Phase 8...

1. I did not learn all that I had hoped to learn. I feel, though, as a result of this blog, I was in a sense “getting my feet wet” and am now more curious about this issue. I will have to, at a different time, study more specifically what the scriptures have to say about the fatherless, although studying that should be something I apply to the rest of my life. I was able to look into some specific areas, but there is so much involved in this topic.
2. Some of the benefits of focusing on the topic of phases was that the research was not as overwhelming as it would have been to have been given all the objectives of the assignment and then a due date and “go at it” without much direction. This also helped with my tendency to want to procrastinate-- this system helps keep me accountable to finish a goal. And I appreciated that as we went in phases, we would learn more strategies along the way, helping me feel more equipped for the project. Doing this project in phases helped me keep and develop my focus, both for the topic and the audience. One of the only drawbacks I could see are the times I’m trying to do a research project or write a paper quickly, which would make me probably want to jump right into it instead of doing it in phases.
3. Yes I think I will approach topics differently now. I have been challenged now to search for the credibility of sources, and find those sources that are appropriate to the topic. I have also been challenged to find a variety of sources. It has opened my eyes to recognizing ongoing conversations about topics, and in some research assignments it will be helpful to know how to join a conversation in the project. I am also encouraged now that research projects can be looked at as the goal being discovery.
4. I feel I now know more about the topic and may be able to discuss it a little better, but as a result of researching, I also feel that I have only skimmed the surface wanting to be more confident before discussing it more fully.
5. The most valuable thing I have learned about research is staying focused: both on the resources and the purpose of the research, including the audience. I need to be focused on the conversation and importance of my topic.

Phase 7...

The source that I have chosen for phase seven is Tom Davis’ book Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living. In particular, focusing on chapter two, The Fatherless, pages 45-65. 

The reasons for this source’s credibility are:

1. He cites sources that help support the claim, message and encouragements in this book and chapter
2. Tom Davis as an author, specifically on the subject of the reaching out to the fatherless, is credible because of his experience with helping and ministering to orphans. He is also the CEO of Children’s Hope Chest organization. 
3. This is a credible organization that seeks to help and equip the fatherless in countries such as Uganda, Russia, Swaziland, Ethiopia, South Africa, and India.
4. The book was published in 2008, allowing for a recent look at the needs of the fatherless and the poor and needy.
5. The information in this book and chapter are useful for this specific area and directly relates to and answers the questions of what our responsibility is. 
6. Although this chapter and book is mostly one-sided, urging others to act on behalf of the fatherless, he takes into account and addresses reservations, personal comforts, and fears that many face on this issue, encouraging his readers biblically to get involved.

This source is useful for the research and helpful for my audience because it focuses specifically on our responsibility to the poor and needy. Much of the focus in this source concerning what we as believers are to do is supported by biblical truths, and is applicable as we seek to know what our duty as the body of Christ is concerning the poor, needy, and fatherless.

Summary:

In pages 45-65 in Tom Davis’ book Fields of the Fatherless, he uses specific examples and truths from the Word of God to urge his readers to recognize the responsibility they have over the poor and needy. He encourages his audience to come alongside and give hope to the hopeless.

Davis begins this chapter by pointing out scriptural truths that will initially draw his readers to responsibility to care for the fatherless. As he continues to introduce this chapter, he invites his audience to “meet the fatherless”, and what that may look like specifically in our “neighborhood”.

He then addresses his readers, sensing the possible animosity toward the issue of giving money by stating that “It’s more than money” (49) In this section he explains that there are “social, emotional, and spiritual needs” that we can fill by investing our time and talents. (50)

As he continues, he invites us to look to the example of Christ-like care and love in the picture of Boaz and Ruth. He uses this image to point out practical ways of showing care. He focuses his readers’ attention on specific examples in respecting, providing for, affirming, protecting, honoring them, and offering the gift of Jesus to them.(53) Within each act, it draws the fatherless to clearly and personally see the love of Jesus.

