Monthly Archives: December 2011

Combining our efforts to protect victims of human trafficking

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Jesse Eaves in Advocacy

It goes without saying that this year has been one of the craziest in the history of Congress. Despite all the ups and downs and swings of momentum in moving the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act forward, one thing has remained constant: our advocates’ dedication to stand up and make their voices heard. It’s safe to say that neither the House nor the Senate versions of this legislation would be where they are without those voices....

Occupy Advent | Blog 9 of the 12 blogs of Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Chad Estes in Conversations

Day 9 | World Vision's 12 blogs of Christmas

It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and the holiday season gift-buying is in full swing. Black Friday specials have the shoppers out in droves. Downtown Portland is a sea of moving people with packages, shopping lists, and agendas. Me, I’m armed with my Nikon camera, hoping to capture some artistic street photos. I stand on a street corner for a half hour or so, just getting a feel for the people walking from store to store. I notice that some of the downtown citizens remain outside the retail giants’ doors. There is an older gentleman attempting to hand out copies of his religion’s periodical. There are street performers and musicians demonstrating their talents in hopes that the holiday revelers would donate a...

Jesus, the comic-book superhero

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Guest blogger in Partnerships, Stories

How often do you get the chance to read comic books at work? What about one that is centered around Jesus and the Christmas story — or one that benefits the work of an international humanitarian organization? Not often? Or never? That’s why we’ve asked Billy Tucci, a new World Vision partner, writer, and award-winning comic book illustrator, to guest-post for us on his newest comic book, A Child is Born. * * * “Dad, why do you want to do the birth of Jesus instead of a superhero book?” My eldest son wasn’t the first person to ask why, in a genre dominated by capes and cowls, would anyone do a comic book on the Christmas story?...

Less of more and more of Jesus | Blog 8 of the 12 blogs of Christmas

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Jill Anderson in Conversations

Day 8 | World Vsion's 12 blogs of Christmas

Back before the days of flip cameras and high-definition video cameras, my parents recorded some of our early Christmases on tape. Well, I don’t even know what they used to record it, but they made a cassette tape for me with the recorded memories. Yes. I am old. Anyway, on one particular Christmas, my parents had gotten 2-year-old me what they assumed would be the hit of the year — my very own play kitchen. The tape documents me coming down the stairs Christmas morning and discovering all the gifts Santa had left behind....

The real Christmas story | Blog 7 of the 12 blogs of Christmas

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Lisa Leonard in Conversations

Day 7 | World Vision's 12 blogs of Christmas

I grew up in a Christian family, where I understood the true meaning of Christmas from a very young age. I heard the Christmas story so many times, I became almost numb to it. The Wisemen, shepherds, angels, and stable animals were all supporting actors in a play that I had seen too many times, and, at times, felt I couldn’t sit through again. After all, there were presents waiting to be unwrapped and hot cocoa waiting to be sipped. I am thankful my parents didn’t indulge my childish impatience, and that they consistently took time to explore the spirit behind Christmas with my siblings and me. It’s more than just a season that happens every year and brings sweets...