Human Traffick-- Keep up the fight good people!

This year human Trafficking continues, it is a horrible, disgusting illegal crime. Robbing life, self respect, and any scrap of human rights from a person. Though the campaign against trafficking of Humans has reached new levels, trafficking still exists. We need to continue to think about what we buy, what we talk about, what we suppport, and what we act on. So continue to support the work of anti trafficking organisations, and making our voices heard in the public forum (media and friends alike!).

Together, side by side, as a community continuing the ongoing opposition of injsutice will see then end to things such as this... in the mean time we will see people like you and me free to live lives they were intended to life-- free and good.

On that note, the petition by stop the traffik is due to be presented to the UN in a few days-- get signing-- www.stopthetraffik.org

Social Action Calander

Here is a new blog site, its great for a quick glance to keep you posted about social action days around the world. Great to use in a workplace, church, youth groups etc. to bring about awareness, meditation and action on pertiant issues!

http://www.socialactioncalendar.blogspot.com/

China's new labour laws

A lot of peoples comments to an argument to get rid of sweatshops is 'but isnt it better for people in those countries to at least have some income?'

This is a very good point and yes income is extremely important to households, and i suppose the manufacturing industry contributes to a countries economy. However this income should not be at the expense of peoples health, families, and their living of life.

Unfortunatly in many parts of the world it is. China has just passed new employment laws that will see open ended contracts for people who have been working for 2 fixed terms, and severnce pay - one month pay per year of work if someone is sacked. This is great news. This is followed by some sad commnets by big corperations, that due to this rise in costs, companies such as Nike, are looking to move into vietnam and alike because it will be cheaper.

Really? Is this slight rise in cost that will raise the standards of someones life too much for a big company to handle? I doubt it, and this surley boils down to greed. I wonder how much these compaines spend on advertising and product placement etc.? Or how much they pay people int heir new york office? or how much the new fleet of corperate vehicals cost for the year?

So althought these slight adjustmest to the labour laws in china are good, the effects may not be, and sadly once again, peoples human rights are at the bottom of the pile of priorities.

A Sad Day

Benazir Bhutto- Pakistan Oposition leader was assasinated last night. Bhutto was described as a moderate leader who was passionate about anti terrorism.

In Rawalpindi, vegetable vendor Naeem, 25, said Bhutto's murder would hurt Pakistan's poorest, who were among Bhutto's most loyal supporters. "People were hoping her government would help the lower classes and now she is gone," he said.

Elections are soon for Pakistan, but with this the violence may esculate.

Our Prayers are for you today Pakistan.

New Year

well its nearly the begining of 2008. what will it hold for you? what will you make happen in 2008? what do we want the world to look like? Start dreaming my friends...post any ideas!

Day 4: Emerging ourselves in our last day!

Well the week is over, our last day was once again a slap in the face with a cold wet fish. We visited a few people who intentionally live in areas of lower socio and marginalised groups. Not only do they choose to live there, but they choose to live different lifestyles- ones of sacrifice. So they work a lot less, their home is very open, and they attempt to meet any needs they see in their neighbour good. Usually they are a part of a team, this team is a support system, for the work they do and lives they lead. a couple of statements that stood out to me was that they wanted to live for Jesus 24-7, not part time, or during programmes. the second was a scripture in matthew- where jesus says, 'When you are flogged'- the key word is When. Being a Follower of Jesus life is not easy, it is hard, it is about others, it is opposite to our natural inclinations, but it is most satisfying.

On a more shallow note- im looking forward to my ovwn bed and space- which is im thinking actually a luxery for many!

Day 3: Emerging ourseles in... Allsorts (and not so much the lollies)

Today was split into two, we were able to visit a lady with a lot of know-how! We sepnt two hours examing our inner conciences with a social justice advocate this morning. From 'what am i doing' to 'actually what should we be doing as christians in terms of overseas development? mission sometimes causes more harm than good'. This was particualy challenging because this week we have been looking at ourselves, not apraising others, but ourselves.
*How do i contribute to inequalities and injustices- in every part of my life- in suttle ways or more obvious ones?
*What is my motive for the things i do? are my priorities right?
*What are my core values--- actually are they right? are they in line with the truth?

Phew! Yip its hard, and i know for myself this is a continual learning, sobering experience. I dont get it right, the worlds problems are huge and often overwhelming. But the one truth i do know is that we were made to live here and to all lead a full and good life. I believe that things are so unjust that they are worth fighting for. If I can have a good life, others are entitled to it too. Ahhhh reflecting- not always pretty!

We bbqed and had a cool hang out time with some young people and the youth services team. Very inspiring stuff! More and more it is the connections between people that are at the heart of the ministries we visit. Maybe all of the above is why Jesus said that one of the two most important things in this life is to love each other.

Well that was quite a spiritual reflection... it just seems that way!