Joe Carter helpfully summarizes a peer-reviewed, independent study on the viability of international child sponsorship led by Bruce Wydick, professor of economics and international studies at the University of San Francisco. Key findings: Former Compassion sponsored children stay in school 1 to 1.5 years longer than their non-sponsored peers (In Uganda, the numbers are much higher—2.4 years). An extra year of schooling could have long-lasting impact on a child’s future employment possibilities as an adult. Former Compassion sponsored children were 27-40 percent more likely to finish … [Read more...] about Does International Child Sponsorship Work?
Archives for June 2013
How Do Young Atheists Arrive at Unbelief?
Great article last week in The Atlantic by Larry Alex Taunton called Listening to Young Atheists: Lessons for a Stronger Christianity. Tauton discusses a research project in which college students from the "atheist equivalents to Campus Crusade"--the Secular Student Alliances (SSA) and the Freethought Societies (FS)--were asked to tell their story of how they came to embrace atheism. A few common themes emerged: 1. Most became atheists for emotional reasons while claiming to have become atheists for rationale/scientific reasons. 2. They grew up attending church, but the mission and … [Read more...] about How Do Young Atheists Arrive at Unbelief?
Congratulations, Tim Tebow
Word is out that Tim Tebow has signed with the New England Patriots. His position is quarterback, and he's expected to report to the Patriots mandatory mini-camp tomorrow. The deal came together quickly in the last 24 hours. Duration of the contract or financial details were not disclosed. I'm no sports analyst, but I think this is a great move for the Patriots. Tebow is not the distracting side-show some consider him to be. He's a focused, hard-working player with impeccable character. On the field he's a leader who knows how to scramble, gain yardage, and win football games. His playoff … [Read more...] about Congratulations, Tim Tebow
3801 Lancaster – More to be Told
An appeal from David Altrogge, writer and director of 3801 Lancaster. A quick Google search on "The next gosnell" nets numerous stories from all over the country, which speaks to the importance of what Mr. Altrogge is doing. … [Read more...] about 3801 Lancaster – More to be Told
What’s the best predictor of student success?
I read Paul Tough's book How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character (introduced here). But I just saw Tough's amazing thesis again in Business Insider. The #1 predictor of student success is not IQ, talent, or luck/"being in the right place at the right time". It's grit. Determination. "The ability to withstand stress and move past failures to achieve a goal is the best indicator of future success." What's great is that grit can be learned and enhanced throughout a student's life, even dramatically if they develop a disciplined passion for what they're … [Read more...] about What’s the best predictor of student success?
Mothers Are the Sole or Primary Provider in Four-in-Ten Households with Children
Pew Research Center has a new study out on "Breadwinner Moms." The Intro: A record 40 percent of all households with children under the age of 18 include mothers who are either the sole or primary source of income for the family, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The share was just 11% in 1960. Joe Carter, writing for The Gospel Coalition, breaks down the study. One trend I found intersting: On the topic of single mothers (either never married, or divorced), most Americans (64%) say that this rising trend is a … [Read more...] about Mothers Are the Sole or Primary Provider in Four-in-Ten Households with Children