Navigating the many pitfalls inherent in stewarding God’s wealth wisely in a broken world.
“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” – Luke 16:10-13
The funny aspect of the whole thing was when she came over and started beating my students, my initial response was to shrug and continue with the lesson. Let's back up. Two months ago I started a literacy class in a poor community next to the bridge. Makeshift huts climb the river's banks and line …
In desiring to include more success stories about charities doing the right thing, I solicited a guest post from Jeph Mathias. Jeph works with a variety of NGOs across Asia (and beyond), specializing in the idea of complexity in development. This story was originally posted at Jeph's blog, unpredictable. It's Jeph from here: A small project …
Advertisers work to make us insecure, feel that our lives won't be good enough until we buy more things. Technology is designed to be obsolete within a year, to be replaced by expensive new products. Clothes go out of fashion by the next season. Consumer goods break down before the next holiday rolls around. Many …
"Nobody can serve two masters. They will either hate the first and love the second, or be devoted to the first and despise the second. You can't serve both God and money."1Do American Christians split allegiance between Jesus and our possessions? If someone from outside saw how we prepare for Christmas, what would their guess …
For the fourth year in a row I had been invited to speak at an education conference. In previous years I had given a short, impassioned plea for adopting an ethic of service and working towards literacy for everyone. As far as I knew, there had been little meaningful response. This time around, a group …
After a 13 hour journey that was only supposed to be six, my coworker and I get off the train, freshen up, and enter the poshest club that's ever let me inside. We have been invited to present our education program to wealthy business people in a service organization. Their focus for the year is …
Manny was a friend in Manila, living in the same slum as me. He had just had his first child. He loved that kid. Manny, who years earlier had been saved from a life of drug-dealing, wanted to go to Bible college and become a pastor. But he could not afford to go. I watched …
A kind soul asked if I would share some positive examples of NGOs doing their work. That was a fair request. The affirmation I give here does not mean that everything is perfect. For the moment I just want to focus on aspects that they do do well, things that make me happy.1 So here's …
When she asked to host a holiday program in a class I was running, I felt like I had to agree. The program was for the next day. I had only just become a full-time staff member and this was one of our closest partners. She had already secured approval from my boss. I had …
Imagine you're donating to a wonderful American-based Christian charity. This group of kindhearted, Godly professionals has entered the battle against human trafficking in Asia. They support local Christians to stop trafficking operations and provide safe rehabilitation services for young women in awful situations. The support is both financial and logistical, with teams regularly going to …
Stranger in a Slum 