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Belize

Does it pay to study?

It’s a question asked in an article published by The Economist a few months ago. The report looked at whether it made financial sense to invest in an education. Given the high cost of an education, it’s a reasonable question. But the answer was a clear “yes” in virtually every way. A study quoted in The Economist showed that the net present value of a student receiving a degree in the United States is over $150,000. Plus there is a benefit to the government, measured in future taxable income, of over $100,000.

As I read …

Belize, PathLight,

PathLight Letter

Sent this out today, but thought I’d post it on my blog as well. Would love for you to sign up for the regular newsletter! Just click the PathLight button to the right.
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In just 15 months the first PathLight sponsorship students will graduate from high school. This will be a milestone in their lives. It will be a time of great celebration for all involved, including parents, teachers, sponsors, and of course the students. The PathLight staff will certainly be excited!

It is easy to overlook just how amazing it is for these kids to complete high school. …

Belize, PathLight,

PathLight for Graduates

The PathLight sponsorship program has been helping students through High School since 2007. In June of 2011, we will have the first graduating class. That will be a time of real celebration!

The question has come up, “Now what?” We’re looking for models of how other orgs have helped students after graduation. I’m sure that some will be capable of going on to college, some might go to vocational training, some might get a job, etc.

We know they’ll be capable young men and women, but how can PathLight help these students in their post high school years?

I’d welcome …

Belize, PathLight,

PathLight Videos

We’re trying to use video more at PathLight, and my son Jedd is taking the lead. It’s hard at times to get the footage because Belize is not exactly around the corner. But as we get updates and have interesting things to share, we hope to post them. Below is a short video from Jedd that explains more …

We’re also redoing our “frequently asked questions” page with simple videos like this. Here I am explaining “why education?” followed by “why Belize?” More proof that I am not a movie star …

You can see more at the PathLight Youtube …

Belize, PathLight,

Haiti, Beuchner, Paul, and the deep hunger of the world

Most people have forgotten about Operation Uphold Democracy. It was in late 1994, and Jimmy Carter, Colin Powell, and Sam Nunn had negotiated the return of exiled President Jean Bertrand Aristide to Haiti. The existing Haitian military dictatorship left the country as US military forces moved in to provide security and restore some order.

Two weeks later, I arrived in Haiti to visit friends who were running literacy programs throughout the country. It was a curious time in Haitian history, with US military personnel visible everywhere. Gunshots could be heard at night, and a backfiring car in the daytime made …

Belize, Family, PathLight, Westmont,

Zealous Love

Okay, so here is a book everybody should read. I don’t say that often, and I guess I’m overstating it here to make a point, but this really is an excellent read.

Mike & Danae Yankoski, friends of mine and former PathLight volunteers, have put together a “practical guide to social justice.” And indeed it is. Zealous Love is a unique collection of short articles on human trafficking, unclean water, refugees, hunger, education, environment, HIV/AIDS, and inequality.

The list of writers is simply outstanding…but of course my favorite is my own daughter, Rachel! Well done, honey! Also in the …

Belize, PathLight,

Giving as a Spiritual Discipline

I wrote this short article for the PathLight newsletter that goes out tomorrow, but I wanted to post it because it’s a message I believe in. The message is simple: giving wisely to those less fortunate has a transformational impact on all involved. It certainly can change the life of a student in Belize, but it also can change the life of a donor. Giving is a spiritual exercise, so the more you do it with a heart for seeking the grace and peace of God, the more transformational the exercise of giving can become. It seemed an appropriate message …

Belize, PathLight,

Local Leadership

This short article was originally written for the PathLight newsletter (sign up for it by clicking here). Actually, my son Jedd and I wrote this, and he did most of the work. And my daughter Rachel deserves credit for finding the Bryant Myers quotes! So I guess it was a family production. Anyway, it was written as part of PathLight’s announcement that we’ve hired a Belize Director, Fermin Olivera. That’s a significant step for the organization as we transition from being led by USA citizens to being more of an indigenous organization. So, here’s the article:
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One of …