The Philippines still needs help!

In the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan’s horrible devastation, 2.5 million people in the Philippines are in need of emergency assistance as they begin the process of rebuilding.  People all over the world have been very generous, but so much is needed.  This week as we prepare to give thanks here in the United States, let us also share with those is such great need.

 

As I have said before, the best way to donate is through organizations that are already set up and doing this work.  Setting up something new or donating to someone who just set up something takes many and wastes it.  It really needs to get to where it will do the most good.  Go to http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate - the website for The Philippine Red Cross.

The men, women and children in the Philippines are now homeless and who have no clean water or food in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan really need a hand. I think the most direct help can come through the Red Cross, but there are other good organizations set up already that are doing good work. UNICEF is another good way to give.  Click HERE to donate to their efforts.

José: An Underdog Story

If Houston Rockets Point guard Jeremy Lin suddenly showed up for a game of pickup basketball, what would you do?  José was already picking up his life when he met Jeremy, but that day he got an extra boost. 

 

This is the latest video from The Jubilee Project and like their other efforts it will move you.  Please click HERE to watch.  The story of José is also about a wonderful program here in San Francisco's Tenderloin.  More about them at http://www.sfcityimpact.com

 

We have written here often about The Jubilee Project because we really like their work.  Get to know more about them at http://jubileeproject.org/ - oh and by the way, Jeremy Lin has worked with them before.  Another very moving video called The Last Pick can be seen HERE.

Who is there

The 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who is expected to simulcast in 94 countries tomorrow, setting a Guinness Book World Record  for the largest simulcast for a drama in television history.  Doctor Who has already set some impressive records over the years (fifty years in itself is pretty impressive) - it is the longest running science fiction series ever on broadcast tv.

 

Doctor Who first appeared on BBC1 on Saturday, 23 November, 1963.  It has a cult following in the United States with conventions popping up across the country.  Today there are even all-day Doctor Who parties planned!  The very first broadcast though was not seen here back on that November day.  Most Americans were focused then on mourning the death of President John F Kennedy.

 

I'm not a Doctor Who expert (although I do know there have been eleven doctors and the police call booth is the method of transportation), but I am certain that this one tv show has made a huge difference in many lives.  It has brought people together.  It has been the subject of numerous conversations.  It has made people happy.  Making a difference can come in so many forms!

The Be O.N.E. Project

For years I have been telling you about Go Inspire Go and for months I have been telling you about their 50/50 campaign - 50 heroes in 50 states.  Well today their website has a new look and what's more, today the first video is premiered!

 

Please watch.  It, like all of their previous videos, is very moving.  

This one introduces us to Matthew Kaplan, 16, the founder of the The Be O.N.E. Project, which he created for middle school students in Arizona to stop bullying behavior before it even begins.  Matthew is indeed making a difference in this world and I am so delighted that GiG 50/50 is introducing him to us!  Click HERE to see the video.

 

As always you can find out more about Go Inspire Go at their website:  http://goinspirego.com/

No mugging zone

A friend of mine was mugged the other day. He wasn't badly hurt, but it could have been worse. I keep hearing about more and more muggings. What can be done? How do we respond to this?

Of course you cannot just put up signs tell people not to mug others and the police cannot be everywhere. Much of the work in these cases is up to us.

There are a number of things we can all do to make us less likely targets. Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions. You become an easier target when do things like listen to music on headphones, talk on the phone, or anything else that takes your attention away from your surroundings. If you believe you are being followed, head quickly toward a populated area. Make noise, blow a whistle, or call for help. Don't be afraid to draw attention to yourself. Consider defending yourself IF you have the skills. Also, Travel with others whenever you can. Muggers are much more likely to go after individuals than groups.

Another thing: witnesses need to react. We are all in this world together. If you see someone being attacked, render assistance! You don't have to put yourself in danger. Call 911. Scream! Get others involved. Call for medical aide if it is needed.

Of course we can all work for a better world too where people care enough about each other that they don't go around attacking each other. We can always hope.

REAL relief

The Philippine government has already revised the official death toll from Typhoon Haiyan several times, and sadly the final death toll is expected to be even higher.  The injured and the missing also comprise huge numbers.  There is so much destruction.  People are trying to help, and that is a good thing.  People are also trying to make a buck off of the suffering of others, and that is not a good thing.

 

We see scams all the time, but when they come in times of disaster, it is especially bad.  The people of the Philippines have already endured more than most folks could stand.  Now, they could use a hand - now they could use some REAL relief, not a moneymaking scheme for an unscrupulous person.

 

Some people have tried to start organizations to deal with this tragedy - some have even tried this legitimately.  Here's  the thing though:  there are already tons of organizations up and running that can and will bring relief.  Let's use those that are tried a true.  As an example, there is doctors without borders, the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Habitat for Humanity, UNICEF, and others.  Donate.  Volunteer.  Do it though through channels that are going to do actual good and bring real relief.

Listening in the night

It's been a while since I wrote here about San Francisco Night Ministry and since their work never stops it seems like a good time to mention them once again. (Of course you can always click on the link to the right and visit their website too).

San Francisco is not a wild twenty-four hour city with all night discos, theatres, night clubs and restaurants going strong all night seven days a week. Some might even say we are one of those places where the sidewalks get rolled up early. An awful lot of folks have no place to go from those sidewalks though and that is only part of the problem. There is also the need that people sometimes have after hours - after the regular services close for the day. Sometime people just need a friendly ear. San Francisco Night Ministry is available every single night of the year and not just with ministers walking the streets, but also staffing a nightly crisis line which you may telephone.

To serve others and to do it when the need is there, not just when it's convenient, is something the Night Ministry has done for a long time. They can always use a hand of course and this includes donating money or supporting their various fundraising events or simply volunteering to lend a hand. Sometimes they could use help in the office in the daytime too.

Would you like to help them? Why not join them as a Crisis Line Counselor? Check out their website at http://www.sfnightministry.org/ or contact Brother Jude at 415-861-7951 or by email at judehillssf@aol.com

Night Ministry sponsors an "Open Cathedral" ministry in the daytime - weekly non-denominational outdoor worship services for anyone who wishes to attend. Singing, praying, preaching and the Eucharist are offered, followed by opportunities for private conversation, prayer, blessing or the same counseling that is offered at night. Everyone is welcome to attend. Open Cathedral gatherings happen rain or shine. The Civic Center plaza one has been around the longest. They gather every Sunday at 2pm at Leavenworth and McAllister, near United Nations Plaza. Lunch is offered following the service, and worship attendance is not required to participate in the lunch.

How wonderful that San Francisco Night Ministry is here offering hope and comfort in the darkness of the night.