Blood Chocolate

Have you heard of blood diamonds? How about conflict free? Fair trade coffee?

These terms all refer to the working conditions of the people who are making the products happen. If the people are treated unfairly, paid exceptionally low wages, forced into child labor, etc. then the product is cheaper and the company makes more profit at the expense of human lives. Halloween and Easter are two major candy holidays in the U.S. and most of that candy comes from unimaginable working conditions with many of the workers being children who were sold into slavery so we Americans can fill pumpkins and Easter baskets (while complaining about childhood obesity and diabetes- but that's a story for another time). 

I have copied and pasted some facts from recent studies below:

"During this week's ghoulish Halloween festivities, Americans will binge on a predicted $2.2 billion worth of candy...
"Top cocoa-producing countries like Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire remain rife with forced child labor, child trafficking, extremely low pay, and near slave-like conditions, according to an annual audit released last month by Tulane University's Payson Center for International Development...
"To keep the cost of our treats low, about 3.6 million children in West Africa work on cocoa farms, according to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), many of whom were trafficked illegally from other countries. There are about 150,000 child slaves just in Cote d’Ivoire. American kids may look forward to trick-or-treating, but many of those goodies were produced by children younger than them...
"Hershey's, according to another new study by leading human rights and labor rights non-profits, is one company in particular that perpetuates child labor by failing to monitor how its cocoa is produced...

Please sign the electronic petition asking Hershey's to change their practices. For the full article and the petition at the end of the article, click here.

These facts are baffling, outrageous, and unnecessary. It doesn't have to be this way. To add insult to injury, October is National Fair Trade month. Ironic isn't it? I have a few suggestions that may be challenging but we have to start somewhere.

This Halloween:
- Don't buy big brand candy. I realize it's too late to reverse the production process for the candy already in stores, but it's the only way to send a message to the companies.
- Look for fair trade candy for your party or make caramel apples, popcorn, or homemade brownies (with fair trade cocoa powder).
- Don't complain about the prices of fair trade. I know this one hits us all where it hurts but we have to change our mind set. Every time we justify a cheaper product saying it's all we can afford, we allow ourselves to be as evil as the companies who choose to ignore such tragedies. We must consider the price difference a donation to free a child sold into slavery and forced to work in awful conditions.
- Helpful tip: go to www.frontiercoop.com and start a buying club. These items are whole sale (which means very affordable) and many of their products are certified organic and fair trade.

We are on the path to a fair trade home ourselves. It has been an adjustment for us, so I understand what I am asking you to do, but how can we not do the best possible good for our fellow human beings? Do you want your child harvesting in a field for a stranger who kidnapped or bought them? All for a frivolous holiday? Of course not! That almost feels like I just crossed the line; but we have to wake up and realize this is happening! We can't ask someone else's child to do that either. In fact, perhaps we can all look into adopting a child that has been rescued from human trafficking scandals (and maybe that's a story for another time).

Domestic Violence is NOT Abundant Life

Notes from the Pastor…

Jesus said, “I came that [you] may have life, and have it abundantly.”  However, there are lots of people in our community who do not have abundant life.  I am  not talking about the unsaved, the heathen, or the lost; rather, I am talking about victims of domestic violence.  Whether men, women, or children, abiding in a
home of abuse is not living; suffering domestic violence is the antipode of abundant life.

Domestic violence is emotional, financial, mental, physical, and/or sexual abuse, stemming from one person’s need to control another in order to feel powerful. When the dominating individual loses power, either perceived or real, in other parts of life, the intimate partner suffers the repercussions of the abuser’s psychological issues. (As defined by Mission Granbury).

The facts are astounding (provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence):
• One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
• 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
• Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
• In 70-80% of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the woman was physically abused before the murder.

Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  In the United States, New Mexico ranks second in this unholy matter, and in New Mexico, Lincoln County ranks first.  The chances are, you either know someone currently being abused or someone who was a victim of abuse in their past.

Either way, be Christ to your family, friends, and neighbors  – proclaim a reality where domestic violence is no more, provide a safe place for victims and an alternative for the abuser, and become aware of this tragic trend.


May the Church promote life, and life more abundant!

