I took this photo of Min* and her baby on a visit to the India-Myanmar border. I will never forget the day I met Min and a group of other courageous, inspiring, resilient people who had fled from Myanmar to Mizoram. About 5 million people are now displaced in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries. There … Continue reading Standing with Min
Justice
The violence spiral
Tragically too many more will die today in a descending spiral.Women, men, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters.Bullets, bombs and bowls bereft of food will be among the weapons used.Political and religious violence will kill them.Fuelled by hatred, ignorance, fear, discrimination, bigotry, misunderstanding, attention-seeking and extremism. Most of the victims will be ordinary people. We will … Continue reading The violence spiral
Bridges not walls
“Take our country back” is one of the catch cries for tomorrow’s March for Australia. But here’s where the premise of the march fails. Yes, those that will march tomorrow are a part of our country, and they have the right to peacefully protest. But Australia is no more “their country” than a beautiful Nepali-born … Continue reading Bridges not walls
Double down
As I read the news of the world this morning, my heart ached and I was struck by how dire, overwhelming and chaotic things seem. As I was reading, the words "double down" kept echoing in my mind. They are not words I often use. But yes, they are words for me in a season … Continue reading Double down
Stop the horror!
Intolerable, unacceptable and unforgiving! That’s how former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert describes the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNICEF reports more than “one million children are at risk of starvation. They are being deprived of food, water and medicine … It is unconscionable that over 45 children have reportably been killed in air strikes … Continue reading Stop the horror!
Refusing to be silent!
Robert Reich highlights that in a world of chaos, conflict, fear and injustice it’s understandable, that in our humanness, we may choose denial, despair or silence. Reich writes: “When most of us believe that nothing can be done, or assume nothing will be done, or think that silence is the only practical choice, we fuel … Continue reading Refusing to be silent!
Seeing others!
One of the most powerful things we do in life is to see others, particularly to see those who often feel unseen! Senator Raphael Warnock says “you can’t serve me if you don’t see me”. This week it has been a joy to be with Baptist Mission Australia colleagues in Cambodia, witnessing how they are … Continue reading Seeing others!
Disagreeing in love
I’m an election tragic. I’ve watched many up close over my life. This time round, I’ve been deeply concerned by the vitriol, hatred and lies - dressed up as political comment by people who claim to identify with the ways of Jesus. I’m astounded by the certainty some hold to in their extreme, opinions, claims … Continue reading Disagreeing in love
It always does this!
Africa - this continent of paradox. It always does this. It gets in my head and heart. So much brokenness yet so much beauty. The intersection of hopelessness and hope. People weeping yet people dancing and singing. The scandal of wealth exploitation and poverty. Climate crisis and yet abounding natural beauty. Bureaucracy yet innovation. Colonial … Continue reading It always does this!
Let’s continue to do good!
I – like many of you - have found it hard to fathom this week’s US election result, while seeking to respect that most Americans have now got what they voted for. I have tried to remain silent as many Trump followers on my feed have gloated, misused Scripture, fostered dangerous Christian nationalism, deepened divide … Continue reading Let’s continue to do good!
apilgrimpens 