Doing Something in the Present for the Future

Martin drove us through cavernous ditches, dusty roads with no cars for miles, crowded unpaved streets where all the drivers had the game of playing chicken down to a terrifying art, and the widest African plane you’ve ever dreamed of, peppered with elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelope. Shotgun was the coveted seat when in the van with Martin because when … Read More

Obeying the Thirst Call

Water has the power to bring life or death.  It’s hard to believe that today, in the 21st century, during the greatest explosion of technology our world’s history has known, with so many resources at our finger tips, that millions of people still lack clean water. And yet, those of us who have clean water are caught in forgetfulness or … Read More

Which Drum are You Supposed to Beat?

Two Saturdays before Easter this year, my husband and I went to an outreach event at the home of a woman I know from my Bible Study.  Her name is Beth.  She is a widow.  She doesn’t let that hinder her from doing huge things.  The truth is, her season of life has opened up large opportunities to reach beyond … Read More

How to Journey Well

I can hardly believe that it has been three years since my shoes collected dust from the red dirt roads of Kenya.   The two weeks my husband and I spent there will make for a lifetime of lessons and stories bound to live far beyond our own existence on this earth.  So many times, my mind travels unrestricted by … Read More

Operation Baby Rescue

I want to introduce you to a little girl that I met three years ago this month in Kenya.  She was about six years old. Honestly, I don’t even know her name. I do know a little bit of her story, though. When we arrived at the Lunga village (which translates as “upside down village”), I got out my tiny … Read More

Adding Gifts of Hope to Your Christmas Shopping List

If you haven’t been to Africa and are physically able to go, you should.  It will change your life for better and worse.  Meeting souls housed in bodies marked by suffering who have so few resources but give more than any proportion you ever have will make you feel worse about yourself than you ever have in your entire life. … Read More

The trite blog I’m avoiding

I’ve been appreciating our fully blooming backyard all week.  It’s intoxicating with sweet fragrances drifting from our wisteria-covered trellis.  The vibrant colors of those purple blooms, pink cherry blossom trees, fuchsia azaleas, red, yellow, and plumb colored tulips create a panorama of delight.  Yet, in the tulip bed, there they are…the dandelions and various accomplices. That’s right, weeds. When I … Read More

Upside Down Worlds – Part 9: Conclusion

CONCLUSION I recently was talking with one of the pastors of our church. We were discussing the desperate needs of many people in Africa. He reminded me that while you can’t change the world, you can change a village. What truth. We have the opportunity to change our world through the power of Christ one village at a time. When … Read More

Upside Down Worlds – Part 8: Worship

WORSHIP I have always been moved by the lyrics of The Newsboys’ song, “He Reigns.” It’s been an honor to travel to some of the global spots they refer to in this song. Check out the anthem that they sing… It’s the song of the redeemed Rising from the African plain It’s the song of the forgiven Drowning out the … Read More

Upside Down Worlds – Part 6: Discipleship

DISCIPLESHIP I was very impressed with the men I met at the first church building site in Chavakali. They were dressed their best in suits and had come to check out the new construction. They were both key leaders in the regional Baptist convention. I got into a conversation with them about how people from home could help the most. … Read More