Grace,
Pastor Ryan

Letter to the Editor - Non-Edited

I recently sent a Letter to the Editor of one of our local newspapers. After a delay in publication, I found my letter published, but published in an edited form. Below is my full, non-edited letter. Please note the vast differences: http://ruidosofreepress.com/view/full_story/14916390/article-All-residents-deserve-respect?instance=letters_main_opinion

To the Editor,

In the editorial on Tuesday, June 28th, 2011, residents of Ruidoso were urged to contact police or crime stoppers if they “spot homeless encampments.” I support this action for the sake of public safety and potential non-adherence to fire restrictions. However, nowhere in the editorial were residents informed as to the illegal nature of these “homeless encampments”; furthermore, readers were left to assume that all homeless people are a threat to our community. While the cause of the June 16 Swallow Fire was not released at the time of publication, the tone of the editorial lead readers to presume guilt to a homeless person. Additionally, other unproved speculations were cited resulting in dehumanizing language.

The village deems these people a “real problem”, and fervently removes “brush and other cover that the homeless use to hide from public view.” In fact, this exercise was referred to by Ruidoso Police Lt. Ray Merritt as a game of “Whack-A-Mole”. If our homeless neighbors are “seasonal residents of Ruidoso” as the title of the editorial suggest, then I am of the opinion that we should treat them with hospitality. Certainly we should conclude that referring any of our residents as “moles” is inappropriate. Our homeless neighbors are people; some choose their transient lifestyle; others are forced into it for a variety of economic and/or mental health reasons.

Regardless of why they are homeless, these are human beings. Thus, until any resident is guilty of a crime, our police and civic officials should treat them with respect and understanding. Our village’s passive-aggressive policy of the removal of brush is inhumane and possibly unjust.

May Ruidoso be known for its hospitality to all its residents and not for its discrimination between homeowner, renters, visitors, and transients.

Ryan Arnold,

fellow resident.

Type here to protect those in need

Genius! Welcome to the 21st century where our petitions are electronic and updated. In the most recent of current events, our government is debating where to cut funds to make a budget work. This is necessary, yes, but cutting the funding of these programs is unthinkable! 


To protect the hungry, poor, homeless, sick, abused, and vulnerable, click here.


I know you are capable of exploring the website, but since you are already reading this blog, I have taken the liberty of copying and pasting some crucial information regarding the future of the people who may be affected by these suggested budget cuts:


The following is a summary of federal programs focused on assisting hungry and poor people. It is provided for informational purposes and should not be read as an unqualified endorsement of any particular program in its current form by any organization or individual.

DOMESTIC:

Food Assistance

• SNAP (formerly food stamps)
• Free and reduced-price school meals

Low-Income Child Care and Early Education

• Head Start

Low-Income Health Care

• Medicaid
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Tax Credits and Income Support

• Refundable tax credits (EITC: the refundable component of the Child Tax Credit)

Low-Income Education and Training

Shelter and Homelessness

Preventing Child Maltreatment

Refugee Assistance

INTERNATIONAL:

International Food Assistance and Emergency Response

• P.L. 480 Title II Food for Peace
• McGovern-Dole International Food for Education

Global Health

• Global Health and Child Survival—State Department (includes PEPFAR)
• Child Survival and Maternal Health

Sustainable International Development Programs

• Development Assistance

International Refugee Assistance and Post-Conflict Support

Peacekeeping

Sustainable International Development Programs

International Poverty-Focused Financial Services (in ways that serve the poorest of the poor)

The mission of Circle of Protection:
As Christian leaders, we are committed to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice. We are also committed to resist budget cuts that undermine the lives, dignity, and rights of poor and vulnerable people. Therefore, we join with others to form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home and abroad.


http://www.circleofprotection.us/index.html

The following information is copied and pasted from this website. The enlarged and bolded print is my personal addition in order to draw as much attention as possible to the quote. A huge thank you to the law makers who believe this is necessary!

Tougher laws against human trafficking
in final stages for Texas

A new bill proposed by Senator Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, is in the final stages of becoming law. The last stage of Senate Bill 24 which passed in Congress, the House and is moving on to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature. If the bill becomes law it will be a loud and clear message that Texas does not tolerate slavery.

What the bill will mean for Texas. Tougher law around domestic sex trafficking and compelling prostitution. Accountability for people that benefit from trafficking which would include third parties who profit from trafficking. Mandatory for traffickers to register as sex offender. Terminating the parental rights if the parent trafficked their child. 

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Thompson who has filed HB 7 that will help end human trafficking in Texas. This bill is in the beginning stages and would establish punishment, and certain criminal and civil consequences of offenses related to the trafficking of persons and protections for victims of those offenses.

