Would You Give This To Your Child?

I can't help but think how much different Hannah's life and health (see pics below) would be if the only thing she had to drink was the water in this bottle. I believe this is the first time that I have used the same posting here and on the Africa blog. The information is so vital I wanted to make sure it reached as many people as possible. Please read prayerfully

For those who may be asking, Why do you keep talking about water? This bottle is the answer. It came from a website that is also promoting clean drinking water in Africa. Perhaps the following statistics will also speak to you.

• More than half of Africa's people lack access to clean drinking water.
• Of all of the renewable water available in Africa each year, only 4% is used --because most Africans lack the wells, canals, pumps, reservoirs and other irrigation systems.
• In the past ten years, diarrhea has killed more children worldwide than all the people lost to armed conflict since World War II.
• Twelve million people die each year from lack of clean drinking water.
• Over 80% of the disease in developing countires is related to poor drinking water and sanitation.
• One billion people in the world lack access to clean drinking water.
• One child dies every 15 seconds from lack of clean water.

DOES ANYMORE NEED TO BE SAID !

If you are interested in supporting water projects in Kenya and Sudan, please contact us at crossroadspittsburgh@msn.com.

stay off the paved road... --craig

More About Water

For those who may be asking, Why do you keep talking about water? This bottle is the answer. It came from a website that is also promoting clean drinking water in Africa. Perhaps the following statistics will also speak to you.

• More than half of Africa's people lack access to clean drinking water.
• Of all of the renewable water available in Africa each year, only 4% is used --because most Africans lack the wells, canals, pumps, reservoirs and other irrigation systems.
• In the past ten years, diarrhea has killed more children worldwide than all the people lost to armed conflict since World War II.
• Twelve million people die each year from lack of clean drinking water.
• Over 80% of the disease in developing countires is related to poor drinking water and sanitation.
• One billion people in the world lack access to clean drinking water.
• One child dies every 15 seconds from lack of clean water.

DOES ANYMORE NEED TO BE SAID !

If you would like to support clean water projects in Sudan and Kenya, please contact us at crossroadspittsburgh@msn.com.

,,,stay off the paved road --craig

Water Water Water

This is a video that a group put together in support of Blood:Water missions. I am including it on the blog because it is a strong message to the church. We must be about holistic ministry. Our June trip to Sudan and Kenya will include water projects. If you would like to support the project in any way, please contact Crossroads Church of Pittsburgh (412-915-0434) or crossroadspittsburgh@msn.com.

More Pics of Hannah

First Grandchild

We are so excited and praising the Lord about the arrival of Hannah today. Hannah, Ashley and Trey are all doing great. I thought you might like to see her.

Thanks for Praying

Thank you for your continued prayer for our friends in Kenya. As you will note in the following e-mail from Pastor John, things are much improved. The country is still working toward reconciliation, so please continue to pray. Below are two e-mail messages that I received recently. John and David are Kenyan pastors. Matthew is a Sudanese pastor. We will be working with all of them when we travel to East Africa in June.

stay off the paved road,

-craig

Hallo pastor, Kenyans are very very grateful to God and to all of you who prayed for us. Our greetings right now is happy new year! People through radios and any other means are asking for forgiveness from their friends, neighbors etc. I am now on the move of putting things in place for your trip. Hakuna matata Kenya and thanks very much for America and Kofi Annan.
Pass our Greeting and God Bless,
John


Hallo pastor, we are fine. David is busy with Busia bible school as from this weekend. I have been busy with the Ruiru bible school and we close on Friday of next week. This is the first time we have opened since the clashes in December. I did email Matthew some weeks ago and he hasn’t replied but the work is fine.
Pass our Greetings and God Bless,
John

HAVE YOU SEEN THE HEADLINES?

HEADLINES – MARCH 7, 2008

· Student Kills Self in Front of 150 Classmates at Alabama High School
· Woman Comes Forward in Child Abuse Case Involving Car Wash Hose
· Police Reportedly Close to Arrest in Auburn Student's Death; UNC Murder Still Unsolved
· Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of 6,700 Pounds of Marijuana
· 4-Year-Old Shows Up to Elementary School Drunk
· Florida Woman Arrested for Leaving Mother Dying on Floor for 2 Weeks
· Dad Who Burned Kids in Dryer: Thought They Could Have a Good Time Without Money
· 'Possessed' Students Sent Home From School
· 'Sex and the City' Star Cynthia Nixon Discusses 'Fantastic' Lesbian Relationship
· Doctor Had Sex With Daughters

I am wondering if anyone is paying attention to the headlines. Jesus clearly modeled how the church is to impact the culture. What we find in scripture is an actual “counter culture” philosophy and spirituality. Here is my fear - instead of being “counter cultural” the church continues to move in the direction of cultural conformism; sacrifices being made at the altar of cultural relevance. This insatiable appetite for acceptance has led us down a path of hedonistic relativism with a mindset that places ultimate value on experience and feeling.

Is it just me or are you tired of hearing that we are experiencing the affects of post modernity and we just need to conform. Let us be reminded once again of Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is ---his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse tells us that conformity flies in the face of knowing God’s will. CHURCH – QUIT CONFORMING!!! You may be able to gather a crowd for a time, but as evidenced in the headlines, the culture will never be transformed.

stay off the paved road,

-craig