Several great Karis members have teamed up to create Stimulate Columbia.  This is a new initiative striving to encourage Columbians to stimulate their local economy by donating to charities caring for the poorest of the poor.  Although it is not an official Karis ministry, we're very excited about it as a leadership.  Here is a recent press release about tomorrow's news conference: Friday, March 6th, 2009—For Immediate Release On Wednesday, March 11th, at 9:00 a.m., the organizers of Stimulate Columbia, Missouri are holding a press conference at the Salavation Army’s Harbor House on 602 N. Ann Street. The organizers will be announcing a stimulus plan to revitalize Columbia’s local economy. In addition, the following organizations will be present to discuss the plan:

Love Inc. Rainbow House Voluntary Action Center The Intersection Salvation Army/Harbor House Boone County Community Partnership Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Following the press conference, the organizers will be hosting the StimCoMO Expo on Saturday, March 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cherry Street Artisan on 111 S. 9th Street. At the Expo, the above mentioned organizations will be on hand to interact with the public as the stimulus plan officially commences. For more information visit stimulatecolumbiamo.org or contact Tom Seagraves at stimulatecolumbiamo@gmail.com or 573.881.0654.

At Karis, we have been studying the book of Luke, seeing how Jesus teaches us to reach to the margins, loving people like Him.  Stimulate Columbia represents just one very good example of what this looks like when God's people stop talking and start doing.