Comparison of The Economies of India and China

Comparison of The Economies of India and China The economies of India and China are among the largest economies in the world. However the differences in the size, composition and other quantitative and qualitative features stand in stark contrast when comparing China and India. India, has a much smaller economy, about only a fifth of Chinas. Its exports are a fraction of Chinas, as are its imports. Indias economy is mostly dependent on its large internal market with external trade accounting for just 20% of the countrys GDP. This is a huge difference from China, given just how large a part of Chinas economy is due to International trade. In fact, Indias balance of payments (BoP) on its current account has been negative. However this is probably due to its ever increasing oil import bill and its overall Balance of Payments (BoP) was positive since the late 60s due to remittances from Non Resident Indians and increased foreign direct investment. However, the darker side to blistering growth rates achieved by China is captured by indices of inequality. While the current Gini Index, a measure of inequality of income/wealth, of India is 36.8, the same for China is 46.9, which is remarkably high. However China has successfully reduced the proportion of population living below the poverty line to 10% while India has 22% of its population living below the poverty line. given the sizes of both populations, the difference is massive, and finding the causes of this difference is crucial. A significant question that many economists have tried to answer is the reason behind Chinas superlative economic growth. Consensus is now broadly reached with the explanation that it was a combination of several factors, not least the proactive actions of the government, coupled with already favorable historical circumstances that are responsible. Chinas very strengths in these areas have been Indias weaknesses. Political Economy The histories of China and India have been very different and critical in explaining the growth contrast. China has been by and large a stable, centrally run state through its history with limited periods of instability and lack of a single authority. Indias history has been exactly the reverse. Since 1949 the government, under Chinas socialist political and economic system, has been responsible for planning and managing national economy. Foreign trade is supervised by the Ministry of Commerce, customs, and the Bank of China, the foreign exchange arm of the Chinese banking system, which controls access to the foreign currency required for imports. Ever since restrictions on foreign trade were reduced, there have been broad opportunities for individual enterprises to engage in exchanges with foreign firms without much intervention from official agencies. INFRASTRUCTURE Compared to India, China has a well developed infrastructure. Some of the important factors that have created a stark difference between the economies of the two countries are manpower and labor development, water management, health care facilities and services, communication, civic amenities and so on.. Although India has become much developed than before, it is still plagued by problems such as lack of civic amenities. In fact unlike India, China is still investing in huge amounts towards manpower development and strengthening of infrastructure. EDUCATION In Education, 99.1 % of Chinese children attend school for 9 years, ensuring a high level of literacy. In India, literacy is 50 to 60% . China and India face similar challenges in their higher education sector with intense competition for admission to the best institutions and universities. But China is far ahead on the supply side with nearly 100 high quality institutions and is investing heavily in creating many more, leaving India far behind. As a result China is turning out many more top quality students than India. China has opened up higher education for both private and foreign investment. Foreign investors can come in by tying up with local Chinese partners. Unlike India, China is experiencing a great deal of two-way international student traffic. China has become one of the worlds great study-abroad destinations. Currently more than 60,000 foreigners study in Chinese universities, and that number is swelling each year. China is the number-one choice for U.S. students who want to study in Asia . China is active and aggressive about becoming a major player in international education. HEALTH In general, for both countries, infectious diseases of the past sit alongside emerging infectious diseases and chronic illnesses associated with ageing societies, although the burden of infectious diseases is much higher in India. Whilst globalisation contributes to widening inequalities in health and healthcare in both countries there is evidence that local circumstances are important, especially with respect to the structure and financing of health care and the implementation of health policy. For example, India has huge problems providing even rudimentary health care to its large population of urban slum dwellers whilst China is struggling to re-establish universal rural health insurance. In terms of funding access to health care, the Chinese state has traditionally supported most costs, whereas private insurance has always played a major role in India, although recent changes in China have seen the burgeoning of private health care payments. China has, arguably, had more success than India in improving population health, although recent