MENNONITES TEACHING CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY TO CHILDREN

Mennonites Teaching 

Contemplative Spirituality to Children

SARA WENGER SHENK

KAREN MARIE YUST

SEE: 

http://mennolite.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/mennonites-teaching-contemplative-spirituality-to-children/

Posted on May 15, 2014 by the olives

Are the Mennonites who are teaching contemplative spirituality to children leading them astray?

In 2005, at a Mennonite Educators Conference workshop, Dr. Sara Wenger Shenk taught child educators to:

“Teach various kinds of prayer: centering prayer with a chosen word such as “Abba” or “shalom” to repeat while quieting one’s spirit and body to listen to God; meditative prayer prompted by a poem, artwork, musical selection that provides a loose structure within which children can ponder the mysteries of life, their commitments…; using a biblical story for guided meditation, pausing to ask prayerful questions that invite imaginative engagement at various points in the story”

Source: How do we cultivate faithfulness in children?
Mennonite Educators Conference
September 22-24, 2005
Workshop: Practices for Nurturing Children in Faith 
Presenter: Dr. Sara Wenger Shenk http://www.emu.edu/seminary/resources/practicessws.html

The primary source for ideas in this workshop was a book called Real Kids: Real Faith—Practices for Nurturing Children’s Spiritual Lives by Karen Marie Yust[1]. Since then, the ideas in this book have captured the imagination of other child educators. In 2011, this same book by Yust (among others) was used as a reference source for an article about children and contemplative prayer in The Mennonite. Here is an excerpt…

“there has been an increased recognition that children in our society have an intense yearning for silence and meditation (see Real Kids Real Faith by Karen Marie Yust). There is also a growing understanding that children have the capacity to enter the meditative silence of various spiritual practices and often with greater ease than some adults. The keys to helping children enter these practices are creating space and providing them with the tools and understanding necessary to connect with God in prayer. 

Many prayer practices are being recommended for children, for example: centering prayer, guided meditation, journaling, listening prayer, the examen and mindfulness. Some educators, such as Ivy Beckwith, have explored the benefits for children of adding deep breathing to their prayers in order to develop a rhythm for centering prayer, or using a prayer rope to occupy their hands and minds as they engage in the Jesus prayer (see Formational Children’s Ministry by Ivy Beckwith)”[2]

Source: 2011-09-01 ISSUE:
Children and prayer
Ways to help us see ourselves and our children as whole beings who pray with our bodies. by Carrie Martens http://www.themennonite.org/issues/14-9/articles/Children_and_prayer

Carrie Martins is still interested today in helping children learn contemplative spiritual formation. Her website (http://www.carrielmartens.com/) promotes many contemplative links. One of these is the First Steps Spirituality Center[3], where children from babies to teens can learn about the labyrinth, or practice breath, sensory, and contemplative prayer with interactive prayer beads, holy listening stones, or by reading a ‘breath prayer book’ called Child of God, Child of Light by founder Rev. Leanne Hadley. Carrie Martins’ favourite author list includes Ivy Beckwith, Marjorie Thompson, Richard Rohr, Adele Calhoun, and Joyce Rupp, some of whose contemplative teachings are considered by many Christians as New Age paganism.

Martins says she loves the Mennonite Church Canada Resource Centre[4] which offers many sources to help teach families and children contemplative prayer. These include the above mentioned child educator contemplatives, Karen Marie Yust[5], Ivy Beckwith[6], and various materials on centering prayer[7] and monastic traditions[8] for children.

As these Mennonites teach such practices to children, what direction are these little ones being influenced to walk in?

Ivy Beckwith, who has explored the benefits of centering prayer and deep breathing for children (as Carrie Martins mentioned in The Mennonite), spoke at the “Children, Youth, and a New Kind of Christianity” conference in May 7-10, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Other speakers included emerging church leaders Brian McLaren, Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, Jim Wallis, and over 50 other influential leaders in Christian formation.[9] The Gather Round Sunday school curriculum (www.gatherround.org), co-published by Brethren Press and MennoMedia, was one of the co-sponsers at this emergent conference. Attendees represented Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA.

