It is common for today’s high school graduates to take a “gap year.” An intentional break from formal schooling, before heading off to college or full-time work. John had a gap year. But not by choice. An alcoholic father, desperate mother and hungry siblings forced the inevitable. John left school, traveled to the big city (Nairobi), and began working to support the family. His “gap year” began after 4th grade, at the tender age of 12…and lasted 52 years.
Newsletters
Peace On Earth
“I just want some Peace and Quiet!”
We have all heard this phrase countless times. Typically exclaimed in an exasperated tone of frustration and despair. And who has not said it themselves? We all long for those moments, if not seasons, when we can Rest, Recharge and Renew. Truth be told, this world can thoroughly wear us out: physically, mentally, financially, emotionally…and spiritually.
Roots
A match made in heaven. There is no other explanation possible. Fredrick and Anna defied every norm,
practice, and culturally acceptable process to become husband and wife. There is simply no earthly reason
why they met, married, and remain so with such peace, tranquility, and joy.
Sleeping Giants
It’s a good thing to equip the saints. God has admonished every Pastor and Ministry Leader to do so. It couldn’t be more clear, sequential and rational than this…”And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of […]
Itinerant Refugees
Pastor Aklilu Zerihun Belay is a man of remarkable stories. A life lived on the razor’s edge of disaster time and again. Born in Eritrea, he survived several wars that created countless Refugees. His “home” has been wherever he laid his head, year after year. Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Kenya have been signposts along […]
The Great (Commission) Reset
I have the unique opportunity to travel between North America and East Africa quite often. Ministry responsibilities require my presence on two continents. They are separated not only by distance, but also by culture. North America being historically a Western Christendom culture. East Africa lies at the frontier of traditionally Eastern Oriental cultures. As missionaries, […]
Ash Heaps
Some say the glass is half Empty. Others say it’s half Full. Pessimism and Optimism abound in extremes these days. Both in the world…and in the Church. People casually viewing life through foggy lenses of new-fangled philosophies, fickle feelings, popular pundits, personal preferences and prayerless “prophesies”. In an age of information overload, we can get […]
Face Time
The “Great Commission” is a mandate for all Christians. Not a select few. We will all be held personally accountable for our stewardship of the Salvation, Gospel and Grace that God has bestowed upon us. We are not allotted the luxury of Subcontracting the Command to “make Disciples of all nations.” Yet that is what […]
Where God Is Moving
I remember well our days of missionary training in our home church. We were blessed to be in a missions-minded church that took missionary preparation seriously. It included a series of classes and practicums over a year. We never intended to go further than the initial class. But God had more in mind. As much […]
Help That Hinders
There is a profound uncomfortableness in ministering to the poor. Coming from outside to inside the slum settlements, you immediately experience shock and horror. There are no videos, no pictures, no words to adequately describe the deprivation, despair and depravity of third world urban slums. Which begs the question for anyone with the privilege to […]