Today I was thinking about our time in South Africa again. Mostly, because I am on this board at the TV station. It is called the Editorial Board, and we collectively write a forty five second segment called "Consider This" that airs on Friday mornings during the AM news, and Friday evenings during the 10 o'clock News. Most of the time I am so frustraited by the topics we choose that I just write something funny, and everyone laughs really hard, and then says "we can't put that on TV". Anyway, much to my surprise, they asked me to write an "Attaboy" to Crossroads for taking 300 people to South Africa. So, I was working on it today. It was hard to talk about a trip that was so clearly orchestrated by God in "news speak". But, in the end, this is what I came up with:
Consider this: we should never underestimate the impact that everyday people can have on the world. It seems that everyone in Hollywood from George Clooney to Bono has championed relief from AIDS and poverty in Africa. Last month 300 ordinary tri state residents didn't just listen -- they raised over one million dollars and went to South Africa to help.
The group, who ranged in age from 9 to 65, spent two weeks in the township of Mamelodi. They built 25 homes, planted 450 vegetable gardens, brought medical supplies to AIDS patients, and cared for over 1500 children. Crossroads Community Church in Oakley organized the trip, which was the largest of its kind in history.
In addition to the mission trip, the church built the largest AIDS hospice in South Africa last year. All of this was dreamed up and executed by ordinary citizens, just like you. We salute the people of Crossroads Community Church and their effort to change the world.
I am pretty proud of myself for mentioning Bono, and throwing in some good "Crossroads speak". They are going to use my pictures and possibly some of our video from the trip for the segment. I'm pretty pumped about it. Especially since I did not come up with the idea, a lady that I work with made the suggestion at the last board meeting. It was sweet. I'll let you know the air date.
3 comments:
rachel - that rox.
that was supurb writing - you got the point across clearly, without too much christian-ey lingo. you're awesome!
Thanks Aim! The amazing thing is no one has made any changes ... that never happens!
I agree. Very cool. Very positive and uplifting. Great job.
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