This month, Ivy Beckwith will be speaking at Faith Forward (May 19-22) in Nashville, TN.[10] Other speakers[11] include emergent leader Brian McLaren, ‘thin places’ Lilly Lewin, ‘recovering fundamentalist’ Melvin Bray, and ‘the great emergence’ author Phyllis Tickle.

Is this where contemplative spiritual practices and meditation will lead the children? Into the welcoming arms of emergent teachers of ‘the new kind of Christianity’ who want to influence the minds and hearts of the next generation?[12]

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:6

End Notes:

[1] http://www.amazon.com/Real-Kids-Faith-Practices-Nurturing/dp/0787964077
[2] http://books.google.ca/books?id=pnkniUw7aCEC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
[3] http://www.1ststeps.net/Home/tabid/615/Default.aspx
[4] Top Ten Reasons I LOVE the Mennonite Church Canada Resource Centrehttp://www.carrielmartens.com/2014/05/top-ten-reasons-i-love-mennonite-church.html
[5] Karen Maire Yust: http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/ResourceView/2/6471
[6] Ivy Beckwith: http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/QuickSearch?maker=Beckwith%2C+Ivy
[7] Journey to the Heart: Centering Prayer for Children by Frank X. Jelenek
This simple, colorful, practical book uses rhyme and illustrations to teach children how to practice prayer of the heart, contemplative prayer, or “centering prayer.” Ideal for parents, teachers, educators – and children ages 3-10.http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/ResourceView/2/13599
[8] The Busy Family’s Guide To Spirituality: Practical Lessons for modern Living From the Monastic Tradition by David Robinson (lessons from the rule of St. Benedict and the Benedictine traditions)http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/ResourceView/2/12458
[9] Gather Round cosponsors conference on children and youth, June 6, 2012. http://mennomedia.org/?Page=7247
Gather ’Round co-sponsors conference on children and youth http://www.brethren.org/news/2012/gather-round-cosponsors-conference.html
GATHER ‘ROUND CURRICULUM COSPONSORS MAJOR CONFERENCEhttp://www.mennoniteusa.org/2012/03/27/gather-round-curriculum-cosponsors-major-conference/
[10] http://faithforward2014.sched.org/list/descriptions/
[11] http://faithforward2014.sched.org/directory/speakers
[12] Q&A with Brian McLaren http://www.childrenswork.co.uk/main/article/brianmclaren

Related:

Why centering prayer should not be taught to children http://www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=797

MINDFULNESS GOES TO KINDERGARTEN by Marcia Montenegrohttp://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_MindfulnessForChildren.html

OUT OF YOUR MIND: MEDITATION AND VISUALIZATION (Guided Meditation)http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Meditation.html

THE LABYRINTH: A WALK BY FAITH? Concerns About the Christian Use of Labyrinths by Marcia Montenegrohttp://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Labyrinth.html

________________________________________________________

CARRIE L MARTENS

SEE: http://www.carrielmartens.com/p/about-me.html

About Me

 Biography:

  As a member of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church of Altona, I first began to explore my calling in the area of Christian formation as a Sunday school teacher for preschool age children. In the almost 20 years since that first class experience I have been increasingly drawn to Christian formation as a life-long endeavor for the entire church. My studies have allowed me to explore broadly what faith formation means for an Anabaptist Christian, and how we, as Anabaptists, have the opportunity to both impact and learn from the broader Christian community as well as other faith traditions. Some of my passions in ministry are:

• resourcing individuals and groups in order that they might be able to live out their callings with strength and integrity. I am a finder and I love digging through materials to find people what they need!
• experiencing story as the foundation of our faith. The biblical story is our story and it comes alive when we tell it and as we live out the continuing narrative.
• engaging in ritual that creates rhythm in our lives, individually and corporately. There are many opportunities in our churches, homes, and communities to engage in rituals that strengthen our identity as followers of Christ. 
• exploring practices that continue to nurture our awareness of the work of God within and around us.I love helping people of all ages, and especially young children, to connect with God and the world through prayer.