reforms have severely impacted upon the ability of the Chinese health care system to operate effectively. Both countries are experiencing a decline in the amount of government funding for health care and this is a major issue that must be addressed. In China earlier extensive public provision of health and education: universal education until Class X, and public services to ensure nutrition, health and sanitation. In India the public provision of all of these has been extremely inadequate throughout this period and has deteriorated in per capita terms since the early 1990s A Close Look: Special Economic Zones (or SEZs) in India and China China pursued an inward-looking developmental strategy from the 1960s to the late 1970s. From late 1978 onward, Deng started to exert a critical role in Chinese politics and the opening of China. In May, fourteen coastal cities became open cities. Deng and other top leaders approved the setting up of the first SEZs in Guangdong and Fujian; they enjoyed geographic proximity to neighboring advanced economies and are coastal cities with access to sea-ports. In addition to picking the right locations for SEZs, Deng and other reformists also carefully appointed leaders to head the major SEZs. In general, these leaders tended to be open minded and possessed a wealth of political experience. Their dedication to work and their upright and honest styles helped them to avoid scandals that could tarnish the reputation of reform. Liang also cracked down hard on official corruption to defuse accusations against the SEZ. Under Liangs leadership Shenzhen created a number of benchmarks in Chinas economic reform in the early 1980s. One was the so-called Shenzhen efficiency, exemplified by the completion of one floor of a high-rise office building within only three days. In addition three new offices responsible for economic policies in the SEZ were placed under the jurisdiction of the Mayors Office: the General Office of the city government, the SEZ Development Company, and the SEZ Construction Company. This centralized and efficient economic decision process in the hand of local leaders paved the way for rapid formation and operation of the SEZ, which was much needed for the newly established zone in its very early years. First, joint ventures and foreign-owned enterprises were allowed in the SEZs, but needed special approval outside them. Second, prices and distribution of goods were not regulated by the market within the SEZs, but by central plans outside the zones Third, SEZs had jurisdiction in approving much larger investment projects than non-zone localities. Fourth, SEZs enjoyed preferential treatment in tax and tariff reductions and exemptions. For example, the corporate income tax at the SEZs was set at a preferential rate of 15 percent, even lower than the 18.5 percent in Hong Kong.25 Finally, SEZs were granted preferential fiscal arrangements. Fiscal autonomy generated tremendous fiscal incentives and exerted heavy pressure for Shenzhen to reform and develop. These privileges enabled investors to enjoy the lowest corporate income tax rates and tariffs on imports and exports, as well as a freer play of markets in SEZs. SEZs become the premier place in China for attracting FDI. Initially, Shenzhen was short of funds necessary for building streets and urban infrastructure. However, within four years, the city accomplished urban development worth 100 million yuan with only 18 million yuan of loans. It built two industrial districts as well as fifty-five streets of a total length of 100 kilometers. In comparison to India we find that Indian SEZs lack in precisely the areas in which Chinese SEZs seem to have an advantage, such as infrastructure, tackling bureaucracy, corruption, etc. While SEZs in India are generally set up all around the country SEZs in China are mostly on the coast, along one side of the country due to better connectivity to the outside world and advantages in exports. Conclusion Popular opinion is that India cannot catch up with China in the near future, at least in the next few years. China leads India in foreign investment, a key contributor to economic growth, by a margin of 10 to 1, because foreign investors, who can place their money anywhere, see more opportunities and fewer obstacles in China. Ironically, Indian democracy is viewed as a hindrance vis-a-vis the stability of Chinas authoritarian regime on its liberalizing market and docile unions. India also lacks a Hong Kong and a Taiwan, next-door technology, and capital hubs that when combined with the mainlands abundant, cheap, and productive human resources create powerful complements. China dominates in manufacturing and has the market size and spending power domestically The constraints on the growth of Indias GDP appear to be insufficient investments according to most economists, including FDI and investments in infrastructure. The most commonly cited constraints on investments is the confusion and slowness of policy change as well as confusion and tardiness at the bureaucratic levels, as contrasted with the single mindedness of the Chinese state. However, changes are gradually being seen in these areas, and political reform could strengthen the role of the government and combat inefficiency. Also the provision of high quality and long lasting infrastructure is beginning to occur. If government initiates these reforms and provides the requisite infrastructure to attracts investment, the possibility that India catches up with China in terms of economic growth does not look so impossible.

