Here's where it begins - information. I receive emails almost daily from Lisa Thompson who works for The Salvation Army's Initiative Against Sexual Trafficking. Daily I'm disgusted at humanity and the idea that we will tout human beings as something to be bought and sold and that we will continue to glance over the problem as if it doesn't affect us. The truth is sexual immorality walks into our homes and lives daily and we don't even recognize it. So, now it's our chance to fight back. It might only be a small way to take a stand but it's a stand nonetheless. I'm posting below an article sent to me by Lisa from The Observer about a tourist company marketing tours through the Red Light District for FAMILIES!! Children under three get to go for free. Yes, you read that correctly. I'm also posting the address underneath the article where you can write the company to tell them of your outrage. It's not enough to get angry sometimes our righteous indignation calls for action.
For justice,
Joy
***************************
Red light tour condemned as 'sick'
Gemma Bowes
Sunday November 13, 2005
The Observer
Thomas Cook, Britain's longest running tour operator, is launching family tours to see prostitutes touting for trade in Amsterdam's red light district. The night-time excursions, which include a briefing about the 'system' from a former prostitute, are open to children of any age, and the company boasts 'under threes go free'.
Last week parents and charities working to protect women in the sex industry reacted with shock and disbelief when alerted to the tours by Escape.
'It is sick to propose a "prostitution tour" not only for adults, but even more so for children,' said Esohe Aghatise, the European representative of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), which campaigns against sexual exploitation of women.
A press release issued by Thomas Cook to announce the new 'Walking Tour Dark Amsterdam' describes how the two-hour tour, leaving at 8pm, will take visitors 'deep into the famous red light district, accompanied by a reliable and trustworthy guide, offering a fascinating insight into the oldest profession in the world!'
The brochure details what is included in the experience: 'Begin with a drink at a prostitute information centre where a former prostitute will explain the system and answer any questions you may have. Then head for the Wallen (red light district) and see for yourself.'
Adult tickets for the tour cost £12, though parents may be relieved to know children's tickets only cost £6. When asked what age range the child ticket covered, a spokeswoman said the prices apply to those from four to 12, and under threes go free.
CATW argues that taking children to see prostitutes is 'highly irresponsible' and risks traumatising them. The organisation estimates that 50-85 per cent of women in prostitution experience violence and debilitating injuries, and that more than 80 of those working in the Netherlands are of foreign origin, with most of them likely to have arrived there as victims of sex trafficking.
Dr Janice Raymond, co-director of CATW, said: 'Thomas Cook Tours treats prostitution as harmless fun. Women are sold as commodities in the Dutch sex industry, and Thomas Cook charges tourists to view the marketable products and chuckle at the human merchandise.'
Thomas Cook said it has introduced the tour in its 2006 Thomas Cook Signature Cities and Short Breaks brochure in response to feedback from clients.
'We have added this excursion to our programme so that our clients who do not feel comfortable or safe walking through the red-light district on their own can do so with an experienced guide, not only to escort them but to share his/her knowledge of this city's colourful past and present,' said a spokeswoman.
Thomas Cook needs to hear from you. Click the topic drop down box and select feedback. http://thomascooknew.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/thomascooknew.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=99
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
On to more important things...
I couldn't sleep tonight. It's 12:30 a.m. and not a wink in sight. I tried but my sheep must've been off for the holiday. I kept dwelling on a comment anonymous left. Anonymouse - just so you know, you also made it to my friend Phil's blog at www.phillaeger.com. However, I think we've talked enough about the brand. I've come to realize that it can't do much. What I have realized is that I can and I've reposted anonymous' comment here because he or she's comment is the point - isn't it? I've shortened it because there were two questions in the comment but I want to focus on the first and here it is:
"I guess a much bigger question I would be asking doesn't have to do with the branding (although I think it's an aweful slogan) and that is, "Why is it the only people describing the Salvation Army as a soul winning community are the individuals within the movement and only in coversations with each other. The coversation never goes outside into the market place so to speak. The Army does a great job using a religious language when it is talking to itself and never when it engages the world. That to me should be the bigger question."
So, really my post is a question to the wide world if anyone is willing to respond: how do we engage the culture in conversation - a conversation that matters? What does it sound like? What does it look like? I don't think I'm talking about one of those hey I just met someone on a plane and they asked me what I do or where I go to church questions. That's perhaps an easy question but not really one that engages. I'm talking about what does the conversation look like in lifestyle, in habit? Perhaps that's where we should start. I don't think the branding will change many things but I know I can. I'm a foot soldier after all and that's where all wars are won - on the front lines.
