I sit barefoot in a bamboo hut in rural Thailand. My sandals lay at the foot of the six-rung wooden ladder at the home’s entrance. It’s the close of another Thai day. Smoke wafts into this center space of the home as the family prepares dinner. The open fire pit glows off to the right…
missions
48 Hours and an Ocean Away
I am literally on the other side of the planet from my home. In an amazing opportunity, I’ve joined a small team to come alongside the ministry of Farthest Corners in Thailand. We are here to host several biblical training seminars in rural villages. I am humbled to be a part of this team and…
Back to Africa
I returned to Africa this week. The children, mama’s, and staff of Every Orphan’s Hope have stolen my heart! EOH reaches out and cares for AIDS orphans in Zambia in the name of Jesus. They are making a profound difference in the lives of many children. At the heart of their mission is the mama…
Want to take the $5 Food Challenge?
Last month, several staff members and leaders in our church lived on a food budget of $5 per person per day. A food challenge. WHY?? We committed to live on a food stamp budget for five days in order to better understand one aspect of poverty in America: the struggle to obtain adequate food. While…
How Microloans Change Lives
Microloans are changing the world… one person at a time. In September 2011, Pastor Rob gave cash in envelopes as part of the sermon. Rob challenged us to go out and use the money for God’s Kingdom. No more guidance or restrictions given. Combining our envelope money, our family received $30. We discussed what to…
How to Support Your Missionary — The Ultimate Guide
Today’s article is a guest post by Samuel Werner of the Missions Manual. Serving as a missionary, Sam interacts regularly with supporters. Pause and read his words to learn the best ways to care for your missionaries. Share his words with your church and friends who also seek to encourage, sustain, and strengthen those in…
Connections from the Mission Field
The Missions Manual published a guest post about newsletter from me today. Samuel John’s site is a community of missionaries sharing practical advise and encouragement. Being on a church staff for twenty years, many newsletters have crossed my desk. I’m delighted to share insights for missionaries from a home church perspective. Check it out here…
Top 10 Posts of 2012
Another year of blogging has passed! This journal shares the top 10 posts on the challenges of integrating faith into our life’s journey. It’s been my joy to share thoughts and connect with you over the past twelve months. Thank you for reading and for responding. I look forward to continuing to explore ways to…
Should you give cash to a homeless person?
You move along a sidewalk in a busy city. You can see your breath with each exhale into the winter air. A homeless man comes into view leaning back on the building ahead. Do you… a) Avert your eyes and keep walking? It’s as if not seeing him, makes him not real. b) Drop a…
The Best Fundraisers Ever
It’s that time! If you serve in a church where students do fundraisers for missions and conferences, conversations to plan the year’s events have likely started. Fundraisers can become an effective part of your ministry’s path of discipleship. Leadership and community-building grow out of these events! Here are the best ones I’ve found over the years: After-church…