Gov. Rick Perry released a statement April 7  "Human trafficking is a deplorable and growing practice in Texas and across the nation. I commend Sen. Van de Putte and Rep. Thompson for their continued work on this issue, and applaud the House and Senate for passing this measure, which sends a strong message that we will not tolerate human trafficking in Texas. I look forward to seeing this important legislation reach my desk, and hope HB 3000 and SB 1436, which increase penalties for those who participate in this insidious activity, will soon follow."

Gov. Rick Perry has given a positive response to SB 24 and it seems that Texas will be one of the more progressive states in the fight against human trafficking. Putting this bill into law will be a major victory in the fight against slavery. A study done by Dallas Women's Foundation revealed that 250 under-age girls were trafficked in one month in North Texas. Hopefully, new laws in the state of Texas will be a deterrent and protect children from this horrible form of trafficking.

Slavery in 2010

http://blog.sojo.net/2010/11/26/underwear-for-a-cause/

“the systems of our world ought to reflect the ideals of our faith; that being, to love and respect the people who grow our food, make our clothes, and work in so many different ways to provide us the things and services we use every day.”


The above blog explains very well a wonderful rising trend. This fair trade trend embodies support of a cause much bigger than high fructose corn syrup; this is people's lives. As we have checked ingredients at the store trying to make healthier decisions for what we put into our body, we have also tried to buy fair trade. Did you know there are actually more slaves in the world today than there were in Abraham Lincoln's time? All kinds of slaves: mostly women and children but also men enslaved by sweat shops, prostitution, brothels, blackmail, other humans who have purchased them- yes, purchased. This is solidly heart breaking. Did you know that sex slaves will be brought in for the super bowl? IN DALLAS? Yes, there is slavery in Texas. It's worldwide. It's nauseating. 


Here is another website about the awful facts of slavery today. I highly encourage you to read and pray. I have copied and pasted a few quotes from this site below the link.

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

The slaveholder acts swiftly to take complete control of the child’s life. Passports, birth certificates, national identity cards, and any other documents of citizenship are stripped from the child’s possession. The child is kept closely guarded and locked in a room when not accompanied. Even if escape were possible, the child has no money, probably does not speak the local language, and does not know to whom he or she could turn for help. Given their past experience, slave children would not instinctively trust public officials or the police.

The slaveholder also generally manipulates a relationship of financial dependence with the child. Basic life necessities like food, clothing, and shelter are charged to the child’s “account.” Until that money is repaid, the child is obligated to continue in the slaveholder’s service.

Slaveholders will buttress these social controls with the constant threat of violence. Almost all trafficked children will testify that they were victims of an extreme act of violence within the first forty-eight hours of their abduction. Whether through rape or brutal beatings, slaveholders use violence to imprint their dominance. In the logic of the trafficking world, a terrified child is a compliant child. The slaveholder therefore will never let the child slip out of a state of terror…  If a client ever complains that the sex slave was less than accommodating, swift and brutal punishment will be meted out.

What if this were you? Forget that, what if this were your daughter?
We must do something.

PRAY.

Perhaps through prayer, the Lord will enable you and I with ideas, information, abilities, to advocate for the broken spirits of these forgotten children of God. These children and people have souls like every other human being. They are not less because of their origin, language, age, color, faith background, or because they are strangers. Please, fight for them. Pray for them. Pay the extra money for fair trade goods and ensure that the hands that created this product received what is fair so they can support their family. Raise and donate money to a cause already seeking to free those in bondage and expose the hidden world of slavery. Share your ideas with others; shed light in the darkness.

Check out this website http://www.transfairusa.org/content/WhereToBuy/
Google: fair trade, human trafficking
Look for these symbols:

Fair trade UK

Fair trade US

Fair trade certified

Fair trade federation

Fear and Pigs

I don’t think the person who sent me this email reads this blog. But in case you do, please do not take my opinion of this forward personally; thank you for the inspiration.

I recently read an email suggesting if “we” (Americans) bury a pig where a mosque is to be constructed, then the soil would be contaminated thereby thwarting the evil construction plans. I have a few problems with this.

Problem 1:

Animal Rights activists would have a field day all over you for killing a pig for the purpose of annoying another religion. They are hardcore. Let’s just say the rest of the world would be highly entertained for what PETA would consider justice done to you for hurting an animal.

Problem 2:

I am a Christian. I believe Jesus left us examples to follow of how he would have handled situations. The common denominator seems to be love. As far as I can tell, Jesus never tried to make anyone look stupid so he would look smarter. He never protested other religions to prove he was the answer. Jesus spent time with people so they would KNOW him.

