Millennium Development Goals and the Christian Reformed Church

I was reading, "The Skeptic's Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis" last week and I got to page 81 where the 8 millennium development goals were listed. It stopped me in my tracks. Why haven't I seen these before?

The UN adopted them in 2000 as goals that every country could hope to achieve by 2015 and I was not even aware of them. Wow, I live a sheltered life. These 8 goals are so compelling. Who would not want to give their lives to helping achieve these goals? This is what redemption can lead to.

In Christian Reformed circles we talk about transforming society and the world. We talk about how to relate the gospel to the world with a transformational emphasis. That is what I like so much about our reformed perspective, redemption begins between us and God and then it branches out into society and the world with the gospel saying yes to repairing the world. It's seeing the kingdom of God developing in all areas of society.

And this is why the millennium development goals are so compelling to me. They are stated so clearly. They involve all humanity. They are shared with the nations. And they are about, may I use the word - redemption.

1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
2) Achieve universal primary education.
3) Promote gender equality and empower women.
4) Reduce child mortality.
5) Improve maternal health.
6) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
7) Ensure environmental sustainability.
8) Develop a global partnership for development.

I have so many questions. How are we doing with these goals? What initiatives are there that is working on these? How is the worldwide buy-in? Who are the front runners? Is there a way to track progress? What does this mean for us here in Chilliwack? For Heartland?

CRC 150th Anniversary

On June 3rd there will be a lower mainland gathering to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Christian Reformed Church.

Team leader: Ron Frans
Activity site: Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley of B.C.
Number of congregations involved in the event: 23
Date of event: June 3, 2007; 7:00 p.m.
Location: Chandros Theatre, Pacific Academy, Surrey, BC
Speaker at the event: Mr. Henry Wildeboer

more here