I'm just wondering if we can begin a conversation here - where it counts.
Thanks,
Joy
"I guess a much bigger question I would be asking doesn't have to do with the branding (although I think it's an aweful slogan) and that is, "Why is it the only people describing the Salvation Army as a soul winning community are the individuals within the movement and only in coversations with each other. The coversation never goes outside into the market place so to speak. The Army does a great job using a religious language when it is talking to itself and never when it engages the world. That to me should be the bigger question."
So, really my post is a question to the wide world if anyone is willing to respond: how do we engage the culture in conversation - a conversation that matters? What does it sound like? What does it look like? I don't think I'm talking about one of those hey I just met someone on a plane and they asked me what I do or where I go to church questions. That's perhaps an easy question but not really one that engages. I'm talking about what does the conversation look like in lifestyle, in habit? Perhaps that's where we should start. I don't think the branding will change many things but I know I can. I'm a foot soldier after all and that's where all wars are won - on the front lines.
I'm just wondering if we can begin a conversation here - where it counts.
Thanks,
Joy
Thursday, November 17, 2005
I've been Branded
I know that I'm perhaps a day late and a dollar short posting about the "Doing the Most Good" branding almost two weeks (maybe more) after Cory did but I just went through the branding process and have a few thoughts to share.
All of the branding didn't really bother me before I went to the Branding meeting. I had people explain it to me as a promise to the public which I still believe it is. People kept telling me that they thought it was boastful - I'm not sure I ever thought it really was. I just kept my mouth shut about all of it - one way or another (except for questions here and there) until I had been through the meeting and heard what they had to say.
Now, I'm angry. Perhaps a little more than I need to be but I'm still quite ticked. I almost made it all the way through that stinking meeting without any objections and then they showed a video of Stan Richards who is obviously the founder of the group who came up with the branding. He began talking about getting a vision for people in the organization to live by - okay, I can do that. I can always ask myself if I'm doing the most good. Not a problem. Then he said that the next thing they do in order to come up with the brand is categorize in one word the organization or company which they are branding. For The Salvation Army the word they chose to describe us was CHARITY. I was angry - still am. We are a charitable organization but only because of the message we preach about the Good News of the gospel. It seems like every time I turn around we, The Salvation Army, are choosing not to let people know about who we serve when we have the opportunity. Why couldn't the stupid brand be about more than doing the most good with people's time, resources and contributions and be about doing the most good to win the world for Christ! That's why we do what we do and for the life of me I can't get past the thought that this isn't going to help. I will always have to tell my friends that we're not just a red kettle and a Thrift Store which this branding is supposed to help alleviate. I didn't see how but perhaps I will over time. Why is it that we chose to spend 12.7 million dollars on advertising last year and will continue to do so in the future and never EVER mention why we're the SALVATION army or spend a dollar trying to get that word out? Kelly asked the question that I'm asking. Not about funds but about how this will help people know we're a church and the answer that was returned was that it's up to us! Right, so, I get the responsibility to tell my sphere of friends, neighbors, whoever that we're a church ALL BY MYSELF? I love doing that - don't have a problem with it. In fact I feel it's my duty. Yet, the entire country gets a chance to hear about the other things we do and not why we do them through the media. That seems equal.
Perhaps we're putting the emPHAsis on the wrong syLAbell - concentrating our energy, our money, our time on the wrong part of the mission - the services, instead of why we offer the services in the first place.
Just my thoughts. Could go on and on but I think I'm beginning to beat a dead horse.
Are we doing the most good?
Joy
All of the branding didn't really bother me before I went to the Branding meeting. I had people explain it to me as a promise to the public which I still believe it is. People kept telling me that they thought it was boastful - I'm not sure I ever thought it really was. I just kept my mouth shut about all of it - one way or another (except for questions here and there) until I had been through the meeting and heard what they had to say.
