts--Needs You
Today I am appealling to all those that read this website to click on the following. Please click on the picture tto the left and that will take you to an automatic secure site, where you can make your donation online.
If you scroll down my site you will see stats as of November 28th and this will help you see exactly where you dollars are being spent.
God Bless you all.
For You We Are Praying
Paul Gives Thanks for Help Received
Paul Gives Thanks for Help Received
10 At last you are concerned about me again. That makes me very happy. We belong to the Lord. I know that you have been concerned. But you had no chance to show it.
11 I'm not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me.
10 At last you are concerned about me again. That makes me very happy. We belong to the Lord. I know that you have been concerned. But you had no chance to show it.
11 I'm not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me.
12 I know what it's like not to have what I need. I also know what it's like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough.
13 I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.
14 But it was good of you to share in my troubles.
14 But it was good of you to share in my troubles.
15 And you believers at Philippi know what happened when I left Macedonia. Not one church helped me in the matter of giving and receiving. You were the only one that did. That was in the early days when you first heard the good news.
16 Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help when I needed it. You did it again and again.
17 I'm not looking for a gift. I'm looking for what is best for you.
17 I'm not looking for a gift. I'm looking for what is best for you.
18 I have received my full pay, and even more than that. I have everything I need. That's because Epaphroditus brought me the gifts you sent. They are a sweet smelling offering. They are a gift that God accepts. He is pleased with it.
19 My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with his wonderful riches that come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus.
20 Give glory to our God and Father for ever and ever.
19 My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with his wonderful riches that come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus.
20 Give glory to our God and Father for ever and ever.
Amen.
