I love old things. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older!
I came across several old grain silos the other day and thought they’d make for some interesting images. Here is one, that with a little quick improvisation, turned into the title referenced above. What’s in your hands?
Some of you may know that I recently lost my secular position, which was the major funding vehicle for our arts ministry Go Show & Tell and website - www.halmoran.com
We continue to see God reach people in new ways through this ministry. From individual interaction, to exhibiting our work, people are being exposed to the Light.
Here are a few quick facts from 2009:
1 - over 30,000 visits on our website from 50+ countries
2 - donated over 400 pieces of artwork to various causes and individuals
3 - continued our partnership with Jars of Clay in their well drilling efforts in Africa. Many villages now have access to clean water, thanks to your support.
4 - launched Father’s Love Letters to pass the faith along to the next generation.
5 - developed workshops as part of Art as Healing programs
If you’d like to help keep this ministry Going Showing & Telling - any purchase, no matter how small ($2 for an Art Card), would be appreciated.
Orders can be placed by email, phone, or FB. Go to our website for contact information.
Thanks for your support over the last 7 years. We look forward to Going Showing & Telling in 2010 and beyond.
Distinctly,
Hal Moran
Isaiah 42:6-8
Today marks my first day of unemployment. My former company eliminated my department along with others.
In speaking with a close friend he reminded me that we don’t work for The Man - we work for God. And, I have to tell you that is very liberating. He knows what I need, what I’m capable of and, even what I like to do.
So, it’s time to rest, trust, and place all things in his hands.
Oh, BTW I had a former customer email me about a week ago about doing a special project for their hospital. Coincidence? Naw!
It just figures sometimes, doesn’t it? Today I found out that my position in a secular company is being eliminated in January. I’m not the first and I won’t be the last person who lost his or her job in resent times. Many have been affected by the recession.
So, here’s a word to me and anyone else who is listening - What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” Luke 12:31The Message
Although the news I received today wasn’t good, these are still good times. I have faith, health, a wife who loves me, friends, a new granddaughter, and a Father who knows my needs before I even ask.
Turning bad news into Good News!
I recently came across the I Am Second website and I love the idea! To not see ourselves as “first” has been a problem in America and the church for a long time. Humble stories, redemption, high quality production - it’s worth your look.
I’ve been somewhat dismayed with the approach to Sunday morning preaching for quite some time. (And, trust me, I’ve heard a lot in the last 50+ years.) Whether in a large or small church, most preaching I’ve witnessed consists of a pastor laying his or her exegetical outline over a passage, and maybe, just maybe a short story. In essence we expect them to have all the answers. And, I wonder if that is truly the best approach when addressing a large group of diverse people.
Is there a better way? Consider what is said about Jesus in Matthew 13:34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable.
When Jesus taught in public he taught in parables – always! He didn’t give them all of the answers. Some things were “hidden” from the followers. I believe Jesus raised more questions in the minds of the crowds than he answered. He wanted them to dig for the truth. To “hunger and thirst after righteousness”, that they may be filled.
We do know that he taught his disciples on a more intimate basis in a small group experience.
So, I wonder what would happen if pastors used Jesus as their model? Use story and parable to ask the questions with which we are wrestling. Then, provide some extra helps for digging into deeper truths or meaning in a family or small group setting.
It would take some work and imagination, but I believe they could engage their congregation at a much deeper level.
If you’re a pastor who’s tired of spoon fed sermons, why not give it a try. I’d love to hear if this is being done somewhere.
Below is an excerpt from an excellent article by Chris Seay, pastor of Ecclesia Church in Houston. Chris is one of the founders of The Advent Conspiracy - an alternative to the wreckless spending during the Christmas season. You can also read the full article here - http://www.theooze.com/articles/article.cfm?id=2347
… In these days it seems God has done the same for America: “You want wealth? I will give you obscene wealth — and it will lead to your destruction.” Ralph Winter, the founder of Frontier Mission Fellowship, writes: “The underdeveloped societies suffer from one set of diseases: tuberculosis, malnutrition, pneumonia, parasites, typhoid, cholera, typhus, etc. Affluent America has virtually invented a whole new set of diseases: obesity, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, venereal disease, cirrhosis of the liver, drug addiction, alcoholism. . . . In saving ourselves we have nearly lost ourselves.”
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen, or I should say heard, in a long time. Check out Daily Audio Bible at www.dailyaudiobible.com The audio recordings are of the highest quality. Poke around the website a bit. I know you’ll be blessed.
