by Katie Von Rueden Before my husband and I arrived in West Africa to minister in remote village among a minority people group, it was pretty clear (to us) what we were going to do. We were to be literacy specialists, as our heartfelt prayers had prepared us for, and our degrees had trained us […]
{ 0 comments }
The 2000 film Return to Me is a family favorite. The movie features Bob and Elizabeth, who have been together since high school and who are still very much in love. One tragic night Elizabeth, who was an organ donor, is killed in a car accident. We watch as doctors transfer her heart to Grace, a woman […]
{ 0 comments }
Do you see missions in your future? Then this is for you. Right now, you’re just planning, and dreaming, and hoping. But one day it will finally be the right time, and you’ll find yourself filling out an application with a mission organization, packing your bags, and moving overseas. There’s just one thing you might […]
{ 0 comments }
by Erica Shelley Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India, was broken by the reality of child temple prostitution and was moved to action. In 1904, Amy was praying and saw a vision of Jesus kneeling amongst trees; she sensed that he was asking her to share his burden. Reflecting in a private autobiography, Amy later […]
{ 0 comments }
For the most part I am able to control myself. But every now and then I read something that I cannot stop myself from annoying those around me with. So, you are welcome that though I wanted to write to you every seven minutes as I read Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to […]
{ 0 comments }
by Rahma Ten years ago, I moved to Indonesia with one suitcase and a heart full of hope. I planned to live in a slum, learn the language, and seek the Kingdom of Jesus. Of course, the first year had many challenges. There was so much to learn and adjust to: the language, washing clothes […]
{ 0 comments }
When in Rome, sometimes we do as the Romans do just to fit in. Sometimes it’s out of necessity. Sometimes it’s because their way is actually better. And sometimes it’s because, well—Why not give it a shot? Has your host culture offered you ways of doing things different from what you’re used to, ways you’ve […]
{ 0 comments }
It was a balmy Fall day in Budapest, Hungary. Cars whizzed by my kitchen window, up and down the hill in the neighborhood known as Gazdagret. My youngest son, nearly two, napped in the early afternoon. My phone rang. It was my oldest son’s iskola teacher, Aniko. She told me that they were getting ready […]
{ 0 comments }
(originally published in 2013) just a little fun essay today I am sad to say that my youngest daughter is a Kid Who Vomits on Airplanes. This means my husband and I have become the Parents Who Travel With Them. Our older two kids don’t do this, or haven’t, since 2004 when one of them […]
{ 0 comments }
A few weeks ago, someone who is moving overseas contacted me. This is her first time living overseas, she is going into the unknown, and wants to be as prepared as possible. Here is what I said to her: Dear Lucy (name has been changed) Wow – I’m excited for you and not a little […]
{ 0 comments }
by Rebecca Hopkins Women may struggle finding their voice in meetings. They may want to grow in their roles, but don’t have anyone willing to mentor them. They may not be considered for high-level management in Christian non-profits. And their work often goes unnoticed and unsupported, particularly when a couple is sharing one support-based salary. […]
{ 0 comments }
What a winter we’ve had. The pandemic, the politics, the panic. Jobs lost, and family members too. Too many hopes (and people) dead. And somehow, spring reminds us that winter is ripe for birth. Winter is always ripe for birth. As Lewis writes, the seed, myself, that which is deep-buried, may not die, if He […]
{ 0 comments }