1.17.12 YouTube Video raising $ for Hunger Strike hits ESPN!
Over 86,000 views on YouTube and counting. This video was just featured on ESPN & has already raised over $50 for The Hunger Strike to put clean water wells in Mozambique, Africa through clicks. Watch the video below:
1.16.12 ["I have a dream"] by Pastor Glen Willet
On January 16th, we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. for his stand against racial oppression. King, an imperfect man, followed his dream and changed history in our nation. His dream cost him his life. Though he had flaws and weaknesses, he challenged his followers to commit to principles. For example, in his Birmingham campaign, followers signed a commitment card that read in part as follows:
1. MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2. REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation-not victory.
3. WALK and TALK in the manner of love, for God is love.
4. PRAY daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
5. SACRIFICE personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
6. OBSERVE with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. SEEK to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8. REFRAIN from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
9. STRIVE to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. FOLLOW the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.
As a church planter, I have a dream too. A dream that churches would be full of worshippers again. A church made up of all races, all social classes, and all ages. I dream of a day when pastors would once again be respected, not for their charisma or communication skills, or size of their church, but because of the Biblical truth they preach. I dream of churches working together to transform their communities instead of staking territorial rights and competing against one another. I have a dream of believers actually being disciples of Jesus rather than Sunday attenders.
I have a dream of a day when famine, malnutrition and disease will not take the life of children. I dream of nations living in peace with neighboring countries rather than stockpiling arms of war. I dream of every child having the chance of survival, a chance to become who God intended him/her to be.
I have a dream of the day when justice will roll like a river. You can be part of this dream by sponsoring a child at www.fh.org/willet .
-Pastor Glen Willet, www.questcc.org
12.14.11 [Unto us a child is born] By Pastor Glen Willet
As we fast approach the celebration of our Savior’s birth, it has caused me to reflect on the excitement for a child. Shepherds came to see the baby Jesus. Wise men traveled from afar to bring gifts. And even today in our culture, Jesus’ birthday causes most of us to add many entries to our calendars and many dollars to our monthly bills.
A new baby always brings change, demands responsibility for meeting spiritual and physical growth, creates reasons for care, and yes this new child costs something financially for many years to come. But what does it look like if this new baby is an orphan? What if the parents say ‘unto us a child is born, but we can’t care for it?’ Or ‘unto us a child is born, but I am dying?’ Or ‘unto us a child is born, but I have no more food to feed my children?’ Or what if the parents were tragically killed and the baby is now on its own?
Who speaks up for that orphan? Who takes care of that child? Who is now responsible? Who will pick up the financial part? Who will be the spiritual mentor for this child?
Just like the Magi’s visitors were humbled by the presence of a King in a smelly manger stall, I have been humbled many times as I have traveled to Haiti, Ethiopia, and Mozambique by seeing firsthand with my own eyes literally thousands of orphan children that are results of the above questions not being answered. What is even more troubling is the tens of thousands that die every day that never had the chance to speak for themselves or had a fighting chance to become what God wanted them to be.
As we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus, may we continue to pay attention to the many needs of orphans around the world. One way we can make a difference is by sponsoring a child. $32/month will provide the holistic care this precious child needs. You can communicate through letters. You can meet your child on a mission trip with The Hunger Strike team. Your support is a piece of the larger picture of transforming whole communities one child at a time.
-Pastor Glen Willet, Quest Community Church
11.28.11 Hunger Strike hits National TV
Watch the newscast airing later today to learn how students in MD are using a YouTube video to raise money for clean water wells in Africa!