It’s my habit to get up and take a hike early on Saturday mornings. Yesterday was stunning! First off I set up my chair blind and camera gear by a pond in the woods. Right after sun up a pair of wood ducks landed on the glassy water and began to play. If you haven’t seen a wood duck before look one up on the web. But nothing compares to seeing them in the wild. Their beauty is a testament to their Creator. After a while I packed up my stuff and headed to another area. This time no blind, I’d just hike. After a mile or so I came to a very bushy area. Noticing several small birds flit about, I stood very still to catch a better glimpse. Hmmm? - birds I hadn’t seen in our area before. I knew they must have been on a migration path, and I decided to look them up when I got back home. (Turns out they were Connecticut Warblers) As I made my way to the nearby creek, I noticed a myriad of large spider webs being back lit by the rising sun. The dew glistening from the early morning light made them light up like a Christmas tree. Soon I reached the creek and took in many more wonders of creation.
Here’s what I don’t understand. The Bible says that “all creation declares that God is, therefore man is without excuse.” God has made himself known to us through creation, but yet, some still refuse to give recognition to our Creator for the wonders they see, hear, and take in around them.
How could they not get it? Psalm 19 might help.
Every now and then something comes along that is of such high quality that it has to be shared. I recently came across The Journey’s Project that was conceived and produced by Michael Belk, a fashion photographer with a heart for Jesus.
The quality, content, and messaging of this awe-inspiring work is incredible! To witness it for yourself click here - http://www.thejourneysproject.com/ You won’t be sorry.
The miracle of birth will happen once again! Our daughter and son-in-law are expecting a little girl in November. Julia is her name, which means “divinely youthful.” How fitting for a young lady to make her way into the new world.
As I did before Lauren was born, I’ve begun to not only pray for their family, but I’m also praying for the little boy that - God willing - she’ll marry one day. May he “grow strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” May he seek after God with all his heart and love Julia as “Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”
Somewhere there’s a little boy out there…
Here’s a brief snippet on the state of the world’s youth. Very troubling.
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New research released ahead of the United Nation’s International Youth Day revealed startling statistics about the world’s youth including their views on personal salvation, virginity and attempts to commit suicide.
OneHope, a children-oriented Christian ministry, found that 91 percent of youths in Costa Rica say they do not believe they will go to heaven despite claiming to have accepted Jesus Christ.
In Spain, 74 percent of the youth say they do not want to be a virgin when they marry. And in Russia, 42 percent of the youth report having tried to commit suicide.
Click to read the entire article. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090729/ministry-finds-disturbing-statistics-about-world-s-youth/index.html
This just in from the Christian Post. Why doesn’t this make the mainstream press?
______________________
By Derick Ho
CP Asia Correspondent
North Korea has publicly executed a Christian woman accused of distributing Bibles and “spying” for foreign countries, South Korean activists said Friday.
A mother of three, Ri Hyon-ok, 33, was accused of spying for South Korea and the United States and organizing dissidents, The Associated Press reported. She was executed in the northwestern city of Ryongchon bordering China on June 16, according to a report from the Investigative Commission on Crimes against Humanity published Friday.
Her husband, children and parents were sent to a political prison the day after her execution, the report states.
The report’s claims could not be verified.
But it follows testimonies by North Korean defectors and reports from human rights groups that have increasingly exposed the religious persecution and rights abuses in the communist country.
Last month, the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) was warned through an anonymous fax apparently by the North Korean embassy for Finland that “something very bad will happen” to VOM workers if the organization continues its project in sharing the Gospel.
The warning was in response to VOM obtaining fax numbers inside North Korea and sending faxes containing Christian messages and Scripture passages.
North Korea has been ranked the worst persecutor of Christians for seven years in a row in the annual Open Doors Watch List 2009.
North Koreans are forced to worship a personality cult that includes Kim Jong-Il and his deceased father. Any other religion, especially Christianity, is banned.
If someone is found to be a Christian or possesses a Bible, they are sent to the gulags (government administered labor camps) or face public execution.
It is believed that tens of thousands of Christians are currently suffering in North Korean prison camps, according to Open Doors. The regime is suspected of detaining more political and religious prisoners than any other country in the world.
There are a few churches in the capital, Pyongyang, but they are mainly for show. It is unclear if these churches are only open when foreigners visit or are used only by expatriates. Either way, the handful of churches are not for North Korean citizens, according to defectors.
The Investigative Commission on Crimes against Humanity, a coalition of 50 activist groups, is calling for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il to be charged with crimes against humanity.
I’m outraged!
Those who know me know that I have a passion for sub-Saharan Africa. When I read stories like the one found at the link below - I’m outraged. What would it be like in our country if the statistics were the same? Would you be silent? Could you be silent? Would you become a victim? I know there are good relief agencies out there doing all they can to help. Find one and lend a hand!
READ, CLICK, DO
“…more than one in four South African men surveyed admitted to committing rape.”
Ever have your conscience seared? I mean to the point where it changed your perspective and you just had to do something? I have on many occasions. I think that’s part of what makes us human - created in God’s likeness. The following is a newsletter I just received from the International Arts Movement. Take a few minutes to let your conscience sear a bit by reading the article. Then click the link on the bottom. If this doesn’t do the trick, then I’m not sure you’re fully human!
