Ending Malaria

*Each year, malaria afflicts approximately a half-billion people (roughly the population of the United States, Canada, and Mexico combined).
*Malaria kills more than a million people per year; 90 percent of those who die are African children.
*Every 30 seconds an Africa a child dies of malaria.
*Malaria incapacitates people, keeping countries poor. In addition to the health burden, malaria illness and death cost Africa about $12 billion per year.

It only costs $10 to buy a net to protect individuals from malaria and get it distributed!

http://www.nothingbutnets.net/

Diving in...

In a world where it seems injustice is rampant, what do you think it takes (or what qualities/attitudes/ or even resources are needed) to effectively join in other's struggles and to create a community where justice abounds?

I realize this sounds incredibly abstract, but in terms of trafficking, homelessness, slave labor and other major human rights issues - what TANGIBLE means do you see and/or employ to tackle this problems?

Somalia

A news article from today about the long-term conflict in Somalia.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200612270361.html

Just found a non-profit offering emergency relief and education/skills training to people in Somalia: Horn Relief - www.hornrelief.org

Information Craze

One of the things that it would be great to do together is to share resources!! :)

One that I have been paying more attention to is the UN News Centre. You can download podcast and listen to recent stories from around the world on the UN Radio.

http://www.un.org/news/

What is one of your fave ways of staying informed?

Let's do it!

For a while now I've been wanting to find a means of engaging several friends in separate conversations we have had about our passion for global affairs, the state of African countries, the body of Christ's role in ushering in justice and other various concerns. Now is the time!

I am so inspired by so many of my friends who have made tremendous sacrifices to promote the economic welfare of women in Mexico, lend an ear to AIDS patients in Zimbabwe, write books to encourage women to live whole and healthy lives of service and many others!

I am starting this blog because I want to hear about each of our journeys, to share in one another's joys and to offer encouragement when it's hard to see the way ahead of you. I also wish for this to be a means to discuss ideas and passions and solutions we are working towards in our personal missions/dreams/ect. I would love for this to be a forum to swap books that are shaping your viewpoint and your reactions to events that are happening around the world and more! It is what we make it!

I will do my best to post every couple of days and at least once a week.

Question - what is one tangible step you hope to take this year as you pursue your calling?
(For me - spend time working on a microcredit project in Africa this summer!)

Blog away!

Nat