  Degrees:

• M.Div., Associated (Anabaptist) Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 2011

• 4yr B.A., Canadian Mennonite University, 2006
• Major: Biblical & Theological Studies
• Minor: Psychology

 Related Ministry

•  Pastor with responsibility for faith formation at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church  (Kitchener, ON), Present 

•  Essay Grader/Marker for "Biblical Literature and Themes" at Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg, MB), 2012-2013

• Sessional Instructor for "Human Development and Christian Formation" at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN), Fall 2011

• Volunteer Pastor of Christian Formation at Belmont Mennonite Church (Elkhart, IN), Fall 2011

• Pastoral Intern at Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church (Winnipeg, MB), Summer 2010

• Pastoral Intern at Belmont Mennonite Church (Elkhart, IN), 2009-2010

• Associate Pastor of Children's Ministries at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church (Winnipeg, MB), 2006-2008

Publications & Presentations:

• "A Walk with God," 50 Shades of Grace, 2013
• Interview participant in Dig In: Thirteen scriptures to help us know the way, 2013
•  "Spiritual Types and Prayer Practices," Glenlea Mennonite Church, Spring 2012
• "Prayer Practices in the Classroom", Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary School (Agassiz Campus) Professional Development, March 2012 
• "Children and Prayer," The Mennonite, September 2011
• "Holy Spaces," Purpose Magazine, August 2011
• "Spiritual Formation of Children in Worship," Church Leadership Centre Lent Planner,January 2011
• "Teaching the Death and Resurrection of Jesus to Children,"Vision: A Journal for Church & Theology, Fall 2010

____________________________________________________________________
SEE ALSO: http://www.carrielmartens.com/p/classes-retreats.html

"Spiritual Practices"
"Many of us in the Mennonite tradition have only been exposed to basic spontaneous prayers and Bible reading as spiritual practices. Ancient and contemporary Christianity have a wealth of spiritual practices to help us to grow in awareness and understanding such as Lectio Divina, Contemplative Gazing, the Examen, Praying in Colour, Centering prayer, Faith Imagination, Body prayer, the Daily Office, living simply..."

CISCO'S COMPLAINT LETTER ABOUT NSA SURVEILLANCE SENT TO OBAMA

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/cisco-ceo-sends-letter-to-obama-complaining-about-nsa-surveillance/

MARINE CORPS "URBAN TRAINING CENTER" AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA~RESEMBLES A SMALL U.S. TOWN SIMILAR TO VIRGINIA BASE

Leaked Documents Reveal Marine Corps 

‘Urban Training Center’ 

Based on U.S. Town

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/leaked-documents-reveal-marine-corps-urban-training-center-based-on-u-s-town/;

EXCERPTS:

"Whistleblower says facility with Baptist church, farmhouses, used to train foreign and domestic groups.

Newly leaked Marine Corps’ documents detail yet another military urban training center that more closely resembles a small U.S. town than a foreign combat zone.

According to the military whistleblower who provided the documents to Infowars, U.S. Marines at the facility have been tasked with training soldiers, law enforcement agencies and Homeland Security in skills such as fighting in wooded areas, urban patrolling, forcible entry and night fighting techniques. The facility is also being used to cross train foreign troops from the United Nations and NATO."

                              

NATHANIEL MORALES OF SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCH FOUND GUILTY ON FIVE COUNTS SO FAR

SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCH

SEX ABUSE

NATHANIEL MORALES FOUND GUILTY 

ON FIVE COUNTS SO FAR

SEE: http://www.brentdetwiler.com/brentdetwilercom/nathaniel-morales-found-guilty-on-all-counts-of-sex-abuse-of.html; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:

Nathaniel Morales Found Guilty on All Counts of Sex Abuse & Offense

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:48 PM PDT

The Jury has returned it's verdict. Nathaniel Morales was found guilty on all five counts of sex abuse and sex offense.

There are two more trials scheduled for next week against Morales for the sexual abuse of other boys. I don't know if he will plead guilty, work a plea deal, or make a defense now that he has been found guilty. I hope it goes to trial because more evidence exposing the conspiracy at Covenant Life Church will come out.

