Millennial Leadership – Austria may soon have a Chancellor who is a Millennial. 31-year-old Sebastian Kurz is poised to become the leader of Austria. It will mark the first time a Millennial has headed a European nation. To my knowledge is the first time a Millennial has reached the head of any government (that is not a monarchy or dictatorship). Story from NBC. My take – Millennials get blamed for a lot that is not really their issue. Millennials have just now begun to take positions of authority and power in the governments of the world. Time will tell what they will do with their power.
Korea – As usual Korea is in the news. This hotbed of international tension is in the news on an almost daily basis. Currently it is the news because the US military is drilling to evacuate Americans in case of war. It’s important to note, though many news stories do not, that this is not that unusual. Evacuation drills have been run many times. My take -Watching what happens in this country is important though. Korea is one of the most missional nations in the world (they are ranked in the top 10 as it relates to sending missionaries to other countries) and the largest sender in the region. Their missionaries have an easier time working in many Asian countries than their North American and European counterparts. Story read in the New York Times.
Somalia Bombings – Truck bombings in Somalia have killed more than 200 people as of October 15. Somalia largely existed without permanent government from 1991 to 2012. The nation is largely Sunni Muslim. The nation is still lawless in many places, but since 2012 there has been a permanent government. These attacks were carried out by extremist groups. This nation has largely been in civil war for almost 30 years. Original story from the New York Times. My take – we need to remember the poor and the least of these around the world. Find ways to help.
John-David M. Culbertson 