There really is such a thing as too much information.
There are things that you don’t want to know, even about your spouse or significant other. Yet people seem to like to share these things online. Before you do, think about whether you’d want your parents, grandparents or even kids to see the post. It seems today that everyone is using social media.
Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are popular and powerful tools. And like most tools, they could be helpful if used correctly or dangerous if used inappropriately.
The bottom line principle is that you are responsible for what you write. The Internet is a public forum, and writing something is the same as speaking it from a stage. Even if you delete a blog post, RSS feeds will still contain your post. Once something is published, it’s impossible to take it back, so think before you update, and be responsible for your words.
Recently, I decided to rework our social media policy and send it to our ministry leaders to share with their teams. Additionally, I used Facebook to encourage our members to connect with their ministry leaders and read the policy. Surprisingly, many pastors and ministry leaders sent inbox messages and emails requesting our policy. Yep, I sent it to them…free of charge!
I want to be a blessing to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, I decided to post it on my blog for all to glean. Here’s what it says: (more…)
When was the last time you heard a speech that moved you, that made you sit up and brush the potato cookie crumbs off your lap and watch?
The last time you heard a speech that made your eyes well up? When was the last time anyone really got to you, really said something with substance that you will always keep with you?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about sound bites, and how we live in a sound bite society. Unfortunately, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been reduced to the “I Have a Dream” soundbite. But, if you think about it, Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream…” message was a simple, yet powerful message. And very necessary.
Do you really know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Why doesn’t anyone ever quote these words by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
On Sunday, January 13, 2013, the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago launched “Water Sunday.” It’s part of our global outreach strategy to make Christ know to the “uttermost parts of the world.” I want to personally thank Shauntai Stowers, my wife and leader of our Women of Worth Ministryfor leading this initiative. They did an outstanding job leading and organizing this initiative.
The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a crisis. This crisis steals the lives of 5,500 people each day – more than war, natural disasters, AIDS or hunger. This crisis rarely makes the headlines – it is today’s silent killer.
We challenged our members & guests to skip their regularly purchased beverages and have water instead. And then for four weeks, take the money that they would normally spend on soda, coffee, tea, etc. and put it in one of these water bottles labeled “Water Mission Sunday.”
We had an OVERWHELMING response!
Over a thousand adults & children decided to partner with us and provide safe drinking water to people in developing & devastated countries. I’m proud of our members & guests who provided water bottles for everyone.
If you were not able to attend Sunday’s services or want additional bottles, you can pick them up Wednesday, January 16, 2013 during Diggin’ Deeper (7PM). We’re asking that you return your bottles on Sunday, February 10th filled with your sacrificial offering of at least $10.
Thank you Mars Hill & friends…you are great people!
Every day, close to 1 billion people wake up to another day without safe drinking water. Children are sick and weak. There is a constant struggle to find the most basic of human needs. Generations of poverty grip millions and won’t let go. The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a crisis.
Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit Christian engineering ministry providing sustainable safe water solutions to people in developing and devastated countries. WMI implements safe water projects in 9 countries: Haiti, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Peru, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya and Indonesia.
The Problem
Approximately 884 million people around the world lack access to safe water. Waterborne illnesses result in the deaths of nearly 1.5 million children every year. By partnering with WMI, Mars Hill Baptist Church will be a part of the solution.
Our Response
On Sunday, January 13, 2013, we’re challenging you to skip your regularly purchased beverages and have water instead. And then for four weeks, take the money that you would normally spend on soda, coffee, tea, etc. and put it in one of these water bottles labeled “Water Mission Sunday.”
Should you decide to partner with us, the water bottles will be provided by Mars Hill. Please be sure to pick one up on the day of our launch, returning it on Sunday, February 10th filled with your sacrificial offering of at least $10.
This endeavor will help us fulfill one of our 2013 goals, Global Outreach. As well, it will fall in line with our Year End Special Offering.
Mark your calendars, “WATER MISSION SUNDAY”, launching Sunday, January 13th and continuing on through Sunday, February 10th. Please join us in this great endeavor! Your sacrifice will provide one person safe water for life!
Today’s TV shows don’t compare to “old-school” TV shows. If you were to search the gazillion cable channels, what you will find are reality shows depicting sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Growing up, one of my favorite “old school” TV shows was the Lone Ranger. He was a fictional character, a masked ex-Texas Ranger who, with his Native American companion, Tonto, fights injustice in the American Old West. Although I loved the show, I was somewhat puzzled by the show’s title – The Lone Ranger. He wasn’t alone he had Tonto.
Go figure.
If the Lone Ranger had Tonto assisting him, why do most people try to figure out life’s problems on their own? Why do some insist on taking the “Lone Ranger” approach to solving life’s most difficult challenges? Since life’s filled with many twists and turns, it’s wise to recruit other wise people to help you conquer life’s challenges.
Wise People Never Attack Difficult Problems Alone
One of the greatest resources we have is the people God places in our lives. If you ask around, I’d be willing to suggest that someone in your circle has “been there, done that.” I can’t imagine going after a problem without the advice of the wise men & women God has placed around me. The next time you’re faced with a difficult problem, don’t attempt to solve it alone. Instead, ask: “Who can I recruit to help me solve this problem.
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
