To begin with, the idealists are right about the possibility for freedom and democracy to spread across borders and cultures. In 1775 there were no democracies. Then came the American Revolution and raised the number to one. Some 230 years later there are 117, accounting for 61% of the world's governments.

    (President Ronald) Reagan said, "The task I've set forth will long outlive our own generation. . . . For the sake of peace and justice, let us move toward a world in which all people are at last free to determine their own destiny."
 
    America promotes democracy because it is the right thing to do, and because the advance of democracy makes the world safer.
 
    Democracy is the surest path to a just society because it gives people the opportunity to live under laws of their own choosing. It provides restraints and accountability. A democracy provides its citizens the freedom to follow their dreams, develop their talents and reap the reward of their labors. It helps create growth and opportunity.
 
    And we can be sure, as President Bush has said, "Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that GOD is not neutral between them."

GOD working His gospel of love thru Christian businesses can effect great changes, thru new and developed environmental products to compete with a) oil and nuclear to alter fundamental energy systems, b) transport and trade methods, c) growing food and distributing to global markets - needy poor.
 
GOD's early disciples were marketplace oriented, so He used them in the marketplace. The early factory was in the home Acts2:46; 5:42; 6:3; 18:3, etc.
 
GOD will use CCCInc. to establish Christ-centred business ventures, thereby witnessing thru global commerce His principles.    [Sharing globally]
 
GOD says, think of Greenpeace operating environmental businesses rather than begging and protesting, competing in the marketplace with superior products. That is true faith working in love Gal5:6.
 
GOD says Christ-centred businesses can change much.
 
Pray + discern His calling for you thru true believing.

    "The US immediately convened a core group of nations to co-ordinate the early relief effort. The identity of the core group tells us much - Australia, India, Japan," (USA - 4 democracies).

    "But Washington needs to be very careful and very smart about the way it spends this large dollop of aid. It should operate bilaterally with the Idonesian government (as Australia is doing), with nil or minimal UN involement, (to avoid corruption.)"

Mr. Sheridan, foreign editor of The Australian, is a visiting fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and author of "Cities of the Hot Zone" (Allen & Unwin, 2003).