I often fail, but I try to filter my motivations by love. If love is not the reason for my choice, then perhaps I need to rethink this.

Erin Edwards, a good friend from college, used to always remind us, “God’s bigger”. She is so right. God is bigger than me, than America, than anything I think I can protect God from.
I do not need to burn a Koran to protect the Bible.
I do not need to protest a mosque to protect the Church.
I do not need to curse Islam to protect Christianity.
God is bigger!
None of these actions would even make it through the filter; there is no love in the background! There is fear. If I believe God is bigger, I do not need to fear. I have not been given a spirit of fear. I will not act on a spirit of fear.

Problem 3:

The most troubling line of the afore-referenced email is, “Americans, put on your thinking caps and let’s find a solution to this problem of a spreading menace to the American way of life!”

The “menace” mentioned is Islam.

Due to the apparent rallying of Americans, I have a feeling that the same person who wrote this email also says they believe in the constitution. If that is true, then they must honor freedom of religion.

What if…

(Insert any voice that disagrees with me for the italicized portion.)All those Muslims should just stay in their own country and stop interfering with our American ways and leave my Christianity alone. (This was the gist of the inspirational email.)

This fearful person has missed something. Unless this person is in missionary training to go into Muslim countries with the gospel… do you see where this is going? This person claims to be a Christian, but instead of furthering the gospel, they are misrepresenting it. The incredibly small percentage of foreign missionaries will statistically allow me to guess that our email writer is not in missionary training. I’m not attacking them for that, I am suggesting they use a different lens.

What if…

Instead of running in fear from other religions, we lived out our faith. What a blessing to have America integrated with so many world cultures to celebrate! Dear email writer, do you realize that if you were living like a loving Christian rather than a hateful one, perhaps this fictitious enemy may recognize your “love filter”? Not your “duty filter” where you only go to church because you have to, but your love filter; the motivation by which you live your life and open your mouth to speak or compose your emails.

Do you realize that you don’t have to travel abroad to represent Christ world-wide? By living like a Christian in America, we are globally spreading the gospel. Or globally making the world hate Christians. I could disassociate myself from Christians and Americans alike by calling myself a North Central Western Hemisphere Christ Follower. But what would creating another term solve?

In Conclusion, LOVE. 

Lord, when did we see you hungry?

I received an email this morning from Charlotte Hoppe (our area Disciples of Christ minister) regarding the tragedy of unrest in Mexico. The "violence nourished by the money made from drugs" is receiving some attention, but not enough. My heart goes out to the poor souls of parts of Mexico dealing daily with murder, ransacked homes, ransom notes and missing children, large fees for family protection, blackmail, corruption, and the latest: starvation. Many families are thankful for food donations coming in, but even with donation only 50% of their nutritional needs are being met. A church in El Paso is heading up a project to feed our brothers and sisters in Mexico. Here is a portion of the email I read this morning:

"How much is needed? A lot! A challenge of 1000 lbs of Beans & 1000 lbs Rice has been accepted by one church in the TRA [Tres Rios Area]. Recently, a 50 lb bag of Beans with a 50 lb bag of Rice was purchased for $ 42 total at Sam’s Club in El Paso. $ 840 will provide 1Ton of food. Beans & Rice can be sent to First Christian Church of El Paso, 901 Arizona, El Paso, TX, 79902, phone: 915-533-6819, Attn: Sr. Min. Leslie Dalstra. Money donations can also be sent to the First Christian Church of El Paso at the same address. Please mark your check with “Beans & Rice” and these monies will be converted into Beans & Rice and gasoline for the distribution in Mexico."

If your heart strings have been pulled as mine have, find a way to get involved!

I am the summer youth minister at Los Altos Christian Church in Abq, NM. Our youth will be collecting donations and hosting a "Beans & Rice Lunch" on September 19, 2010. Our goal will be to collect monetary gifts to send to El Paso because they can purchase the food just as well as we can and I would rather help as much as we can (not waste any on shipping). If you do not live in this area, feel free to send money to Los Altos (contact me for info) and we will make sure it gets where it needs to go, or follow the instructions above and send it straight to El Paso.

One favor: if you do get involved, please comment here, call me, email me, let me know about it! I would love to here about it. Please do the same if you have other suggestions of how we may respond with love to our neighbors in need.

"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
Matthew 25:44