Morales showed no emotion when the verdict was read. His first known victim for which he has yet to be tried was in 1979. He has known guilt for 35 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 14 at 9:30 AM. Morales is facing a maximum sentence of 85 years in prison.
WJLA ABC News 7 in Washington D.C. has been providing excellent coverage.  Here is a video and article, "Nathaniel Morales of Covenant Life Church Convicted of Abusing Young Boys."
______________________________________________________________

Nathaniel Morales of Covenant Life Church 

convicted of sexually abusing young boys:

Nathaniel Morales trial: Victim Jeremy Cook testifies:

TWO REPORTERS ARRESTED AT FORT AP HILL, PSYOPS "SECRET"ARMY BASE IN BOWLING GREEN, VIRGINIA

INFOWARS REPORTERS ARRESTED & DETAINED ILLEGALLY 

AFTER FILMING AT 300 ACRE SECRET ARMY BASE 

BEING USED TO TRAIN FOR "DOMESTIC TERRORISTS" 

AND/OR MARTIAL LAW; 

POSSIBLE INTERROGATION & TORTURE ROOMS 

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/infowars-reporters-arrested-by-army-base-police-alex-jones-responds/;

EXCERPT:

Alex Jones calls the public information officer for Fort AP Hill, Bob McElroy, to find out the whereabouts of Infowars reporters David Knight and Staff Sergeant Joe Biggs who were both detained after investigating the army’s secret asymmetric warfare base.

Exclusive Footage: Inside Clandestine Army Training Center:

Inside Tyranny Training Base At Fort AP Hill:

Video: Reporters Enter Secretive Army Base:

SEE ORIGINAL STORY FROM JANUARY, 2014 AT:

http://www.infowars.com/u-s-army-builds-fake-city-in-virginia-to-practice-military-occupation/

U.S. Army Builds 'Fake American City' to 

Practice Military Occupation:

SEE OUR PREVIOUS POST ALSO:

Monday, February 17, 2014

"U.S. ARMY'S FAKE AMERICAN CITY IN VIRGINIA BUILT FOR "PRACTICE" (MARTIAL LAW)~WHEN THOSE WHO DON'T COMPLY BECOME THE ENEMY WITHIN":

http://ratherexposethem.blogspot.com/2014/02/us-armys-fake-american-city-in-virginia.html

Firsthand Impressions Of Martial Law Ghost Town

(AFTER REPORTERS ARE RELEASED):

Published on May 17, 2014

Infowars reporters tell what they saw and how it felt to walk thru a completely deserted city that looked like it had been depopulated with a nuclear,biological, or chemical attack. Why is the military developing war tactics against domestic targets?

USDA TO PURCHASE SUB MACHINE GUNS~YET ANOTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY ARMING ITSELF~FOR MARTIAL LAW?

USDA to Purchase Submachine Guns

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/usda-to-purchase-submachine-guns/

EXCERPT:

"The United States Department of Agriculture is set to purchase an unknown quantity of submachine guns, leading to questions about where the weapons will be heading and for what purpose they will be used."

EXCERPT: (with spelling mistakes from the original):

"“The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, located in Washington, DC, pursuant to the authority of FAR Part 13, has a requirement for the commerical (sic) acquisition of submachine guns, .40 Cal. S&W, ambidextrous safety, semi-automatic or 2 shot burts (sic) trigger group, Tritium night sights for front and rear, rails for attachment of flashlight (front under fore grip) and scope (top rear), stock-collapsilbe (sic) or folding, magazine – 30 rd. capacity, sling, light weight, and oversized trigger guard for gloved operation.”"

UPDATE MAY 20, 2014:

DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE ORDERS 

BALLISTIC BODY ARMOR

SEE: 

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/05/15/Dept-of-Agriculture-Orders-Ballistic-Body-Armor

FCC VOTES TO DESTROY INTERNET FREEDOM~SEIZES AUTHORITY & CONTROL~CREATES FAVORED STATUS FOR HIGHEST PAYING SITES

FCC VOTES TO DESTROY INTERNET FREEDOM;

UNILATERALLY ASSUMES AUTHORITY & CONTROL

Published on May 16, 2014

The FCC voted to advance its plans for paid priority over the internet. If the self-appointed commanders of the internet have their way, net-neutrality will be abolished.
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/­wp/2014/05/15/fcc-approves-plan-to-allow­-for-paid-priority-on-internet/

Brian Bieron Takes on Internet Sales Taxes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYwz-BqwFUg

NEW YORK'S ROB ASTORINO'S RUNNING MATE: NYS SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT CHRIS MOSS

NYS Sheriff's Association President Chris Moss 

Chosen as Rob Astorino's Running Mate

For Lieutenant Governor of New York State

SEE VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuJI6RFgMYQ

PUBLIC SCHOOLS PUNISH FREE SPEECH~STATE INDOCTRINATION INTO QUIET, COMPLIANT, OBEDIENT SLAVES

STUDENT FIGHTS BACK AFTER SUSPENSION OVER PRO-GUN T-SHIRT

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/student-fights-back-after-suspension-over-pro-gun-t-shirt/;

EXCERPTS:

"Borg says he was pulled up by hall monitors at his school last week, then ordered by the dean of students to either turn the shirt inside out, wear a different shirt, or be suspended for a day."

