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New Jersey’s Got Faith – and Works Government at its Best

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Those who’ve read Holy Christ – It Works, know that Faith is the key to Accomplishment.  And the Garden State’s Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell is proving its effectiveness with the launch of the state’s new Faith Action Center.  On April 29th Ocean Grove’s Grand Auditorium Caldwell, a fourth-generation Methodist pastor, passionately opened the FAC, saying, “We are here to give a voice to the voiceless and those too often underserved…Government cannot do it all alone – we must invoke the Faith Sector.” Finally, here, comes an original concept bringing practical compassion and swift aid on all fronts.  (Read More…)

Semaj Vanzant Sr., newly appointed FAC executive director, president of New Jersey’s General Baptist Convention, explained that the cleverly engineered Faith Action Center and its Faith Action Network, will form communicative avenues between the many existing programs, strengthen their effect, and offer direct help and human connections to those in our state requiring it most. “Our faith houses are where people in need gather to find people they trust…this trust and human connection is vital,” Vanzant noted.   The FAC’s call throws a lasso around the entire interfaith community – inviting members of synagogues, temples, churches, and all peoples faithfully laboring for the welfare of humanity.

If you are one of those in need – one of those with resources to share – or if you for once want to see a government caring for its people and taking its responsibilities seriously, visit nj.gov – click on NJFAC and prepare to be uplifted.

 

Dale Caldwell Entrepreneur Zones Go Garden Statewide

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New Jersey is blessed with one of the most public spirited public servants in the person of its new Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell.  For the past three decades, Dale has labored actively and creatively to eradicate poverty in distressed areas employing the tools of education and business.  Founder of the education-enhancing Dale Caldwell Foundation – promoter of family business as director the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Co-director (with this writer) of the Prometheus Social Enterprise Awards – Pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church – President of Centenary University – and, for the past four years founding director of the Entrepreneur Zones Movement –  just name not even a third of his service projects.

It has been my privilege to serve on the board of Dale’s Entrepreneur Zones (EZones) Movement and witness the gathering momentum provided from talented coaches and dedicated social entrepreneurs across the nation.  Now, in his position as Lieutenant Governor, Dale brought on board the power of the state, its agencies, and a team of markedly experienced staff members.  Our first meeting literally surged with hope, energy, and practical solutions for developing several impoverished areas in New Jersey.  Yes, this is your government at work – for the betterment

Stocking Stuffer Alert

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Bart Jackson offers a most timely perspective on the world’s most timeless and influential individual. His New Book Holy Christ It Works – A Practical Message From a Carpenter’s Son places the Gospel of Jesus Christ on a scale of personal value and lets you discover if there lie any real benefits in following the way of life this man offers. What better gift this season for yourself and beloved friends this season of joy and reflection.

 

Books Are The Best Gifts – especially this one.

https://www.bartsbooks.com and Amazon Holy Christ – It Works: A Practical Message From a Carpenter’s Son

 

On A Personal Note

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On A Personal Note

Better Than We imagine

 

This past week, Rev. Dave Davis shared a tale of from a local shelter which offered, among other things, clothes to those in need.  It was a bustling, busy day. A young lady was helping folks sort though coats of the right sizes that would fit their family’s members.  Meanwhile, down the stairs came a man carrying in bags full of new donations from area churches.  Then, one elder gentleman, in dilapidated foot coverings that could scarcely be called sandals, came up to our young volunteer and asked if they had any shoes in a man’s size 10.  Rummaging around through the shelves, she reported back to the gentleman, “I am so sorry, but all the shoes we have are only for ladies.”   At this point, the man toting all the fresh donations broke in, saying, “Oh, wait a moment.  That was size 10?  I think we have one more sack with men’s stuff in the truck.  Let me go check.”  And sure enough, the man returned with a sturdy-looking pair that would fit and last well through the upcoming winter. Our young lady was thinking to herself how fortunate things turned out…until she spotted that man who had brought the donations going back up the stairs in his stocking feet.

 

Later that day, Lorraine and I sat sipping coffee and pondering this marvelous act of generosity.  “You know,” my wife said, “I can think of several of our friends who would have instinctively answered that need in exactly the same way.”  We thought and began ticking off their names.  (I also came up with the two associates who probably would have stolen the elder gentleman’s socks.) But we were surprised and gratified that, yes, at least 10 friends of ours would almost certainly have made that gift.  And, if you’re as fortunate as we, I’ll bet five cents of my own money that you can name several such generous friends yourself.  There’s more compassion out there than we tend to realize.

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Finally The Good News – And the Care Floods On

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Granted, the United States government has currently ceased to be a compassionate, care-giving entity.  But do not for one second think that in any way reflects the thoughts or deeds of the American people.  U.S. citizens still maintain their nation’s 134,000 individual charities.  (Yup, you read that right.)  And though one large spigot has turned off, other mega-providers are running full blast.  This past year, the Catholic Relief Services in the U.S. alone raised and spent $170 billion to fight poverty and end suffering worldwide.  That’s more than the $152 billion Apple garnered – and three times the GDP of Tanzania.   The 5.4 million donors to the United Way generously contributed $5.2 billion to fund its 1,100 charitable organizations, which its staff and 1.4 million volunteers employed to bring aid to 40 nations.    That’s only two avenues through which Americans display their warm-hearted benevolence.

We are a prosperous nation whose people bountifully continue to share that prosperity.

My wife Lorraine suggests that it may be time for those U.S. residents to remind their legislators on both sides of the aisle that they stand among those millions of voters who want America’s generosity to be actively sustained. That is, of course, your choice.  But as a final note, I found it interesting that the late Pope Francis, as most all recent pontiffs, chose to forgo his $405,600 annual salary and donate it to worthy causes.