Hank’s Last Day in Portland

He was going to miss coming here to this spot where he spent hours reflecting, praying and enjoying his surroundings. Hopefully, there will be places of solitude in Cotonou where he could spend time alone with God and nature. He had been a pastor since he was twenty-five and now he was fifty. People were …

Comforting Others

Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God – 2 Corinthians 1:3, …

Achaia

Sunset over the ruin of the Patras castle in the Peloponnese region of Greece. My husband, Jon and I are on a two-day tour of North-Western part of Peloponnese. We arrived by car this morning and are staying at the Maison Grecque Hotel in the center of Patra. Patra, which is the third largest city in …

It Got Personal

After he finished saying his prayers, he left the church. It was another beautiful evening and he smiled as he made his way across the field. Clara was already there. "Hello," he said. She smiled. "Hello. Here's the book," she said, handing it to him. "And I brought a couple of unused Bibles." She showed …

No Fear

I’m lying here in prison, sentenced to three years for holding a Bible Study. My family and friends warned me to be careful because of an ongoing crackdown on believers. I and five other believers were taken into custody because our Bible Study didn't have the government's approval. When I was on trial, I was …

Finish the Race

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,  except that in town after town the Holy Spirit assures me that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me.  But I don’t place any value on my life, if only I can finish my …

Sing to the Lord

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises - Psalm 98:4 Praising God is something that should be as natural as breathing.  It's hard to do so, however, when facing trials, problems or challenges, but that is the time when we really need to do it.  I …

It’s a Virtue

Patience is a virtue that many of us would like to master but more times than not, it is impossible to do so.  Just this morning, I lost mine when my son wanted me to get up and go and get some bread for him.  I had told him that he could have some after …

Prisha’s Calling

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven - Matthew 5:16 I read Prisha's story and was touched by the love and compassion she and the other women missionaries showed the people of Punya Basti.  The village was ready for harvest but there …

Ugandan Christian Teenager Beaten and Disowned

Imagine being badly beaten and disowned because you give your life to Jesus Christ. Jesus predicted that this kind of thing would happen.  “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. “For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, …