WiseReader

This morning I decided to browse through a few blogs I follow. As I clicked and read, I was inexorably drawn deeper and deeper into the blogosphere, finally landing at Desiring God, the online site of John Piper’s well-known and respected ministry.

Before long I found myself perusing their extensive recommended reading list. If you enjoy reading, but often wonder if you are making good choices in your reading decisions, this reading list will provide an excellent guide for you.

There are some 68 categories - what the site describes as ”the main categories of a well-rounded Christian worldview” - from which to choose. From some of the world’s great classics, to books covering just about every aspect of Christian life and doctrine, this list will provide you with a life-time of wise reading choices.

Already the poorest country in the western hemisphere, the devastating earthquake in Haiti has pushed this country to the very brink. As with other major disasters, governments, NGOs and people around the world are rushing to help.

Perhaps you want to help also, but wonder if your donation will be used wisely in the relief efforts underway in the country.

For several years I was privileged to serve on the board of directors of Emmanuel International, an evangelical ministry of relief and development. Without qualification, I can say that the personnel in this agency serve sacrificially and faithfully in several of our world’s poorest nations, including Haiti. I know of no agency that is more adept in making scare donor dollars stretch. If you want to give, but are unsure where to do so, I highly recommend Emmanuel International.

You can donate online or by phone. For every $5000.00 (USD) raised, EI can provide a truckload (approximately 8000 pounds) of food (water, rice, beans, fish) and tarps. EI partners with an evangelical Baptist denomination in the country meaning that those who will handle the relief effort are Haitians who live in the country and will be there long after the international community has moved on.

If you act right away, the Canadian government has pledged to match every dollar registered charities raise for Haiti relief.

For thirty years, Emmanuel International has served with the people of Haiti in bringing physical, emotional and spiritual hope to those who desperately need all three.

Not having posted any new reviews for quite some time should not be interpreted as flagging interest in reading and writing reviews.

Earlier this year I was approached about re-entering pastoral ministry at Grace Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario. I subsequently accepted a call and began ministry at Grace on October 1st. At the same time, I have been helping both New Covenant Forum, the mission I was leading, and the Canadian ministry of Life in Messiah International, the agency of which I was Board Chair, move through this transitional phase. I am grateful that my successor at New Covenant Forum has been secured, and that the ministry of Life in Messiah International (Canada) is moving forward.

There is far more involved in the paragraph above than I would be able to state in this blog post. Suffice it to say, September is a blur in my memory, and October is rapidly becoming the same.

Hopefully November will prove to be more conducive to posting reviews. I hope you will keep checking.