READ - CLICK - DO - You can make a difference!
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Some wars make headlines; some do not. In Congo, the news can be found on the faces of thousands of women and girls who have been victims of sexual violence.
The Democratic Republic of Congo sits in the middle of what has become known as “Africa’s World War.” Officially at war from 1998-2003, there have been as many as seven neighboring countries invading the vast nation at one point. Many rebel military factions remain, preying upon poor villagers, especially women, for their survival. The rebels pillage, rape women, burn villages, and steal harvests periodically to maintain their own supplies.
Nestled in the hills along the Rwandan border, Panzi Hospital stands as the last hope for many of Congo’s victims of sexual violence. Every day women fight to regain and redefine their lives as they undergo delicate surgeries to heal from rape and mutilation at the hands of rebel militias and national military groups.
“Women in War Zones: Sexual Violence in the Congo” takes an intimate look into the lives of two young women who become sisters during their time at Panzi Hospital. Helene Wamuzila (22) and Bijoux Mateso (13) support each other in their struggle to maintain hope and dignity as they come to grips with their violent and tragic past. They look for hope in each other, God, and the upcoming presidential elections - the first in over 40 years.
See more about the film at http://www.womeninwarzones.com
Ever been to www.notcot.org? It’s an amazing collection of creativity that rotates daily. It makes for great therapy if you ever get creator’s block!
Great article by Erwin McManus. Makes me wonder how we lost focus over the last two millennia. Oh, well - some people get it!
“… At Mosaic we have no members only missionaries. There is nothing to join except a community on mission. We have little patience for self indulgent spirituality that insists on everything being about us.
And there are implications. We have a zero tolerance policy for religious jargon or Christianese. We have little room for traditions that mean something to us but nothing to a person searching for God. We will not forsake the Word of God for the traditions of men. We are committed to removing every non-essential barrier between God and humanity. We refuse to allow the Gospel to become lost in our nostalgia or to appear irrelevant because we are.”
Go here to read the full article.
This is goodness. Below is an email update from Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay. Kathleen and I have been helping drill fresh water wells with BWM for several years.
read - click - watch - act
There is much we are excited to tell you about this month. Today we’re writing you from the Cornerstone Music Festival in rural Bushnell, Illinois. We’ve had a great time this week connecting with people from all across the country. If you’re here, check us out at The Anchor Stage. Also, The amazing team of cyclists traversing the country in the Ride:Well Bike Tour are making a big impact. Already over $50K has been raised to support Blood:Water projects in Marsabit, Kenya. Thanks to everyone who came out to our city event in Phoenix. More city events are coming up soon in Dallas, Nashville, & Baltimore. Visit www.ridewelltour.org to find out more.
In this issue you’ll learn about an important and urgent piece of legislation on the World Water crisis that needs your support, along with a story of real change happening in northern Uganda. But first we want to highlight a new video showing the work of Blood:Water. Earlier this year we told you about Jars of Clay’s visit to several communities in Kenya where Blood:Water is working. Their new music video “Two Hands” seeks to take you to these places to see a bit of these incredible stories.
Sometimes music videos tell stories. This video tells the story of a band’s journey to get our own hands dirty. Someone once defined the role of an artist as the act of looking at the world and describing it…not just as the world is… but also as it should be.
There is only so much looking and describing a band can do when faced with injustices, and tragedies… and also the heroic stories of those who rise above their fears and overcome insurmountable obstacles. “Two Hands” is a song about overcoming our own fears and finding reasons to care about others even when we don’t feel equipped to do so.
This video shows our work in Africa with Blood:Water. We hope it inspires you, and allows you to dream about how you can use your two hands to love and serve those around you. And when you are done watching the video… check out www.bloodwatermission.com AND come visit us out on the Creationfest Tour this Fall!”
~ Dan Haseltine, Jars of Clay
Several months ago we visited a church near our home for their new building Grand Opening. We expected a lot of pomp and circumstance and there was. However, I didn’t expect my eyes to hurt when we walked in the building! I’ll try to be as kind as I can here, but man, it was brutal. The aesthetics of the interior was that of a file cabinet. And the colors - wow! They were truly as assault on the visual senses. Granted their worship center was located in the multi-purpose building, but come on, you can at least choose some colors that don’t require sunglasses! And how about hanging some banners or some sort of visual breakup.
Anyway - here’s my question - how ornate should a church building be? I’ve been in some very ornate buildings and thought, “could some of this go to mission work?” YES! And then I walk into buildings like I mention above and think, “where’s the beauty in this?
So, I give up. I don’t have the answer as to how much you should spend on a building. (Disclaimer: I hold no affinity for church buildings) But, if you’re going to build, whatever you’re going to spend, do it with excellence. Because beauty does matter.
The following link is an excellent article on the essential role of the arts during tough economic times. It’s a quick read. If you’re an artist, I hope you’re encouraged. If you’re a patron of the arts – thanks!