Kosovo Crisis :: essays research papers

There has been a conflict for quite some time now between the people of once Serbia now Yugoslavia and the Islamic countries bordering them. The grudge can be traced back over 600 years to the first battle. The hatred between the two sides is still endures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  No one knows exactly when the repugnance started, but the situation was understood. During the time of the Ottoman Empire the Turks were terrorizing most of Europe, ferociously converting people into Islam. The other option was death. The Serbs at that tie were always known for their strong faith in Christianity. So backing down was not an option. The Serbs, until this day have not invaded other countries, only defend what is rightfully theirs. There were other countries that agreed with the Serb’s standpoint so they had forces that joined too. The Serb’s allies include Hungarians, Croats, Bulgarians, Czechs, and Franks. The actual battle of Kosovo took place on June 28 1389. The Serbian’s of who were mostly comprised of peasants armed with whatever they had, and outnumbered, were led by Prince Lazar. Their manpower was about ?. They went into a full on brawl with the Ottoman Turks who were led by Sultan Murad I. their troops reached to above 30,000. Because the Serbs were defending they had the upper hand. Yet, by one strategic flaw the Serbs lost the battle. An unanticipated flank divided the mass of the Serb army and the Turks rolled over them. A very significant part of the outcome was that both Sultan Murad and Prince Lazar perished in battle. The Sultan’s killer became a hero in Serbian folklore; his name was Milos Obilivic. The battle itself took such a toll on the Turk’s forces, that it stopped there quest for conquering all of Europe. As an intimidation, a man known as â€Å"Vlad the Impaler† would put the heads of Turkish soldeirs on pikes along the border of Kosovo. The story says that Vlad was bloodthirsty because of such acts, thereby starting the whole legend of vampires. Vlad the Impaler is also more commonly known as, â€Å"Count Dracula†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In reality by numbers the battle was definitely a Turkish victory. But the Serb’s point of view was that even though they lost the battle, they had perpetrated their cause. Because of this one fact, there has always been a dispute, and things never get a chance to resolve.

Frank Sinatra Essay -- essays research papers

Frank Sinatra As we inch towards the year 2000, we look back to the pre-dominant individuals of the 20th century. Time magazine voted Frank Sinatra as the world’s most influential vocalist of the 20th century. Frank Sinatra not only excelled but transcended music and became a true personality of our time. Whether you’re talking about recorded music, live performances, movies or simply living large, Frank Sinatra has done that all. He has become an international figure, having the reputation as a celebrity, icon, bad boy and the greatest singer of American popular songs. He is known as being America’s first teen idol and also as a true American Legend. You may all know the name "Frank Sinatra" but you may all not know why Frank Sinatra is a cultural icon. After reading the book "Sinatra:Behind the Legend" by Randy Tarabelli, I learned a lot about this American legend. Francis Albert Sinatra was born on Dec.12th,1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. His parents were Italian immigrants and he grew up poor in the streets of Hoboken. Those tough early years made him all the more determined to work hard and make something of his life. He was a very ambitious person. Since he was a little boy he loved to sing. In his teen years he attended a Bing Crosby concert and that is when he decided that he too would become a singer. At the age of 19 the first break of his musical career came on when he sang with a band called the Hoboken Four. After ... Frank Sinatra Essay -- essays research papers Frank Sinatra As we inch towards the year 2000, we look back to the pre-dominant individuals of the 20th century. Time magazine voted Frank Sinatra as the world’s most influential vocalist of the 20th century. Frank Sinatra not only excelled but transcended music and became a true personality of our time. Whether you’re talking about recorded music, live performances, movies or simply living large, Frank Sinatra has done that all. He has become an international figure, having the reputation as a celebrity, icon, bad boy and the greatest singer of American popular songs. He is known as being America’s first teen idol and also as a true American Legend. You may all know the name "Frank Sinatra" but you may all not know why Frank Sinatra is a cultural icon. After reading the book "Sinatra:Behind the Legend" by Randy Tarabelli, I learned a lot about this American legend. Francis Albert Sinatra was born on Dec.12th,1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. His parents were Italian immigrants and he grew up poor in the streets of Hoboken. Those tough early years made him all the more determined to work hard and make something of his life. He was a very ambitious person. Since he was a little boy he loved to sing. In his teen years he attended a Bing Crosby concert and that is when he decided that he too would become a singer. At the age of 19 the first break of his musical career came on when he sang with a band called the Hoboken Four. After ...

