Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Hope International

My wife Michelle is in the midst of taking a course dealing with the micro-financing aspect of development work in developing countries. Michelle was born in the Amazon jungle of Peru, South America, and she ended up going back after college to work with Food For The Hungry in the same jungle village where she grew up.  She moved back to the states to marry me, but her heart still longs to be back on the field doing what she does best.  Currently, we're living in North Carolina, and actively wondering, waiting, and working toward a way that we can mesh music and art with cross-cultural development work.  The puzzle pieces are slowly getting put together. Recently my friend Nic Mclean took a trip to Haiti with Hope International and filmed the following short documentary about Hopes work there. Michelle and I are encouraged by it, and I hope you are too.

8 comments:

Cameron said...

Hey Josh,

I don't know if you know fellow North-Carolinian and musician David Lamotte, but he's known for being heavily involved in the aid of the impoverished in South America. He started a school for a community in Guatemala and a lot of his time and talent goes into promoting it. He's currently in Brisbane completing a Masters of International Relations, Peace and Conflict Resolution.

So if you want some inspiration or just something to think about, check out what he's done.

http://www.davidlamotte.com

Thanks for the music, by the way. It's been a blessing to the ears as well as the mind and heart.

in Faith,
Ron

Laurel Greer said...

Peter and I have watched the video you created for HOPE International OVER AND OVER again. It is a masterpiece. Thank you so much for the time you spent-the HOURS of creativity pouring out of you-on this incredible way to portray the work of HOPE. Our prayer is that it is used to open the eyes and hearts of givers to make lasting & eternal differences around the world. Thank you thank you thank you Josh!

Kacie said...

If I may say so - you two are ideally positioned to do the kind of work you are seeking to do. The non-profit mission organization that I work for is seeking to move their donor base from 50+ year olds to the younger generation. One of the things that we have discussed is that in our generation we listen to the voices of our peer heros, people like you who we see as being very much like us but who are also leaders in some way. You lead by your music.

Your voice and influence can present this and other opportunities to a generation that longs perhaps more then anything to do something truly meaningful to help a broken world. Since your wife has this vision and heart (and I am an mk too and I understand that longing to BE THERE), you have the knowledge and connections DO as well as be the voice for the organizations you choose to connect with.

That's powerful.

Joimaki said...

There is always opportunity for willing hearts.
Thanks for the talent you provide Josh. I think we met last year at JPUSA as my wife and kids and I stayed there before we moved to Costa Rica.

We could always use you and your talent down here so if you ever need to get away of have a desire to minister to ticos please feel free to contact us!

Blessings,
Joe

Philippe and Patti said...

best to you in your endeavors.
in him,
Philippe

Anonymous said...

We are so blessed by your partnership, Josh. Many of HOPE's donors have commented to me that they love the soundtrack on the Haiti video. Blessings to you

Chris

Anonymous said...

Hey Josh,

Have you looked into ethnomusicology (ethnodoxology) and Music Therapy?

I am a serving in Asia, and doing my MA in linguistics. One of my favorite courses were on ethnomusicology and ethnodoxology which helps local Christians to create their own local worship music. but also there are applications in the area of Music theory and Ethno Arts therapy. In many impoverished area, especially among those who may be ethnic minorities in a country, there is a death of their indigenous art forms. And music therapists have studies that when this death of ethnic arts happens, the next generation looses its way of dealing with various aspects of life, especially how to deal with pain and suffering and grief. And thus an entire generation does not have the forms to express their emotions and this usually leads to destructive behavior and impedes community development.

I actually have a friend who is an ethnomusicologist and Music therapist. He is doing his PhD at the moment looking at how Cambodian Christian communities have created a third way with their ethnic arts which has helped them not fall prey to the typical "keep your (static) culture" and be marginalized, or "lose your culture and be assimilated".

Also, music therapy has been used in many disaster areas to help people deal with grief. Also, it has been used to help educate people about health and social issues, especially taboo subjects like Aids and Human Trafficking.

Just wanted to let you know some possible options that may be an avenue to use both your gifts and passion.

If you want to talk about this stuff more feel free to e-mail me at hill.tribe.linguist@gmail.com

Peace

In the fellowship of His Service,

Joshua-Elijah

Anonymous said...

Hey Josh,

Have you looked into ethnomusicology (ethnodoxology) and Music Therapy?

I am a serving in Asia, and doing my MA in linguistics. One of my favorite courses were on ethnomusicology and ethnodoxology which helps local Christians to create their own local worship music. but also there are applications in the area of Music theory and Ethno Arts therapy. In many impoverished area, especially among those who may be ethnic minorities in a country, there is a death of their indigenous art forms. And music therapists have studies that when this death of ethnic arts happens, the next generation looses its way of dealing with various aspects of life, especially how to deal with pain and suffering and grief. And thus an entire generation does not have the forms to express their emotions and this usually leads to destructive behavior and impedes community development.

I actually have a friend who is an ethnomusicologist and Music therapist. He is doing his PhD at the moment looking at how Cambodian Christian communities have created a third way with their ethnic arts which has helped them not fall prey to the typical "keep your (static) culture" and be marginalized, or "lose your culture and be assimilated".

Also, music therapy has been used in many disaster areas to help people deal with grief. Also, it has been used to help educate people about health and social issues, especially taboo subjects like Aids and Human Trafficking.

Just wanted to let you know some possible options that may be an avenue to use both your gifts and passion.

If you want to talk about this stuff more feel free to e-mail me at hill.tribe.linguist@gmail.com

Peace

In the fellowship of His Service,

Joshua-Elijah