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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 …

PathLight, Random Thoughts,

Christmas Greetings From PathLight

Recently wrote this for the PathLight email blast, but thought I’d post it here as well.
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David L. Fleming writes, “The son of God became poor by becoming incarnate. He embraced poverty in the circumstances of his earthly life. God was born in a stable manger and was given the name Jesus. His parents fled with him as refugees to escape a murderous tyrant. Later he lived a simple workman’s life in Nazareth. He became an itinerant preacher and teacher, without wife or children, without a home. He died utterly poor — stripped of even his clothing, an executed …

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 …

Belize, PathLight,

Belize Trip

I just returned home from Belize last night. D’Aun and I led a group of about 10 people on a five-day four-night trip. We call these “vision trips” because they are designed to show people what PathLight does and why we do it. It was a great group of people who wanted to learn more about poverty, educational issues, and Belize. By the end of the trip we had done and saw so much….and I saw a few hearts molded by the experience. Thought I’d describe some of the trip here.

We arrived at Belize International Airport on Monday about …