Enterprise Strategy Essay

Vision Our Enterprise Strategy sets out our vision for the Opera House as a dynamic and evolving organisation now and into the future. Our mission and values lie at the heart of our Enterprise Strategy, guiding our plans to ensure the Opera House retains its essential role in Australia’s life and identity. Mission The Sydney Opera house embodies beauty, inspiration and the liberating power of art and ideas. It is a masterpiece that belongs to all Australians. We will treasure and renew the Opera house for future generations of artists, audiences and visitors. Everything we do will engage and inspire people through its excellence, ambition and breadth. We will strengthen our central role in Australia’s life and identity. POLICIES Our Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines that connect our daily behaviour, decisions and actions to the vision, goals and values of Sydney Opera House. 1. We act in the best interests of Sydney Opera House and value our reputation. As a cultural icon and internationally recognized symbol of Australia, Sydney Opera House’s reputation is one of our most valuable assets. As representatives for Sydney Opera House we all have a responsibility to build our reputation and protect it against harm. 2. We act with personal integrity & honesty. Integrity and honesty underpin everything we do. The trust of our customers, partners, colleagues and the community can only be achieved through ensuring all our decisions and actions are honest and made in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders. 3. We maintain a healthy and safe work environment. Safety and security in our workplace is of vital importance to Sydney Opera House.  Everyone is expected to contribute to creating and maintaining a safe and secure workplace by observing safety and security procedures and policies. 4. We have respect for others & maintain a fair and harmonious workplace. Sydney Opera House is committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace that values the contributions of everyone and is respectful of difference. We all must behave fairly, respectfully and without discrimination to any person we deal with in our work, including other employees, customers and business partners at all times. 5. We value our customers & are committed to service excellence at all times. Customer First: â€Å"In all our endeavours, we are committed to placing the needs and views of our customers first†. 6. We work with economy & efficiency. You must use all Sydney Opera House resources lawfully, ethically and as economically as possible in your work. All equipment, facilities and property should only be used for work purposes and the business of Sydney Opera House unless otherwise approved by your manager. Use of Sydney Opera House information systems must be carried out in accordance with relevant policies and procedures. Use of information systems is monitored. Serious breaches of Sydney Opera House policies and guidelines will result in disciplinary action and may lead to dismissal. 7. We perform our work unimpaired by the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs. Sydney Opera House requires all staff to be unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs that may affect your ability to work safely and effectively.It is important to advise management if you are concerned your work performance may be impaired by medication. Attendance at work while affected by prior use of alcohol or other drugs is not permitted. GOals The Access Strategic Plan has been developed with a focus on Sydney Opera House’s strategic goals: Artistic Excellence Produce and present imaginative and engaging performing arts events from Australia and around the world. Community Engagement and Access Sydney Opera House belongs to everyone and all communities have access to experiences. A Vibrant and Sustainable Site Intensifying customer engagement and ensuring progress works in harmony with heritage values. Earning Our Way remain relevant, contemporary and leverage our position as a critical tourism and cultural asset.

Gesell’s Concept of Maturation Essay

Abstract The concept of maturation presented by Arnold Gesell is central to developmental psychology. He said that childs growth or development is influenced by the environment and the action of the genes. He also indicated that the childs development occurred in a fixed order through a series of stages. He opposed any instructional efforts on placing a child ahead of schedule; when the time is right, the child will simply begin to master the task through his/her own inner urges. Two major criticisms to his concept are also presented in this paper. Gesells Concept of MaturationIntroduction Pioneered by the American psychologist Arnold Gesell (1880-1961), the concept of maturation, which is central to developmental psychology, stresses the role of nature in human development (Gale Group, 2001.)The purpose of this paper is to take a look at the major concepts of Gesells concept of maturation and to present and discuss two criticisms of his concepts. Gesells Concept of MaturationGesell said that the childs growth or development is influenced by two major forces: The environment and the action of the genes. Gesell called this process maturation (Crain, 2005). He observed that a childs development occurred in a fixed order through a series of stages. This is an outstanding feature in maturational development. (Gale Group, 2001). By observing how an embryo adhered to a specific order in its own development, Gesell proposed that a child post natal neuromotor development also followed a strict specific order (Crain, 2005). His concept of maturation allowed him to see that just like a baby learns to run by first