Fighting the Brokenness of Work

Recently I mentioned in my message "The Brokenness of Work" that sin not only has infiltrated our offices but systems which impact us both nationally and globally. The example given in the sermon was about global slavery where shockingly up to 27 million people live under the horrendous conditions of forced labor. Unfortunately, the havoc sin wreaks in the "wide-angle" of work around the world has other insidious manifestations. Here are a few websites that give us a glimpse not only into some of those problems but offer potential solutions as well. If you are interested in fighting the brokenness of work on a global scale these links may be a helpful start. If you find a term you haven't heard before (e.g, microlending) please take some time to discover what it is and how it might intersect your commitment to living out the Kingdom-values of the Gospel.

PLEASE NOTE: These links are not endorsed by the elders of CCCC but are given for the convenience of the reader with the understanding that he will employ biblical discernment as to what and how much of the content expresses the individual's commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Global Slavery/Human Trafficking:

• International Justice Mission
  
• Not For Sale Campaign

Trafficking in Houston

• Houston Rescue & Restore Coalition
  
• CAHTHouston
  

Fair Trade

• Fair Trade Federation
• Fair Trade Sports
  

Microlending

• Kiva
  

Take This Job and...

Okay. What's your answer? We know what Johnny Paycheck wants to do and it seems he's got a lot of people in his corner. Did you know that in a recent survey that one out of every five people plan to take another job in 2009? It seems there will be a lot of "shovin' it "going on this year. That's pretty incredible seeing that U.S. employers cut another another 598,000 jobs in January, raising the unemployment rate to 7.6% and making it the worst job-loss since December 1974 (a whopping 1.8 million jobs in the last three months). No bueno.

Others might like DAC's song but it doesn't resonate with them personally. They like their job (by the way, you're the minority at about 20%). They feel it gives them a sense of security, stability and even identity. It makes them who they are. Good for them right? Well, believe it or not, that is also "no bueno" as well. Why? Shouldn't we like our jobs? Doesn't it tell us who we are? What I do defines somewhat who I am, right?

Join us over the next few weekend for The Office: How the Gospel Redefines Work and find out.

See you there!