Alka's Angle

If we are listening to the news- both local and international, then we have a sense of what is going on around us. Regardless of which side we are on, in any given situation, the reality is that too many lives are lost, and innocent bystanders are the ones who suffer the most. So, beloveds, whichever side you are on, I invite you to please join me in praying for peace in our world and join the movements that are working hard to provide care, aide and support to those who are struggling, those who do not have food to eat or a place to rest for a while.

First of all I wanted to thank everyone for giving me the freedom to visit my family in India. It was a refreshing time for me and a wonderful time to connect with family after more than 3 years. And, I am glad to be back with you all to continue the work that you and I are called to, together as people of God!

This week I attended a training for Mental Health First Aid with the Community Counselling Centers of Chicago - ‘a behavioral health advocate and social service provider, that offers quality, comprehensive customer-oriented services tailored to the diversity of its consumers.’ One of the topics discussed in our training was suicide. 

I am trusting you all survived the excessive heat these past couple days, and like me, are grateful for the 70 degree temperatures again! Speaking of grateful, there are several things I am grateful for and I want to share and celebrate them with you-

As you know I am in Philippines for a meeting of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) where among other things we visited a few ministries that are related to the United Methodist Church. One of them is Kapatiran (brotherhood) -Kaunlaran (improvement) Foundation Inc. (KKFI), which was founded as a response to the challenge to work among and with the poor in their struggle for genuine human development. For the past 72 years, the KKFI has been at the forefront of the struggle for social transformation.