And as Davis discusses the “Justice Due” to the poor and needy, he suggests to his audience that lovingly caring for them is not optional-- rather is preordained. He shared that doing otherwise, or nothing, would be depriving them of justice, and thus causing the fruit of our faith and love to be challenged.(54-56)

Personal stories of lives changed and effected by the love of God shown in others are used to support his urge to his audience to invest in others outside of comfort zones.(56-62)

In concluding this chapter, he relates the investment and act of compassion we should show to the needy directly to our gratitude. Having our actions rooted in remembering what life was like apart from Christ, he urges, should cause us to act in compassion on behalf of their needs.(62-63)

In summary, Davis uses truths from scripture and personal examples to urge his audience to act in compassion, showing the redeeming and welcoming love of Jesus Christ. He shares with his readers that this not merely something that is important, but is something that, to the believer, is a responsibility.

Response:

In response to this chapter, I have been reminded and impressed that this action is not merely optional, but is my responsibility as a believer to put myself aside to show compassion to the poor and needy for the purpose that the love of Christ to be shown and made known to them.

Davis introduced his audience to those in our personal “world” and many others, that he has classified as “the fatherless”. (48-49) I agree with the portrait he’s painting to remind us of the many around us who are in need of hope and Christ-like love, but it reminded me again that investing in a life of the many “fatherless” around us is important, and we as believers do not have to wait until we come across an orphan, rather I am to be faithful in ministering in the lives of those who are needy that I come across on a regular basis.

As he shared with his readers that it was more than just giving money, he stated that “According to the Bible, the needs of the poor are to be absorbed into society... The fatherless have social, emotional, and spiritual needs money alone can’t solve.” (50) I was challenged to remember that to care for the needs of the fatherless is my responsibility, and that this implies death to self-centeredness. I have been reminded that God has placed this responsibility on us because this is near to His heart, and it must not be about me, but about others.

He continues and shares in detail the image of Boaz’s intentional care for Ruth (50-53), and I must ask myself where my heart is concerning the poor and needy I come into contact with. Boaz went out of his way to welcome and love, would I do only what is comfortable to me? Would I treat them as equal or will I continue to put myself on a pedestal, even subconsciously, by not investing? Do i give them worth in my interaction with them? Do I remind them of their value? Do I welcome them in, or keep them at a distance because of what is comfortable to me. Many times it’s easier to think about caring for orphans or the fatherless in another country, but I quickly get crippled by fear and self-centeredness when I am faced with opportunities to invest in “my own neighborhood”.

I have also been reminded, as he shared about Job (54), to strive to both fear and love God and this will motivate my interaction with the needy around me. 

As he shared personal stories of those who have invested in lives and in turn affected the fatherless lives for eternity (56-62), I was challenged to look at the greater picture than my own comfort zone and realize the privilege of the opportunity to impact their world. I have seen that much in my heart must change and will change if I choose to obey Him.

In concluding his chapter, I have been reminded of my lack of gratitude. “Our gratefulness ought to be a wellspring that pours out the same kind of freedom and joy to others.”(63) Gratitude of the love the Father has shown me must be the driving force to invest in others. I must agree with his claim that our gratefulness of new life in Christ will directly affect our act of compassion toward others, and at times I ought to shudder that my actions might display that which is in my heart.

This kind of love goes much further than simple comfortable things. Rather, our faith and new life in Christ must urge me to act with compassion, selflessly and intentionally on behalf of the poor and needy, the “fatherless” that I will be held accountable for. And I have been reminded that this includes not only orphans in other countries, but those we may interact with regularly.

Phase 6...

The source that I have chosen for this phase is the book The Hole in our Gospel. The author is Richard Stearns, President of World Vision U.S. The chapter of focus for this phase was chapter 25, pages 257-273.

