Liberty for what purpose?

It is interesting how ‘compassionate conservatism’ has no traction these days. Perhaps though, evangelical America is so solidified behind the republican party that their votes are expected rather than desired?

Having recently finished Frank Schaeffer’s most recent book titled ‘Sex, God and Mom’, I find his thoughts on the the ‘right’ and evangelical America to have much value. Americans talk about ‘ObamaCare’ as a four letter word while entirely ignoring the millions of people who can’t afford to see a doctor when necessary for healthy living. We cover our disgust of the new health care laws under the guise of ‘liberty’, and yet we fail the biblical text to love our neighbor.

Somehow we’re still o.k. about ignoring our neighbors plight on the same day we heard a sermon of the ‘Good Samaritan.’ But of course, we never find ourselves in that story. We’re good church going republicans… or so we tell ourselves while we proclaim the kingdom to our coworkers who were not in church on Sunday…

I'm looking for a fight...

And here is why I am looking for a fight these days: While the democrats and republicans in Washington D.C. are not playing fair nor nice, nor are they really being helpful to the nation since they prefer fighting and ideology over and against compromise, my representative is Mr. Bill Huizenga.

I'm looking for a fight - someone to take him on in this conservative second district because he plays the same games as the rest of the crew in D.C. But, he's my congressman, and I can fight for him to change his ways or for someone else to go to D.C. to represent me.  This is the beauty of a democracy. I can speak. I can write. I can vote. And I can challenge Mr. Bill Huizenga to either be more honest or change his ways or look for a challenger.

Mr. Congressman, you continue to harp on jobs and job creation, and you direct your accusations at President Obama and the democrats. Undoubtedly they share some of the blame for this mess, but you prefer to take none of the blame.  Furthermore, you tout the idea of job creation as something that America needs -- and we do.

Yet, you fail to address the needs of the second largest business in Michigan - agriculture. We in the AG business are looking for support from you for immigration reform. We have employees who could benefit from reform, and we have businesses that would become more stabilized with the reform. Yet, on this issue you turn away and support the party line. I realize it's about votes. Your position is not about what is right nor what is good nor just nor even about jobs. Yet, you claim to support 'job creators.' In reality, you support new jobs if they fit within the party lines. Is it no wonder our economy is in a mess?

So, please be honest with us. Until you are willing to support immigration reform in D.C. for the sake of the AG business in your own state, your accusations toward 'the other side' are not fair. You have failed to support changes that we believe are necessary, and you seem to be unwillingness to support the AG business in your district. As a follower of Jesus Christ and someone who is passionate about justice and mercy, and also as someone whose family business employs migrants and American citizens, I am rightly offended by the inability of self-reflection and recognition of the problematic policies held by both parties.

This is not simply a differing of opinion or a difference in philosophy. I encourage and challenge you to find a political position that will support job creation that also supports the diverse agriculture scene of Ottawa County. Until your position changes on this issue, your talk about desiring to help with job creation is is what my grandfather would have called chaff. As 'job creators' in your district, should we not expect better?

Kenya Matters Reflections: Late August Edition

On this first day of September, I’m in my favorite coffee shop with my eight-year-old son enjoying quiet time across the table from one another.  A silent glimpse and occasional few words remind us of the presence of the other. For our family and a handful of others here in West Michigan and elsewhere around the globe, life is a constant mix of family, work—and the efforts, thoughts, hopes and prayers for our orphan friends in Karai, Kenya.  

At times I almost wish this project away, as it feels like a burden to care for kids half a world away.  On the other hand, it is also one of the greatest joys of many of our lives.  Two weeks ago I was sitting in a corporate board meeting, and I received an email stating that the water volume of the well was very good!  I immediately interrupted the meeting to share the news. Tears swelled in the eyes of the sixty-six year old co-founder of this company. Friends, we’re making a difference.

A day later at a gathering of friends, while celebrating water at the bottom of our 260 meter deep well, Jason Anderson stated, “Now we’ve done something significant with our lives.”

Savor this reality.  And know that we have work to do.  We have a well & water project that needs funding to develop: irrigation for eight acres of farmland, showers for teenagers, and a filtration system for drinking water. We also have five additional orphan friends who will need tuition assistance for high school this coming year.

We’re asking you in real financial ways to help our thirty-two kids in Karai. Please give it some thought, and consider how you can join us in this effort.

On behalf of the board, we celebrate and challenge ourselves (and you) to the future that lies ahead. 

Blessings,
Randy