Now, I'm angry. Perhaps a little more than I need to be but I'm still quite ticked. I almost made it all the way through that stinking meeting without any objections and then they showed a video of Stan Richards who is obviously the founder of the group who came up with the branding. He began talking about getting a vision for people in the organization to live by - okay, I can do that. I can always ask myself if I'm doing the most good. Not a problem. Then he said that the next thing they do in order to come up with the brand is categorize in one word the organization or company which they are branding. For The Salvation Army the word they chose to describe us was CHARITY. I was angry - still am. We are a charitable organization but only because of the message we preach about the Good News of the gospel. It seems like every time I turn around we, The Salvation Army, are choosing not to let people know about who we serve when we have the opportunity. Why couldn't the stupid brand be about more than doing the most good with people's time, resources and contributions and be about doing the most good to win the world for Christ! That's why we do what we do and for the life of me I can't get past the thought that this isn't going to help. I will always have to tell my friends that we're not just a red kettle and a Thrift Store which this branding is supposed to help alleviate. I didn't see how but perhaps I will over time. Why is it that we chose to spend 12.7 million dollars on advertising last year and will continue to do so in the future and never EVER mention why we're the SALVATION army or spend a dollar trying to get that word out? Kelly asked the question that I'm asking. Not about funds but about how this will help people know we're a church and the answer that was returned was that it's up to us! Right, so, I get the responsibility to tell my sphere of friends, neighbors, whoever that we're a church ALL BY MYSELF? I love doing that - don't have a problem with it. In fact I feel it's my duty. Yet, the entire country gets a chance to hear about the other things we do and not why we do them through the media. That seems equal.
Perhaps we're putting the emPHAsis on the wrong syLAbell - concentrating our energy, our money, our time on the wrong part of the mission - the services, instead of why we offer the services in the first place.
Just my thoughts. Could go on and on but I think I'm beginning to beat a dead horse.
Are we doing the most good?
Joy
Monday, November 14, 2005
Non-profit Brothel
I know everyone else will post this but I can't leave it off. I'm disgusted at humanity right now and our intent on continuing the slave-trade and the desire to demoralize humans as product. We will use any excuse to make prostitution legal. We will come up with any way possible to continue to subject women, men, boys and girls to its harm and call it good.
Here's an article from the Vancouver Sun on the legalization of prostitution and the ability to make a brothel non-profit. Like that could ever happen!
Vancouver councillor calls for city to open a non-profit brothel
November 10, 2005
Vancouver Sun
VANCOUVER (CP) -- A Vancouver councillor is calling for the establishment of a non-profit brothel, owned by the city, to help drug-addicted prostitutes.
Tim Louis told The Vancouver Sun's editorial board that he favours a red light district to help protect calls "survival" sex trade workers.
Louis, of the left-wing Committee of Progressive Electors (COPE), said there would be many benefits of a brothel being run on a break-even basis, with the availability of medical services and drug treatment.
Another COPE councillor, David Cadman, said he would want to study the idea of setting up a city-run brothel and get a lot of public dialogue.
Sam Sullivan, the mayoral candidate for the centre-right Non-Partisan Association, said he was appalled by Louis's comments.
He said the "the goal should be to help these women get out of the survival sex trade, not keep them in it."
Sullivan said he doesn't want to "get into the business of being a pimp."
But Vancouver East MP Libby Davies, who is vice-chairman of a parliamentary committee examining the need for legislative reform on prostitution, said she's not surprised by the suggestion.
Davies said the committee wants law reform that focuses on the issues of exploitation and harm.
The committee, which held cross-Canada hearings and interviewed sex trade workers and municipalities, will issue its recommendations within weeks.
(Vancouver Sun)
Here's an article from the Vancouver Sun on the legalization of prostitution and the ability to make a brothel non-profit. Like that could ever happen!
Vancouver councillor calls for city to open a non-profit brothel
November 10, 2005
Vancouver Sun
VANCOUVER (CP) -- A Vancouver councillor is calling for the establishment of a non-profit brothel, owned by the city, to help drug-addicted prostitutes.
Tim Louis told The Vancouver Sun's editorial board that he favours a red light district to help protect calls "survival" sex trade workers.
Louis, of the left-wing Committee of Progressive Electors (COPE), said there would be many benefits of a brothel being run on a break-even basis, with the availability of medical services and drug treatment.
Another COPE councillor, David Cadman, said he would want to study the idea of setting up a city-run brothel and get a lot of public dialogue.
Sam Sullivan, the mayoral candidate for the centre-right Non-Partisan Association, said he was appalled by Louis's comments.