"Borg’s family are supporting his efforts. “He’s not advocating violence. He’s an Eagle Scout. He’s a straight-up kid,” the boy’s father Kevin Borg said, adding “I respect his right to express his feelings.”"

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL SUSPENDS 

STUDENT FOR NSA PROTEST, 

REFUSAL TO SAY 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/texas-high-school-suspends-student-for-nsa-protest-refusal-to-say-pledge/;

EXCERPTS:

"Mason Michalec, 15, says he faces two days of in-school suspension for waging a silent protest, and says the principal at his high school in Needville, near Houston, has threatened him with a longer suspension if his protest continues."

"Michalec’s punishment is just the latest example of how public schools indoctrinate students to remain quiet, obedient slaves oblivious of the surveillance state being constructed around them. Instead of punishing the freedom of expression, schools should instead encourage more students to exercise their First Amendment rights, especially when it comes to defending the Fourth."
____________________________________________________

Principal Calls Cops 

on Middle School Student 

Over Doodle

SEE: 

http://www.infowars.com/principal-calls-cops-on-middle-school-student-over-doodle/

EXCERPTS:

"A principal at a middle school in Portland, Oregon suspended a student and then called the cops after the boy doodled a picture of a man hanging, another example of the mindless overkill that is becoming prevalent in American schools."

"The boy’s father, Robert Bernard Keller, is suing the Beaverton Police Department and Beaverton School District in Federal Court after his 13-year-old son, B.R.K, was pulled out of class at Raleigh Hills and sent to the principal’s office for drawing a picture of a hanging man which was deemed to be threatening by school officials."
________________________________________________________

Arizona School Interrogates 6th Grader:

Published on May 16, 2014

Caller tells Alex Jones of school system in Arizona with more power to control their child than the local police.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/loca...
http://dailycaller.com/2014/05/14/har.

DELAWARIAN NEPOTISM?~JOE BIDEN'S SON TAKING LUCRATIVE LEGAL SPOT ON UKRAINE GAS COMPANY BOARD FOR "ALTRUISTIC" PURPOSES~SHOTGUN LESSONS FROM DAD FOR US

HELPING UKRAINE'S ECONOMY?

DELAWARIAN style NEPOTISM; 

BIDENS BLIND TO 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

WE ARE NOT!

JOE BIDEN’S SON APPOINTED TO BOARD OF UKRAINE’S LARGEST GAS PRODUCER

SEE: http://burisma.com/hunter-biden-joins-the-team-of-burisma-holdings/

SEE: http://www.infowars.com/joe-bidens-son-appointed-to-board-of-ukraines-largest-gas-producer/;

EXCERPTS:

"Hunter Biden, the son of Vice President Joe Biden, will lead the legal team of Burisma Holdings, the largest natural gas producer in Ukraine."

"In April Hunter’s father trekked to Ukraine to show support for the junta led in part by fascists and ultra-nationalists."

Joe Biden's Son Sweet New Oil Deal in Ukraine:

SEE VIDEO: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBrTtdqArw

Joe Biden's Son Appointed to Ukraine's Largest Gas Co.:

SEE VIDEO: 

OR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y7_5G2CTQ8

OR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFKzZPOcYb4

OR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FpAPCQa_5U

Published on May 14, 2014

Jackass Joe Biden's son was conveniently appointed to the board of directors of Ukraine's Largest Gas Co. Remember when Cheney was attacked by the media for his ties with Halliburton? Bad then but OK now. Bad for Russia to help in Ukraine but OK for US to interfere. USA hypocrisy.

"Hunter Biden, son of US VP Joe Biden, is joining the board of directors of Burisma Holdings, Ukraine's largest private gas producer. The group has prospects in eastern Ukraine where civil war is threatened following the coup in Kiev.

