If war broke out in Ghana, would we even know.

My good friend Evan Human debuted this song last night. He told me about it a while ago, over conversations of Jesus, life and the violence in Kenya. Needless to say, my heart is continually burdened more and more for the people in Kenya. The question he asked in the song was... would we even know? The facts are... we don't. 

There may not be war in Ghana, but there is tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a multi-faceted war in Georgia (not the United States one.) There has been a huge ordeal in trying to make peace in Uganda (yes, it is the same war that Invisible Children is active in.) Do we know these things?

www.bbc.com has become a dear friend this past year. As Christians, we need to not only be informed but be actively in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world... along with the lost. I am only beginning to learn what this looks like in reality rather than theory.

The title of this is "a steady surge of questions" so here are my questions of the day (mixed with random thoughts...)

1. I have been reading about the recent rising death toll in Iraq. War is brutal and harsh. What are we to do as Christ followers. How are we to respond?

2. There is an organization I have just learned about called Kids with Destiny.

Read about it...

3. I leave for South Asia in 20 days. My how time flies! Here is a picture of my incredible team. Please be in prayer for us... Specifically regarding finances and spiritual warfare. 

4. Yet another article has surfaced about working conditions: this time in Jordan.

5. If anyone is curious about another site that keeps companies accountable, go to corpwatch.

6. This is where my next question comes in... What on earth are we to do in response to this? Do we stop buying clothes from all companies unless we are sure where they came from? Do we ignorantly not pay attention to these things, and feel like we can't make a difference, so why try? Do we care? How do we act as good stewards of the things that the Lord has blessed us with in this situation? 

7. And the last question before chapel today... I am done with school on April 29th :) Anyone want to help me move out?

Bad news... good news.

Let's start with the good. 

After touring American Apparel's factory today in Los Angeles, I got to see first hand the incredible way that this company treats their workers. I would put a link to their website, but I am not a fan of the images that are on it... so if you are really interested, you can find it on your own. The workers have so many benefits, from free massages on the job, to a health clinic IN the factory! Also learned that every worker at an american apparel factory WORLDWIDE gets paid US minimum wage. They also control everything from the material that is woven to the products that are designed... so the whole process except for the cotton (which cant be grown in LA) is sweat free... this makes me wonder about the cotton, but that is for another day.

Now for the bad...

Provacative images. I asked about the images that they use in their advertising, and he replied with the following: They do all their advertising "in house." They use normal people, wearing the clothes as people normally would. They save millions of dollars. They want their customers to feel sexy... so they use images that make the models (who are either workers or friends of workers) look sexy...

Not sure how i feel about this, but i am definitely not excited about it.

The other reports of the day:

Good news: 

Merrick emailed me some websites and I have more good news. Here is another link to a site that shows stores around the United States that offer items that are made "free trade" and "sweat free." There are some sweat stores... from things to recycled flip flops, to clothes made with bamboo there are some sweet options :)

And the bad news:

Starbucks and Victorias Secret may be two of girls favorite places to shop. Good coffee and quality garments that matter most... Unfortunately I am not confident in either of these places anymore. 

Here is a story about Starbucks attempt to be "free trade" and an article about Victoria's "Not so sexy" working conditions... 

All I can say at the end of today... is the more I learn and get closer to a conclusion... the more questions that arise. I have yet to find answers to this huge issue which is becoming bigger in my reality every day.

The Hall of Shame

Here is a list that many have been asking me about. The top companies that know about the mistreatment of their workers, and have turned a blind eye.

Some that might surprise you? American Eagle, Hanes, Guess, Dickies, Wal-Mart (Still!!!!)...

Statements of the poor. Facts about poverty.

We hear these statements. We read the facts. Until we have met the people, seen the sights, breathed in the smell… we are separated. The disconnect between us, and them seems like a world away.

But it is the same world. Different languages, same God. Desperation met with silence from the world of luxury and comfort.

We are critical of guilt laden attempts to make us care.

We give money, feel better… Two percent satisfying our conscience.

The cycle continues. Where is change?

Has the body become preoccupied with clothing itself in finery that it forgets its hands can move? Has our brain been immobilized by overanalyzing our disagreements?