A Fresh Perspective - January 16, 2009
If you could only read one book for 2009 I would recommend, "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time," authored by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (Penguin Books, 2006). Relin, a renown journalist who has been all over the world, tells the story of Greg Mortenson, the director of the Central Asia Institute.
In 1993, after a failed attempt to reach the summit of K2, the second highest mountain in the world, Mortenson was separated from his group on the descent and lost his way. He found himself without food or shelter in the most desolate region of northern Pakistan. Disoriented and famished, he stumbled into an impoverished Pakistani village, where he was graciously received and nursed back to health.
While recovering he was greatly impacted by both the generosity and poverty of the people. The village had no school, and on one occasion he watched village children sitting outside, scratching their lessons in the dirt with sticks. Though he was financially broke and had no connections to financial resources he promised the village that he would return and build them a school. His commitment to that promise launched one of the most incredible humanitarian missions in the contemporary world. It's an amazing story that I encountered as a profound spiritual experience.
This book is about providence, compassion, overcoming failure, and extraordinary persistence in the face of huge challenges. It enables one to see the merciful side of Islam and to acquire a holistic perspective on the good that can be accomplished in a completely different culture when that culture is understood and respected. Herein is revealed the only truly effective way to combat terrorism.
Volunteer Opportunity: After school on Tuesdays Immanuel Baptist Church provides tutoring ("Study Buddies") for children from Collins Lane Elementary School. The need exceeds the number of our current volunteers. If you would like to invest some time in helping a child with their education give me a call at 223-7601 or 229-7246. No church membership or participation is necessary. A background check is required.