The Jena Six Case

Equal justice in the United States - one would think that this is an obvious thing, here in America. But the reality appears to be quite different, as gathered from the allegations of racism surrounding the case of six African-American teenagers living in Jena, Louisiana. If you haven't followed the Jena Six case as it is now being called, take a look at the following links:

NPR's Coverage of the case
CNN Coverage of the case
CNN's time line of events gives you the background of the events leading up to the hearings and protests of late.

Human Rights Watch urges Louisiana's Governor Kathleen Blanco to further investigate this case and the allegations of racism that surround it. Read their letter here.

Let's hope that true justice will be served here, without a reflection of any sort of bias - racial or not.

Massive Earthquake in Peru

On Wednesday, August 15th, there was a massive earthquake in Peru - a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale. There continue to be aftershocks rocking the country, and rescuers still search for people trapped under the rubble. The death toll, currently at 500, is predicted to rise as rescuers comb through the rubble looking for missing family members, friends, and guests.

CNN reports that the most serious damage occurred on the Pacific coast of the country, south of the capital city of Lima. The cities of Pisco, Chincha, Ica, and Canete are among the hardest hit. Houses, churches, schools, and other buildings have collapsed and people - including children - have been scattered. Click here to read CNN's report on the earthquake.

Pray for the comfort and aid of the Peruvian people in this great time of need, especially for children who may have lost family members in the earthquake. Click here to read World Vision's news regarding the earthquake and its aftermath. You can also find links to donate to World Vision's relief effort in Peru.

Other organizations also working to provide relief in Peru for the victims of the earthquake include:

• The American Red Cross
  
• CARE.org
  
• The United Nations, specifically UN agencies such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, among others.
  

Prayer for hostages and their families

2 are no longer with us, and 21 are still being held by the Taliban. While these are not the first hostages captured in these past months, their situation - much like those hostages that have been captured previously - is indeed one for which I cannot find any words to describe. It is tragic to see civilians who have gone under the umbrella of volunteering and aid be captured and killed one by one. A hostage situation is always a delicate one where things seem to be complicated by the perspectives of the respective countries involved. Nonetheless, lives hang in the balance and the families of these hostages must be in extremely anxious and distressed states. So as the world watches, let us pray and remember these families and the individuals who are currently alive and being held captive by the Taliban - pray for strength, for hope, and for things to be resolved as peacefully as possible.

Sign the Petition for Darfur by July 20th!!

Sign the petition to urge China to take action and stop the violence in Darfur!

Sign the Petition Now!

As I've blogged before, China plays a significant role in Sudan's politics. Take a look at my previous blog on this subject. The above link connects you directly to the petition to urge China to take action. Read it and sign the petition by July 20th. And urge your friends to sign it too.

Ad for Darfur - Watch it and Pass it On