sitting, then standing, then walking, the principles of maturation also have a rate of development that is controlled by internal genetic mechanisms (Crain, 2005). And the forces of socialization that are so important in the growing and developing of a child have a positive and direct effect only if they are in tune with the inner maturational principles. Therefore, he opposed any instructional efforts on placing a  child ahead of schedule; when the time is right, the child will simply begin to master the task through his/her own inner urges. Until then, teaching will be of little value and will only create tension between the child and the caregiver (Crain, 2005). As an evidence of his concept of maturation, Gesell and Thompson conducted a study with twins. One twin was trained on activities such as stair-climbing and the grasping and manipulation of cubes. The twin that was trained showed some superior skill when compared with the untrained twin. But the untrained twin soon caught up, with much less practice, and at the age that he was supposed to perform those activities. Then, there is a timetable that determines the childs readiness to do things and the benefits or early training and teaching are relatively temporary (Crain, 2005). Discussion of Criticisms on Gesells concept of maturationThe interplay of nature and nurtureThe interplay role of nature and nurture, rather than the importance of one over the other, has gained a greater emphasis in the work of more recent figures, such as psychologist Jean Piaget, whose theory of cognitive developmentin children has been a model for much subsequent work in the field. Going beyond simplistic dichotomies, scientists have been able to gather substantial amounts of specific data on the effects of heredity and environment through family, twin, and adoption studies. Current concepts of maturation focus on models in which each stage of a developmental process is defined not only by innate characteristics but also by increased receptivity (or â€Å"readiness†) toward certain environmental factors. (Gale Group, 2001.)Age normsOne of the most frequently cited criticisms of Gesells concept of maturation has to do with his manner of presenting age norms. He implies too much uniformity and gives no idea on how much variation can be expected at any given age. His norms were based on middle-class children in a university setting and may not apply perfectly in other cultural contexts (Crain, 2005). ConclusionGesells concept of maturation is fundamental for the study of human development, since it considers two significant factors: Genes and environment. The specific order in which things happens is essential to his  concept of maturation. But two major criticisms can be presented about Gesells concept of maturation: The role of nurture and nature, and the age norms he used for his studies and observations. References Crain, William (2005). Theories of Development, Concepts and Applications. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Gale Group, 2001.Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology, 2nd ed.http://findarticles.com/

Church Leadership and Ministry Evaluation Paper

For this paper, I had the honor of evaluating Minister Anthony Thornton of Committed to Christ International Ministries, Milwaukee WI. While in his early 40’s, Minister Thornton’s conversion came about when he was incarcerated, due to the consequences of living a life addicted to drugs and alcohol. During a prison ministry visit, he and many other inmates were able to receive the word of God. After a couple of sessions with the pastor of Committed to Christ International Ministries, Minister Thornton received Christ into his life.Today Minister Thornton has acquired a Master’s degree in Biblical Theology, and is currently teaching Sunday school, along with the Associate’s degree program, in Basic Bible Information. He is responsible for overseeing 20-30 students or congregation members ranging in ages from 16 years and up. Minister Thornton has held this position in the church for many years now, and has significantly reaped the fruits of his labor. He is loved and respected by his peers, and is sought after by his leaders for spiritual wisdom.He expressed that he lives and breathes (2 Timothy 2:15)â€Å"Study to show thyself approved, a workman need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. † Minister Thornton is dedicated to spreading the gospel of Christ; his desire is to win souls. I met Minister at Applebee’s where he was delighted to be interviewed for my class assignment. Questions are as follows: 1. Would you say that your congregation (or the people within your particular department or area of ministry) is â€Å"Living Out the Mind of Christ† (i.e. Unity, Humility, Selflessness) as they interact, serve, and minister to/with each other? How specifically do you as a ministry leader teach, cultivate, and maintain â€Å"The Mind of Christ† in your area of ministry? It is a work in progress. When new converts come in, they are at different levels in their spiritual walk. For these individuals , the â€Å"Mind of Christ† has to be learned. First, by seeing that the ministry leaders are a living example of Christ Jesus, and second, through His teachings.They have to receive a â€Å"heart transplant† if you will, and then an â€Å"attitude adjustment. † There are some who receive well, and there are some who become stagnant or complacent. Therefore, my centerpiece for teaching is the Word of God, which focuses on the humanity of our Lord and Savior. It’s to show how He suffered humility through the same afflictions that we have; and how He exhibited selflessness during his ministry. More important, to instruct us in being united with one another as one body in Christ.A