It is a sad note, but most of the chocolate around the world has a very close relationship with child slavery. In fact, the industry is so engulfed in slavery that while attempting to create a completely fair trade chocolate bar, Dutch chocolate makers Tony’s Chocolonely Company still could not call their bars completely slavery-free. For now their slogan is, “On our way to 100 per cent slave-free chocolate.” So I must ask: Next Easter, how should we celebrate the risen Christ with our children?
www.chocolonely.nl and divinechocolateusa.com
Quote
“Last week I told my psychiatrist I keep thinking about suicide. He told me from now on I have to pay in advance.” –Rodney Dangerfield
Bible Verse of the Day
Isaiah 20:2-3 — God has the prophet Isaiah walk around naked for three years. “The Lord told Isaiah, son of Amoz, ‘Take off the burlap you have been wearing, and remove your sandals.’ Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot. Then the Lord said, ‘My servant, Isaiah has been walking around naked and barefoot for the last three years. This is a sign — a symbol of the terrible troubles I will bring upon Egypt and Ethiopia.'”
Pass the Debit Machine
It’s a changing world. It’s a technology-based world. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I read a hard copy of a newspaper let alone paid for a meal with cash. And does anyone still write cheques? More to the point, I’ve just recently heard someone say that the only cheque she writes each month is the one she writes to the church. And that is the logic behind putting ATMs in the church lobby and passing portable debit machines instead of an offering plate. So I ask you, is it offering or offense?
Search ChristianWeek.org for: “Praise the Lord and enter your PIN” and search Time.com for: “The ATM in the Church Lobby”
Website/Book
Stuff Christians Like by world famous Internet blogger Jonathan Acuff is the stuff of legends. First a website and now a book! Acuff’s articles, like, “The Youth Minister’s Unwritten Uniform” and “Throwing Away the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition” and “Rule 187: Leave Room for the Holy Spirit When You Dance” are some of the funniest things I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to read the new book. And, really, who doesn’t love Christian satire?
stuffchristianslike.net and amazon.ca