The reasons for this source’s credibility is:

1. He references in this chapter and throughout the book that support his evidence, his findings, and his biblical claims on the issue of our responsibility concerning the poor and needy.
2. Richard Stearns, as President of World Vision, is a trustworthy author, who is, yes, very much human, but provides the book and its message with credibility because of his face to face experiences with the plight of the poor and needy on many different occasions.
3. Much biblical truth is used in this chapter, along with the whole book, but is used specifically used as he explores the area of our responsibility and ways to get involved in the situations of the poor and needy.
4. This is a credible organization helping many around the world who are hungry, in need, and in vulnerable situations.
5. This book was published in 2009 and 2010, making the information recent and useful for the area of research.
6. While this book and chapter is focusing mainly one sided, I feel that it is so for a specific purpose- to invite and ignite believers to become passionate about getting involved and being broken over what breaks God’s heart.
7. This chapter has covers the ideas that I had hoped to look at and will be appropriate for the information that is needed, concerning now our responsibility as believers and how we can get involved.

This source is good for the research paper and helpful for the audience because part of this research was designed to focus in on how we as believers can get involved and offers ways we can invest. It specifically narrows in on three focused areas that encourages the audience and me to personally evaluate how we are being as stewards of the things he mentions, and offers accounts from others’ lives that act to challenge and motivate us to act.

Summary:

In pages 257-273 of The Hole in our Gospel, Richard Stearns discusses ways in which believers can take action and invest into the poor and needy. He states that although one may not feel that what they have to offer is useful, there are three specific areas one may evaluate in his/her life and find much that can be invested. These categories he uses are time, talents and treasure. 

He shares with his readers that time indeed is of great value and suggested how valuable our time would truly be as it is made available for ministry. 

As he discusses the issue of talents, he shares that the talents we may offer to invest is not merely restricted to abilities, rather talents can be identified as things uniquely given to us by God for a specific purpose. These other areas he mentions under the umbrella of ‘talents’ are character qualities, personality traits, relationships and networks we have, passions, interests, experiences, our positions and spiritual gifts. 

In conclusion of the chapter, he explores the area of our treasures. He stated that , as Americans, we are considered wealthy compared to much of the world. He used this to state that we can make a difference, even while many look at their own financial state and doubt the value of their wealth. 

In summary, this chapter discusses and urges believers to evaluate these three categories with the purpose of igniting ideas for specific investment.

Response:

In response to this chapter I have been significantly challenged to go and do! As Richard Stearns pointed out and discussed the three significant areas that we have been given a stewardship position over, I have been motivated to evaluate my life again. As he states that “Each of us has resources in all three of these categories, and we often have far more to offer than we think.”(258), I would have to agree and add that as I have been reminded, there are things in my life that I forget and overlook- neglecting to be a steward of the things I have.

“Time has value” (260). I was reminded the invaluable lesson that our time is valuable, and I find that as I leave his conversation about time, I am left questioning if I am wasting one of the most valuable assets that has been given to me to be a steward of. I now leave challenged and want to challenge others, to evaluate our time and seek to invest in some way into the lives of those who are needy, hurting or lonely. 

As he continued, he described our talents as being a broader picture of things we have been given, from abilities and relationships to interests and character qualities (263-264). I am motivated to now be creative with such things and start to see how God may want me to invest specifically in others’ lives.

He then expounded on the topic of our ‘treasures’- which are the things we have and our wealth. After reading this section I am reminded that God desires that I surrender my material possessions to Him for His kingdom. I cannot hoard or cling to material gifts, but rather, I have been challenged now to give, and not be so concerned with my gain- but my treasure should be found in helping those in need.

One important thing that I will take away from this chapter is the need to step out in faith and start to ‘do’! No matter the level of vulnerability and need, I must now take action live this out in everyday life, not only viewing it as a 'cross cultural mission'. As he quotes from Earl Palmer, “God can’t steer a parked car.” (273), I agree and am now sensitive again to the truth that if I desire to be used by God and thus reach out to those near to His heart, I must start and be obedient to the things I know now, and He will direct me.

