Tree-huggers. Hippies. Fanatics. Liberals. New Agers. These are all titles that have been associated with environmentalists for years. If you don’t consider yourself to fit into any of these categories as a Christian, good! Neither do I.

Many of us are skeptical of how real the issues of the environment are and how they should apply to us. Some argue that since the earth will be destroyed in the end, we shouldn’t worry about “saving the planet”. Others argue that “going green” is simply too expensive and requires too much of an overhaul in lifestyle.

We as humans are the only members of creation that have been redeemed. We now hold more power over the environment than ever before. Are we being good stewards of that which God has entrusted to us? As the redeemed, we have a sacred responsibility to the earth, its creatures, and the future of our children. When Christ returns, how will we hand His creation back to Him?

A new campaign called "We Get It!" aims to answer that question. Christian leaders, pastors, and legislators have joined together to create a new initiative on caring for the environment. Their goal is "to gather one million signatures on a simple statement by which Christians can show that they are united behind Biblical perspectives on the environment and the poor."

Research has shown that some of our eco-friendly initiatives are hurting third-world countries. As we use more corn to create biofuels, less and less lifesaving food is shipped to starving nations. Certain global warming policies will make it more difficult for the poor to afford basic necessities. We Get It! believes that it is possible to strike a balance between serving the poor and being good stewards of God's creation.

The We Get It! alliance shows that you don't have to be extreme to go green. Making small changes in your everyday lifestyle can make a big difference in the environment and save you hundreds - even thousands - of dollars a year. Why not use the money you save to help the poor?

Here are some easy ways to go green:

• Use CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs.
• Adjust the thermostat when you leave the house.
• RECYCLE. If your town doesn’t provide bins and pick-up, take it to a school. Not only do you lower paper waste, they receive money for it.
• Shop your local farmer’s market for fresh, organic produce. (www.localharvest.org)
• Carpool to work, if possible.
• Keep your car in good working condition. You'll save on gas.

For these and more easy tips, check out these websites:
www.lowimpactliving.com
www.ecomomalliance.org
www.we-get-it.org

Discuss it: What are your thoughts on the Christian response to environmental issues?

- by Jessica Parker and Megan Miles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2008

IPHC Extension Loan Fund Celebrates 50 Years
Church Savings and Loan Program Grows from $100 to over $53 million

OKLAHOMA CITY - IPHC Ministries recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Extension Loan Fund.

Rev. Robert Rex (deceased) developed the Extension Loan Fund in 1958 as a way to provide financial backing for IPHC churches that need to build or remodel.

“The 50th anniversary of the IPHC Extension Loan Fund (the Fund) is truly a time of excitement and rejoicing in what God has done through this ministry,” said David Parker, Vice President of the Extension Loan Fund. “Providing a place where investors can see their funds grow plus helping churches to meet their building and construction needs results in a win/win situation for everyone.”

The celebration luncheon took place at Collins Chapel, located at IPHC Ministries Executive Offices in Oklahoma City. Rev. Robert Rex's son, Lonnie, who bought the fund's first bond in 1958, addressed the crowd.

“[My dad] called me one day and he said, 'Son, it's all registered; and you're going to buy the first bond,'” said Lonnie. “I said, well, I don't have much money… and he said, 'but you're going to buy the first bond. How much can you put together?' I said, well, I can put together $100.”

Today, the Extension Loan Fund has over $53 million in assets. It has provided loans to over 200 churches nationwide. For more information on the Extension Loan Fund, contact David Parker at (800) 407-8959 or elfinfo@iphc.org.

The Extension Loan Fund is a part of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, a historic pentecostal denomination with over 4 million members and affiliates worldwide. The Extension Loan Fund's goal is to establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to assist the Pentecostal Holiness Church in establishing churches and other institutions and to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ.