I just returned from the Philippines at the beginning of the month where I had the opportunity to preach several times. The first time was planned, and the second time was the same day that was not planned at all. In case you’re not aware, this is very typical mission trip behavior. Preach...
We have much to report about our trip to the Philippines, but it will be difficult to convey in a blog how much love we bring back to you all from our Global Partner Zoilo; his wife, Betty; their daughter, Dotty; and all our other brothers and sisters in the Philippines. Everywhere we went...
"I wish the church had a foyer that was full of crutches, wheelchairs, and bandages so that when we come into the sanctuary, we would look like we need more healing,” says Lisa Harper, biblical scholar and teacher. “Too often, the church becomes a place where we worship, but we never...
In recent years, at least since 2020, I have on a weekly basis encountered someone or had a conversation in which a remark is made about how dark the world is becoming and how fast it is becoming darker. Recently it seems those encounters are almost daily. Often it is a conversation prompted by...
I found myself flipping through the pages of my Bible the other day. Notes and pictures revealed themselves across the 66 books. Not too many though; four to be exact. One in Zechariah, one at the start of 1 Peter; the third peeking out of the notes and index section in the back and the best...
There are many mysteries about God that I wonder about. Lately I have been wondering about time and aging. Why did God make us to get old? Our bodies get frail, we fall and hurt ourselves, or we get sick and die. Why?The fact is that God created time in the beginning, and it was good. But He...
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things...
Sometimes journaling seems like one more thing to do on an already busy day. But it can be interesting to look beyond today and consider that what we write today could be viewed by and serve as an inspiration to others. After all, Jesus encourages us in Mark 5:19 to, "Go home to your own people...
Mother’s Day tends to evoke a wide variety of emotions in people. What kind of emotions does it evoke in you? For me, this year it evokes joy and awe as I move closer to my due date with my first biological child. That has not always been the case, though. I have a good mother who taught...
I am so thankful to be representing the global partners in this week's newsletter. As I reflect on our community's unique and wondrous quality of generosity, I am astounded by how deeply it is rooted in love and care. From the conception of our faith community, global missions have been a...