April 2014 - Center for Global Impact

And They’re Off!

Today, CGI Interim Executive Director Nathan Cecil–along with some of CGI’s board members–arrive in Cambodia to see, encourage and work with program participants and Cambodian staff. Please join us in praying for:

-Safety and protection, both physically and spiritually

-That they would be led by the Spirit and His vision would be CGI’s vision

-That they would see where and how God is working there

-That they would be a blessing to the people of Cambodia

Thank you for partnering with CGI and for your prayers during these weeks of travel!

Spring Fashion Must-Haves!

Looking for new trendy clothes for the spring season? Look no further! The Imprint Collection can fill your closet with a fashion forward wardrobe. Pair clothing items from The Imprint Collection with your own accessories for a chic spring look! I put together a few complete outfits by pairing items with our Imprint Collection must-haves to help you get started on your spring look! Through Friday ONLY you can rock these Imprint fashions for 20% off! Use code styleblog20 at checkout.

1) The Imprint Collection’s Sky Blue Hi-Lo Tank paired with a fun hot pink bubble necklace and stylish sandals is the perfect look for a warm spring day. The Hi-Lo Tank comes in many colors and is an Imprint Collection must-have this season.

2) The Imprint Collection’s Tribal Flame Ruffle Tank paired with light blue skinny jeans and a fashionable brown wedge provides a great look for a casual spring get together with friends and family. The Ruffle Tank also comes in many colors and is an Imprint Collection must-have this season.

3) The Imprint Collection’s Button Down Dress paired with trendy combat boots and an assortment of stylish bracelets gives a chic look for an enjoyable evening out. The Button Down Dress also comes in many colors and is an Imprint Collection must-have this season.

Don’t forget to check out our byTavi Spring Line! There are many new patterns and colors in our purses that will add the perfect touch to your spring look. Be sure to check out the many options in our new Quilted Hipsters, Mini Duffle Bags, and Hipsters (pictured below).

By Hali Mynatt

Resurrection

Resurrection is on many of our minds as we head toward Easter Sunday. In celebrating this defining moment in the Gospel, we can’t help but think of the “resurrection” we see in the lives of the women we serve in Cambodia.

So many of them come to CGI from places of despair and darkness that gradually changes to wholeness and hope. This wholeness takes root on many fronts, from physical and emotional wholeness to—in several cases—spiritual wholeness as they come to believe and follow Jesus. This is our greatest desire for the women in our programs and ultimately, for the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Thank you for being a part of their stories. There is much to celebrate this Easter.

CGI on the Road!

I sat down to a heaping bowl of homemade blue cheese dressing paired with packets of Lance saltine crackers.

I was definitely not in Indiana anymore, but this place still felt like home. The table erupted in laughter again and I marveled at how God brings people together. I don’t know why I doubt that He knows best.

Kristen Baynai (CGI’s Volunteer Coordinator) and I had the pleasure of taking a week-long road trip to visit friends of CGI in Tennessee and Georgia. One of the highlights was sharing authentic barbeque with the friends and family of CGI’s Chef-in-Residence, Ryana DeArmond. We spent time in Alpharetta with Northpoint, Carrollton and Commerce with some wonderful byTavi Sales Reps, and Point University and Johnson University with passionate college students. We were excited to refresh some old relationships and create new ones.

CGI believes and lives by the work of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). God has created each individual to be part of the picture of His Kingdom. The women we serve in Cambodia improve their lives with the support and care of each person we visited on our trip, and you can be part of that too. Get in touch with us today to get started!

By Whitney Vance

Taco Tuk Tuk

There’s a lot going on with CGI’s Culinary Training Center (CTC), as we’ve been sharing here on the blog in recent weeks. In addition to the recent graduation of the first two classes of students, the CTC operates the Green Mango Cafe (which just celebrated two years in operation) and has its sights set on the summer opening of a second restaurant, which will be called The Red Chili.

But that’s not all that’s happening in Battambang. The CTC also has a food truck on the streets–and by “truck” we mean a three-wheeled Cambodian tuk-tuk! The Taco Tuk Tuk is taking street food to a new level, and gaining popularity with locals for their delicious pork, beef, chicken and bean tacos.

We’re proud of the CTC students being open and enthusiastic to take on this fun new “mobile kitchen” adventure!

Khmer New Year

Photo credit: indochinavalue.com

Next week Cambodia will be celebrating their New Year. While this is an exciting time filled with celebration and family, it is also a time when spiritual warfare can be present for the women in our programs. They will have next week off, and many of them travel home to be with their family and friends.

Would you join us in praying protection–emotional, physical and spiritual–over each of them? In a week that will be heavily steeped in Buddhist traditions and returning to potentially unhealthy situations at home, we want these women wearing the full armor of God.

Thank you so much for interceding on their behalf.

Staff Corner: Our Top Reading Picks

As an organization, one of the ways we grow and learn is by reading. We love taking in new information from books and articles that relate to aspects of our ministry, then applying it to the way we approach things.

We’ve compiled a list of books that have been inspiring resources to us as we navigate issues like poverty, trafficking, relationships, vocational training and spiritual formation. Below is our list of recent favorites.

When Helping Hurts (Corbett/Fikkert)

The Hole in Our Gospel (Stearns)

Terrify No More (Haugen)

The Spirituality of Fundraising (Nouwen)

Half the Sky (Kristof/WuDunn)

The Poor Will Be Glad (Greer/Smith)

Toxic Charity (Lupton)

Which books have inspired you lately? We’d love to hear!