manna?

How To Help Tsunami Recovery by Jane J Kim (Wall Street Journal)

Posted by Ed and Lois

Following the deadly tsunami in southern Asia, a number of aid organizations are taking individual donations to assist recovery efforts in the hardest-hit countries Thanks to Ridgepoint for the links.

Here are some of the organizations:

• The International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in southern Asia. Donations are being accepted at 800-HELP-NOW and http://www.redcross.org

• AmeriCares. Call 800-486-4357 or visit http://www.americares.org to donate.

• Doctors Without Borders is preparing relief supplies for the area of Indonesia closest to the epicenter of the earthquake, among other projects. Contact 888-392-0392 or visit http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

• Mercy Corps, an international coalition of humanitarian agencies , is accepting donations at 888-256-1900 and http://www.mercycorps.org

• Save the Children Federation is seeking $5 million in private and public support for its emergency response through its Asia Earthquake/Tidal Wave Relief Fund. Contact 800-728-3843 or visit http://www.savethechildren.org

• Care is mounting an emergency response in areas hardest hit such as Sri Lanka and India. Contact 800-521-2273 or visit http://www.careusa.org

Rush Of Donations by Barbara Slavin (USA Today)

Posted by Ed and Lois

In the United States, fundraising efforts have ranged from deeply personal efforts by family members of tsunami victims to relatively anonymous donations made via Web sites operated by businesses and charities.

Gut-wrenching images on television of dead children, mourning survivors and inundated villages have triggered an extraordinary response among charitable organizations, faith-based groups, businesses and communities of U.S.-based immigrants from South Asia.

From Northern California to New Jersey, immigrant communities are rushing to collect money, blankets, canned food and clothing. President Bush and charity groups on Wednesday urged donors to send only money because it can be used to provide aid more immediately.
The United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York has seen a “tremendous expression of support,” says Morris Offit, president of what he calls the largest philanthropic organization in the USA. Offit says it is too early to tally the response to the tsunami but says the group typically raises $200 million a year in the New York City area.

The fact that many of the victims of the tsunami are Muslim has no impact on the group’s donation decisions, he says. He notes the Jewish concept of tzedaka, a Hebrew word that means both charity and justice. “This is an event almost beyond human terms, and we reach out to all people,” he says.

More than 20% of the estimated 5 million Muslims in this country are of South Asian descent, and Shaikh says he expects contributions to pour in to mosques and Islamic centers during weekly prayers Friday. His group also is receiving contributions from non-Muslims, says Shaikh, who suggests that some Americans who might have been wary toward Muslims since the 9/11 attacks are putting aside their prejudices.

“It takes a disaster like this to bring everyone together,” he says.

Full Post: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-12-29-tsunami-aid-cover_x.htm

Opportunities with the Community Housing Partnership of Good Samaritan Ministries –

Posted by Rich

The Community Housing Partnership is a collaborative effort between Good Samaritan Ministries, Community Action House, and local churches here in Holland.  We operate a 28 unit transitional housing program that serves individuals and families that are homeless.  We currently have several opportunities to serve and minister. 
    We need about 4-8 people that would like to pray and/or do some light cleaning.  If you can clean and pray at the same time that’s even better – but that’s not a requirement.  We need to get a two bedroom unit ready for the next family to move into it.  This would be a great opportunity to get to know some other people at Manna (build community), ministry to each other in prayer, minister to a family in need through prayer, and minister through service by cleaning and getting the unit ready for someone to move into it.  I’m thinking we might also eat pizza too.  If you would like be involved, please contact Rich Campbell at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

The Phone Booth Is Back Minus The Phone by Samanth Jonas (Fox News)

Posted by Ed and Lois

Cell phones may be ruling our lives, but at least they don’t have to ruin our dinners and study breaks anymore.

With newer, fancier cell phones continually hitting the market and the FCC considering allowing the use of mobiles on airplanes, there is once again an oasis of quiet to be found: restaurants and libraries across the country are installing cell-phone booths to give Americans peace from annoying chatter — and the privacy to make a call.

“Cell phones are all over the place. Everyone always has someone to talk to, and having the option to use a cell-phone booth makes it easier for someone to be polite,” said League. “Nobody wants to hear someone talking on a cell phone while they are dining.”

Studies confirm that people are also sick of not being able to talk in private without being subjected to the elements, or having to hear toilets flush in the background.

Top Grossing Albums 2004

Posted by Ed and Lois

R&B singer Usher unloaded some revelations about his breakup with TLC singer Chilli in his first grown-up effort, “Confessions.”

Meanwhile, OutKast further inflamed breakup rumors with their critically acclaimed, split-down-the-middle effort in 2004.

Britney Spears moaned and groaned to the world what it already well knew — she’s really not that innocent — in “In the Zone,” while country star Toby Keith showed his patriotic side in “Shock’n Y’all”

1. “Confessions” — Usher

2. “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” — OutKast

3. “Closer” — Josh Groban

4. “The Diary of Alicia Keys” — Alicia Keys

5. “Feels Like Home” — Norah Jones

6. “Fallen” — Evanescence

7. “Shock’n Y’all” — Toby Keith

8. “In the Zone” — Britney Spears

9. “The Very Best of Sheryl Crow” — Sheryl Crow

10. “When the Sun Goes Down” — Kenny Chesney

Source: Billboard, 12/25/2004