person cannot save themself, they have to be led to Christ, and Christ saves. (Philippians 2:5) says, â€Å"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. † 2. Would you consider yourself a â€Å"Wounded Healer? † Also, would you please share an example where you have ministered to a person who is/was â€Å"wounded† in the same manner that you once were? (cf. II Corinthians 1:3-5) Absolutely! To know pain is to learn how to heal. Having lived a life of great trial and suffering due to my drug and alcohol abuse, I can discern by the grace and mercy of God when someone needs help.By the power of the Holy Spirit I have acquired the ability to get right there with another sufferer, and show them how to come out. Healing is a spiritual gift. When ministering to the wounded, we must be willing to reveal our wounds to the doubters in order that they may believe, and be healed. (Philippians 1:29) comes to mind, it says, â€Å"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. † The neighborhood I grew up in was the same place of my downfall. There was a close friend who lived that life with me, who was obviously hurting.I explained to him that my fall was a result of the sin in my life, and it tried to take me out, by forcing me to feel the pain of guilt and shame for what I did. For a moment I had to stop, and hold back the tears of knowing that by the grace of God there once goes I. It humbled me. I told my friend that he too can share the same saving grace. I told him that if he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, he can be delivered just like I was. Moreover, I reminded him that we both were cut from the same cloth, and I was no better than he was.This gift of salvation is just as much his, as it is mine. 3. How specifically does the Holy Spirit help guide you as you lead/serve in your ministry? Also, can you give a specific example of how you were able to clearly recognize that the Holy Spirit was helping/guiding you in dealing with a particular situation and/or decision while in your ministry? What advice would you give me that, if I obeyed, would assure me that I would be able to be guided by the Holy Spirit in my life and/or ministry? Because He is a helper and not a hinderer.He is my comforter when I am unsure of how to carry on. He helps me to pray accurately, and effectively. He gives me utterance in a language that only God recognizes, thus bypassing my doubtful mind and lack of understanding. When I allow Him, He gives me the words I speak, choices I make, who I will marry, and how I make, and spend my money. Many scriptures come to mind that speaks clearly about direction. One in specific, (Romans 8:14) â€Å"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.†It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that I made the conscious decision to surrender my life to Christ. There was a witnessing time where the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to testify the truth of God’s word to a family member who considered himself to be an atheist. I prayed that the Spirit give me the right words, He did, and a divine appointment took place. It changed this individual’s life. Today he is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I advise anyone I come in contact with to always be open to hearing and obeying the Spirit/Word of God, and you cannot go wrong.4. Do you have a personal philosophy (i. e. an agreed upon plan of action/policy/understood protocol) of how/when/where you confront sin in the lives of 1) co-ministers/co-leaders in your ministry, and 2) people to whom you minister? If so, what is it? How did you come to this philosophy? If not, do you see a need for such a philosophy? Why or Why not? My protocol is to constantly stay on the path that Jesus took. I don’t condemn or attack the person for the sin, nor do I ignore it. â€Å"For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.† (2 Timothy 1:7)I show them where there is no judgment. I allow them to see that they are struggling with this affliction that causes pain, and it keeps them bound. Many are our afflictions. I have to approach in love, and still confront the sin head on. It is my responsibility to win the believer from a sinful life, to a life of righteousness. More important, to continue to be mindful of bringing correction in love. 5. Can I perform a little ministry quiz on you? (Remember: This question is taken from the section within chapter 25 entitled â€Å"Recalling Encounters with God!†) a.Can you recall for me what you specifically did (i. e. tasks performed, people you talked to, the number of hours of service) on any individual day in your ministry approximately six weeks ago? About six weeks ago, I was on a 21 day intercessory prayer without ceasing, for rampant gun violence to end in our community. In a matter of less than six months, we experience a multitude of lives lost due to gun violence. The lives taken were mostly young men between the ages of 16, and 25, and it was causing great trauma to our city.b.  