I believe that the author’s purpose in writing this specific chapter was to challenge believers to take inventory on their lives and see what God has given them to tangibly meet the needs of others. I agree with and support his goal. I must say that my mind and my heart has be reopened to my self-centeredness, and the reminder that as a steward, and as I am His possession, I now have much responsibility!

Phase 5...

The source chosen for this phase was Orphans of the AIDS epidemic? The extent, nature and circumstances of child-headed households in South Africa.

This article’s authors are Helen Meintjes, Katharine Hall, Double-Hugh Marera and Andrew Boulle. The Journal name is AIDS Care, and this is in Volume 22, No. 1. The article is found in PsychINFO and can be located in EBSCOhost. 

This site is credible because:

The authors of the journal article are clearly identified and provides information of their credentials.

The article has many references which has seemingly provided them with information as they look at this specific area of orphans.

This article is free of advertising and does reveal information from both viewpoints-- that which expresses the vulnerability of child-only households and that which expresses the great need of other households as well.

This article was first submitted in 2008, revised in 2009 and came out in print January of 2010, allowing for a more recent look at information on the topic.

The time period and information is adequate for what I desired to find out as I researched.

This source is helpful for research of this topic because of its focused look at child-only households versus ‘mixed generation’ households, allowing us to see truths and needs of both home situations. This will also be helpful for my audience as we seek to discover where the need is-- child-only households, yes, but also opening our eyes to be aware that there are many needy households with vulnerable family members in difficult situations.

Response:

As I initially read this article, I found myself responding in a way that did not want to agree with their claims or findings in the survey they had taken. As I continued to read, however, I was confronted with the realization that I had put the needs of children and orphans into a box and into my own mental image.

Child-only households are not the only households in need. These households face difficulties and vulnerability that will forever be out of my full grasp of understanding, but needs also lie in households that have hold children and orphans and a single or young parent, or children that live with other generations within their family.

Within their study, there had been an increase in the number of orphans in South Africa from 2002 to 2006 to 3.7 million children(37). Some of these children were without one parent and some were, as they called them, “double orphans”, having lost bother parents (41). They noted that throughout this rise in orphans, the number of child-only households did not increase, that they could notice (42). This is definitely a wonderful thing, considering the great despair that can one can imagine from that situation. From their survey, there was a total of 304 people, from 105,000 total, who were living in “child-only” household conditions. (47)

I must agree with them, that needs lie outside of merely living in a household without any parents, or guardians. Many other households headed with one adult or a young adult, as they have pointed out, will face great difficulties in poverty and at times their need will be overlooked. I, then, must agree with their apparent desire to make the needs of these other households known. These needs are near to God’s heart.

I must continue to say, however, that 304 individuals, is a sad number. It is wonderful that it is not larger and it has not significantly increased, but I must also agree with their claim that this “estimated 112,000 in 2006, the number of children living in this extreme condition is of concern” (47).

My eyes have been opened to my biases and to the mental image I had painted of the poor and needy, and am becoming aware of the other needs that lie in circumstances apart from these “child-only” households. But, the need for the 112,000 in South Africa alone is still great. The true need is not only found in child-headed households, or only double orphans. Many are hurting, battling, and struggling, and I cannot overlook them.

Phase 4...

The source I used for this blog phase was an Academic Journal article entitled "Epidemiology of Health and Vulnerability Among Children Orphaned and Made Vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa". The author’s names are Gail Andrews, Donald Skinner, and Khangelani Zuma. The journal name is AIDS Care, and it was found in the database in PsychINFO on EBSCO.