Biden will advise on "transparency, corporate governance and responsibility, international expansion and other priorities" to "contribute to the economy and benefit the people of Ukraine."

Joe Biden's senior campaign adviser in 2004, financier Devon Archer, a business partner of Hunter Biden's, also joined the Bursima board claiming it was like 'Exxon in the old days'.

Biden Jr.'s resume is unsurprisingly sprinkled with Ivy-league dust -- a graduate of Yale Law School he serves on the Chairman's Advisory Board for the National Democratic Institute, is a director for the Center for National Policy and the US Global Leadership Coalition which comprises 400 American businesses, NGOs, senior national security and foreign policy experts.

Former US President Bill Clinton appointed him as Executive Director of E-Commerce Policy and he was honorary co-chair of the 2008 Obama-Biden Inaugural Committee.

Burisma Holdings was set up in 2002. Its licenses cover Ukraine's three key hydrocarbon basins, including Dnieper-Donets (in eastern Ukraine), Carpathian (western) and Azov-Kuban (southern Ukraine).

The Biden board news came as Gazprom moved Ukraine to a prepaid gas delivery regime and sent Naftogaz, Ukraine's gas champion, a $1.66 billion bill that is due June 2, or Moscow will halt supplies.

Ukraine currently has about 9 billion cubic meters of gas in storage, but by the winter needs 18.5bcm. Kiev bought 27.7 billion cubic meters from Gazprom for which it still owes some $3.5 bn in 2013.

Gazprom is demanding Kiev pays $485 per 1,000 cubic meters, raised from $268.50 after Moscow was forced to cancel several discounts agreed upon under Yanukovich's tenure as president. Kiev rejects the new price as "politically motivated" and says it will only pay its debt if Gazprom lowers the price back to $268.50, or else open an arbitration case against the company in Stockholm."

The White House brushed off questions about any ethical issues on appointing the vice-president's son, Hunter Biden, to a leading post at a Ukrainian gas company. The concerns come amid US attempts to affect Kiev's energy policy.

Biden Jr. was appointed to board of directors of Burisma Holdings, Ukraine's largest private gas producer on Tuesday.

Speaking about his new position, Hunter Biden said he will advise on "transparency, corporate governance and responsibility, international expansion and other priorities" to "contribute to the economy and benefit the people of Ukraine."

The decision immediately sparked questions if US actually supported Biden's promotion, as his father, US Vice-President Joe Biden, has frequently spoken about the need to increase Ukraine's energy independence, including during his recent visit to Kiev. "Hunter Biden and other members of the Biden family are obviously private citizens, and where they work does not reflect an endorsement by the administration or by the vice-president or president," White House press secretary Jay Carney said. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki also responded bluntly to the questions, saying only that Hunter Biden is a private citizen. Joe Biden spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff also said "the vice-president does not endorse any particular company and has no involvement with this company."

However, Curtis Ellis, executive director at American Jobs Alliance, told RT that it is a typical Washington politics to exploit a foreign crisis for personal gain. "The US ... are trying to portray in the most altruistic and platonic fashion possible. However, it is very difficult to disentangle business interests from national interests," he said. Hunter Biden, 44, has a very impressive resume. A graduate of Yale Law School, he serves on the Chairman's Advisory Board for the National Democratic Institute. He is also a director for the Center for National Policy and the US Global Leadership Coalition, which comprises 400 American businesses, NGOs, senior national security and foreign policy experts. Former US President Bill Clinton appointed him as Executive Director of e-Commerce Policy and he was honorary co-chair of the 2008 Obama-Biden Inaugural Committee. The licenses of Burisma Holdings, founded in 2002, cover Ukraine's three key hydrocarbon basins, including Dnieper-Donets (in eastern Ukraine), Carpathian (western) and Azov-Kuban (southern Ukraine)." - Courtesy RT News

Joe Biden's Son Hunter, Made Legal Director 

of Ukraine's Largest Gas Company! Exposed!:

Spawn Of Biden To Be Ukraine's 

New Energy Oligarch:

Globalists Begin Exploiting Ukraine's Oil (& Gas):

Jobs for the boys: Biden's son signs for Ukraine gas giant: