I Can't Wait

     To the southwest, the mountain range covered the retreating sun, leaving behind a tell-tale eerie pink and blue. Still a few hours before sunset, the village was in the shadow of the mighty Maoke Mountains. As if cued by a legendary director, the entire village came suddenly to life with shouts of triumph and laughter, as they buzzed excitedly around the hunting party.

      “Wow, what got them on the warpath?” John asked.

      “Sounds like the hunting party is back. Come on, let’s see what they bagged,” Marta replied.

     John laughed at her choice of wording and took up a quick stride matching her. As they neared, John saw one of the party hopping around with the ugliest bird he had ever seen slung across his shoulders.

The bird had the longest legs, save for the ostriches he saw in zoos and on Wild Kingdom. Instead of feathers, it sported long fine hairs. Blue and red adorned its neck, reminding John of the bright colors of a baboon

     “THAT’S disgusting!” John exclaimed wide eyed.

     “THAT’S dinner,” Marta said.

     “I’m not eating it, if that’s what you think,” John replied.

“     I’m recalling our conversation about being courteous and non-offensive, is what I think.”

     “You are a tough one, Marta Springer.”

     “It’s not like you have to eat the whole thing. There’s probably only enough for a taste. I recommend you at least have the courtesy to try,” Marta said.

     “What is it?”

     “That is the Cassowary, they call it... hmm, I guess the best translation is ugly stilt bird,” Marta said.

     “I’d say. But look, I can relate to those wild piglets they are showing off,” said John.

     “You are in for a real treat fireside tonight-chockfull of adventurous hunting stories,” Marta said.

     “I can’t wait.”

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

Making a difference; Commitment Style

I've been doing a lot of newspaper reading, information gathering, volunteering with praying to better understand who my neighbor is. After reading The Hole in the Gospel by Richard Sterns and Radical by David Platt, I realize that my "neighbor" isn't just around the corner or the next house over. These two books helped explain that our world's population is our neighbor.

Christ's message is to love our neighbors. That sounds easy until we learn that love is more than simply an emotion of our hearts, but a call to action. You're probably familiar with the term "make the punishment fit the crime." If you are, then allow me this analogy, "make your reward fit your heart". It's not enough to say, "My heart goes out to these people". Even their enemies feel compassion. But neighbors rise to the occasion to help. In my case, I've often felt distant and unaffected, blaming it on poor governments and people needing to "take care of their own problems".

Last week my neighbor's trees blew over into my yard. It was a huge mess and I fretted over how to clean it up without a chain saw.
Will I buy a chainsaw and take care of it myself?
Should I bother my neighbor and ask him what he plans to do about the trees?
Alas, I didn't have to do anything. Saturday morning I was overjoyed to hear the guttural and powerful growling of a chainsaw. Like a claxon, it called me and the surrounding neighbors to pitch in. Within hours we had both yards cleaned up.

Our neighbors near and far need our help. I received the message loud and clear and gladly spring into action. For me, it meant finding a local charity and supporting it in service and finances. It also meant joining Mr. Stearns in adopting a child, providing clean water, and donating to abused children through World Vision.

This week my heart breaks over the refugees from Somalia. Our neighbor's children are starving. Their mothers walk miles to feed them only to be abused. This is not their fault as they are born into their misery. What can we do? Are we powerless to help?

Let's start by praying for them, writing our leaders, donating money and using our talents to let our neighbors know we are doing our best for them.

If you are looking for ways to join in loving your neighbor, consider these points as addressed in Radical.

• Become active in your church through service and tithing
• Join a local charity organization and give of your time and money
• Find an international charity and do the same
• Plan to visit a foreign country to help where needed

If you are looking for a place to start, why not help me raise funds for abused children. I am partnering with World Vision.