Can you recall any time in the past that you were either so moved by hearing a sermon, reading a bible ve rse, hearing a testimony of a someone’s salvation that made such an impact upon your life that you still have a vivid recollection of the event today? How long ago did that spiritual event take place? God inhabits the praises of His people. What really holds near to my heart is when our music ministry singed â€Å"How Great is Our God. † The part where it says, â€Å"all will see how great is our God. † I thank Him that all will be able to one day see how great He is. Especially for the doubters.Through this song, the Holy Spirit constantly affirms that He is the name above all names. Our music ministry usually sing about one half hour before service, but this particular evening, people all over the church was moved by the spirit of God. Over 50 people gave their life to Christ that night. c. Could you briefly describe for me how your daily â€Å"Quiet time with God† or your â€Å"Communion time with God† or â€Å"Your Devotion time with God† usually goes? I have a life that can be quite kaotic sometimes. However, my quiet time with God is mostly during the early morning hours 3-4 am.I go to my secret place for lengthy prayer. Then, I read and study God’s word for as long as the Holy Spirit keeps me. I journal what speaks to me from God, and what I have learned. This is how I draw closer to God. It is my time to sit at His feet, a time I delight in, and truly enjoy. Again reflecting on my favorite verse, (2 Tim 2:15). 6. As a minister, are you ever tempted to become competitive with either a fellow minister or a neighboring ministry or covet the â€Å"success† or resources of other ministers and/or ministries? How do you overcome this temptation in your life if/when it ever comes up in your heart?What advice would you give me to make sure I remain content with what God specifically has for me in my own life and/or ministry? My heart is so willing, but my flesh is weak. I have always been a competitive per son. I believed in being number one at everything I pursue. Whether it was winning in a foot race, or drinking the most alcohol. There is a position for Associate Pastor available; myself and one other member are the only candidates. There is a series of tests/requirements that we need to adhere to, and it rears up the competiveness in me.My flesh says win at all cost, but my spirit says let the will of God be done. I know that the Word of God is my sword. â€Å"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin† (Hebrews 4:15). We are all members of the body, and we each have a very important role. I advise anyone with this mindset to remain at the foot of the cross and always stay prayerful, and the spirit of God will show you the way. 7. Provide a summary of your interview. a.What stood out to you the most from this interview? What stood out about this man of God was that He stil l had the zest and excitement for the work of Christ. His language is centered around what thus says the Lord, and He referenced a lot of scripture during the evaluation. Many are called and few are chosen. Minister Thornton has definitely been called out by God to do the work of the ministry. He reflects the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job, and the Strength of Samson. b. What did you learn that will help you develop your own philosophy of ministry?I learned that the â€Å"Cross of Christ† must be the center of my existence. Anything outside of this gives me the Martha complex. Too busy to focus on what God wants me to know. This helps me to continue to live by the philosophy of knowing 1 John 4:4 says, â€Å"Because greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world; Philippians 4:13 â€Å"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. † These are the verses that gives me the strength and the courage to â€Å"Live Out The Mind Of Christ† without trying to run and hide like Gideon and Jonah did.c. What did you learn about leadership that you feel is important when ministering to others? To keep my eyes on God. To not be afraid to minister with authority of the Word of God. To remember to regard myself as a humble servant of Christ, always pronouncing the Word. Walk in the seriousness of God’s Word so that others will know that my heart is there. Most important, constantly stay in prayer, study, and minister in love because the lives of the lost are sacred, and they have the right to know the TRUTH!

Risk Mitigation and Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Risk Mitigation and Planning - Essay Example Mitigation, according to Helmuth von Moltke (2004), is a type of long term, pre-disaster planning wherein sustained expenditures on structural as well as non-structural efforts are involved to reduce or eliminate future risks. In practice, mitigation plans and activities are usually medium to long term and since it is an example where thinking ahead pays off in the long run mitigation is the cornerstone of emergency management. It is related concepts of long-term planning such as: 1) reconstruction which means repair or rebuilding; and 2) preparedness which means getting ready or practicing to respond. In addition to that mitigation, based on Molte (2004), â€Å"means to lessen the effects or take action toward the building and putting together of certain structures as well as plans in order that the impact of any future disaster will be ameliorated or if possible, eliminated.† To change things for the better and impact can be understood as consequences, is the meaning of amel ioration. An emergency manager might do these simple mitigation activities, which includes the following: flood insurance promotion, urging structural redesigning of buildings, raising or moving homes from flood zones or make sure that appropriate building codes, within the certain communities are present. An assessment of the threats that the community is facing is involved in mitigation planning, such as terrorist attack, as well as an assessment of possible targets. However â€Å"terrorist mitigation is somewhat controversial phase, wherein it implies special plans and to supplement an all-hazards approach is needed in practices for terrorism† (Bullock et al., 2005). In addition to that, mitigation planning is an on going process, and to ensure proper preparedness continual reassessments is necessary. Some experts argued that there is a post-disaster mitigation. Moreover a pre-disaster mitigation ought to be called prevention. According to Alexander