He said the "the goal should be to help these women get out of the survival sex trade, not keep them in it."
Sullivan said he doesn't want to "get into the business of being a pimp."
But Vancouver East MP Libby Davies, who is vice-chairman of a parliamentary committee examining the need for legislative reform on prostitution, said she's not surprised by the suggestion.
Davies said the committee wants law reform that focuses on the issues of exploitation and harm.
The committee, which held cross-Canada hearings and interviewed sex trade workers and municipalities, will issue its recommendations within weeks.
(Vancouver Sun)
Your Money Counts
This past weekend I was able to spend Saturday helping Kelly refloor her kitchen. I love the renovation scene. We didn't get any of the new tile laid but the demolition took it's toll on my body. Yesterday I spent the afternoon in bed. This afternoon I'm going back. I have to see it through. Besides, although it's painful, it's fun too. It's also cool to spend time like this with my friends.
This morning Marty and I finished our Crown Financial Class. For 10 weeks we've been waking up at 5 a.m. to be at work by 7 to attend this class. That's probably one of the most disciplined things I've ever done but the rewards are well worth it. We've learned much over the course of the class about budgeting, paying off debt and setting short and long term financial goals. We've started seriously depending on the Lord to take care of our finances because we were failing miserably when we did it in our own strength. We now take care of these things together instead of separately and we consult each other about purchases. We're seeking to learn to be content in our situation and I believe we'll get there as long as we keep trusting the Father. I'm not saying that we've got it all under control but I know we've come a long way in the process and we still have a long way to go but it just doesn't feel like a burden anymore. While it doesn't sound like fun, I would recommend the Crown Financial Class to anyone - married, single, old, young. It's well worth 10 weeks of your life. I would even recommend it if you feel like you've already got your financial house in order. The reminders are always helpful.
I know that's kind of a boring post for the day but I just wanted everyone to know what the Lord's been teaching Marty and I lately. He's seriously taken care of a HUGE concern for us and I'm incredibly thankful. If you struggle in this area, this class is definitely worth the time and the effort.
Here's to getting out of debt,
Joy
This morning Marty and I finished our Crown Financial Class. For 10 weeks we've been waking up at 5 a.m. to be at work by 7 to attend this class. That's probably one of the most disciplined things I've ever done but the rewards are well worth it. We've learned much over the course of the class about budgeting, paying off debt and setting short and long term financial goals. We've started seriously depending on the Lord to take care of our finances because we were failing miserably when we did it in our own strength. We now take care of these things together instead of separately and we consult each other about purchases. We're seeking to learn to be content in our situation and I believe we'll get there as long as we keep trusting the Father. I'm not saying that we've got it all under control but I know we've come a long way in the process and we still have a long way to go but it just doesn't feel like a burden anymore. While it doesn't sound like fun, I would recommend the Crown Financial Class to anyone - married, single, old, young. It's well worth 10 weeks of your life. I would even recommend it if you feel like you've already got your financial house in order. The reminders are always helpful.
I know that's kind of a boring post for the day but I just wanted everyone to know what the Lord's been teaching Marty and I lately. He's seriously taken care of a HUGE concern for us and I'm incredibly thankful. If you struggle in this area, this class is definitely worth the time and the effort.
Here's to getting out of debt,
Joy
Friday, November 11, 2005
Small Group
Last night was small group. Four women get together at Maggie's house and we're working through the book The Sacred Romance. Last night's discussion was about "The Message of the Arrows." Basically we talked about the things from the past that have struck our hearts and caused pain and along with it sent a message to us that is untrue - i.e. I'm not good enough, I'm a failure, etc. It was a good night. While we all shared really deep things from our past and the atmosphere was heavy at times, I left last night knowing that I had been in the presence of three beautiful women and in the presence of God. I knew that He was blessed at the fact that we were sharing our hearts with one another and our lives. I continue to come back to the fact that He is a God of relationship and He desires for us to be in community with one another. What I'm blessed by is that He saw my needs before I knew them and decided to place me in this group.
I'm also blessed that others have decided to choose this path too. I want to say thank you to Kelly for making this happen and to everyone else for enriching my life every week.
I love you guys,
Joy
I'm also blessed that others have decided to choose this path too. I want to say thank you to Kelly for making this happen and to everyone else for enriching my life every week.
I love you guys,
Joy
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Microwave Recipes!
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