This article is credible because:
the authors are clearly defined
there is consistent information between this and other resources within this topic
it cites reputable references
it is free of advertising and it does say when the article was in print
the time period covered in this article is fairly recent and will be helpful for knowledge of the needs of orphans
the depth of the information and comprehensibility  of it does match the needs of the research

This source is helpful for the research topic and my audience because it discusses, in detail, the needs of orphans. It opens our eyes to vulnerability and problems that many HIV/AIDS orphans face within many areas from education to others such as possible malnutrition.
Summary:

The article focuses on problems that will be encountered by HIV/AIDS orphans and they have categorized these under three main difficulties. Material difficulties, emotional difficulties, and social difficulties. This specific group of orphans they have focused on experience difficulties within the realms of emotional stresses of watching their parents struggle through AIDS, getting or losing an education, and great vulnerability within the areas of safety, protection, medical care, and other needs. They have shared that these needs of orphans are also found in other vulnerable children, not excluding the difficulties to orphans alone. The stressors that HIV/AIDS orphans face, as their parents struggle through and die from AIDS, have a great impact on their potential possibility of poverty, lack of food intake, social and emotional struggles, and dropping out of or lagging behind in school, and thus effecting so many more areas. It then summarizes its findings and studies with the idea that orphans will likely be more vulnerable than those who are not orphans in this area of Africa.

Phase 3...

The first article I have chosen to use as a resource is
http://www.spsw.ox.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/pdf/Cluver__Gardner__Operario_Pov_AIDS_Care.pdf.

This site’s credibility relies on a few different factors: 

One reason for credibility is that there are three known authors for this article.

Although this particular website does not discuss their credentials, after research we can find that the authors are trustworthy and qualified. 

This article used referenced many books in their research, and this article is found in a branch of Oxford’s website. 

Much of the information in this article is from results from a conducted survey. 

This article was published in 2008 and I believe its information is still helpful and useful for the direction of this research. 

The information present is relevant and it is helpful to see the results of this specific survey.

This article will be a helpful source as I continue to research the issue of the fatherless because of the truths shown in the results of the survey taken. One of the purposes of researching this was to look closer at the struggles faced by orphans, and this survey reveals some of those struggles.

The second article that was chosen was http://www.avert.org/aids-orphans.htm. 

This article’s credibility factors are:

Although the author is not listed, this article is a part of a site that seems to be a reputable non profit organization.

This article references many reputable sources that speak on orphans and similar topics that this article discusses.

This non profit site is free of advertising, and although a specific date is not stated, it seems that the most recent data that was compiled was information from 2010, which verifies its credibility.

This site’s time period and information covers what is needed for looking deeper into this issue.

I chose this article because, again, I felt as though the information that was brought forth covers much of what AID orphans may face. The wide variety of information from education, to the impact on households, and emotional impact will help me to see more of the depth of what they face and seek to begin to look the difficulties they may deal with. 

the Fatherless

An issue I would like to journey with you in is that of orphans. My purpose for picking this topic is because our God’s heart is so near to the orphans and widows, the poor and needy, and I would like to search more of His heart about the issue. 

I also chose this topic to more fully understand the plight of orphans and the needy, looking specifically (at times) to the difficulties of those in Africa, struggling with being orphaned by AIDS and other diseases. I also know I need to take action. So as I seed to study this, I hope to learn more of my responsibility in this specific area. I need to take the knowledge and do something. 

I want to research this more deeply because I know that I must stop being so very much concerned with the things I face, rather I need to put first that which is so near to God’s heart. It is so easy for me to forget about the needs of others but I am excited to see, and desire that God changes my heart as I look more deeply into the topic of orphans.

As I was able to be a part of a ministry team for two years, our director had us study about and read on the topic orphans. He did this because of the importance God places on the issue, and because we were to be traveling to Zambia, Africa to minister for 2 weeks with another ministry team this past April. He wanted us to be connected with some issues faced in Zambia, and as we studied, we spent a lot of time learning about the plight of orphans, and the importance of caring for the poor and needy. 

I am familiar with some verses revealing God’s heart about orphans and my responsibility now to care for the poor and needy, and have also been familiarized slightly with the difficulties that orphans (specifically AIDS orphans) face.

My ideal audience would be those who are believers, who would like to journey with me on seeking His heart about orphans and the poor and needy, and those who may want to learn how we can help and care for them.

I am excited to know Him more through this study and I  know I will be challenged. Thanks for coming with me!