Connect

I spent the morning yesterday at Algoa Correctional Center, a medium security facility with a capacity of 1,635 male inmates, sharing information about Connections to Success with offenders who are within 6 months of release. I sat in the parking lot for a moment wondering how I had come to this place where I was a vehicle for connecting ex-offenders with resources, opportunities and most importantly, hope. And statistically speaking, the result of these connections is incredible. What happens if they don't get connected? If they don't have the opportunity to become a part of more?

This morning I'm browsing kiva.org with Jordan and he picked out a family in Mexico who has asked for $450 to repair/replace their roof. Jordan was nearly overcome with the idea that they didn't really have a roof on their house and begged that we do something to help. The amazing thing is. . . with kiva.org - we can (you can too, see left sidebar). If you haven't explored this incredible movement/website, then you are missing out. Jeremy recently interviewed one of the founders who talks about how the vision for kiva is not about lending money - it is about connecting people.

There is more power in bringing people together than we know. I work to bring together people of faith and ex-offenders every day and it is sometimes easier than others, sometimes more productive than others, sometimes it feels like work and sometimes, well, sometimes it takes my breath away.

Who are you connected with? How is that connection empowering you both to move forward, be better, do more? Because in those connections, we are forever changed. In those connections, we see God.