Thoughts on Magic, Manipulation & Becoming a True Disciple of Jesus

I’ve been reflecting again on the fundamental power of beliefs, and how core beliefs impact our choices, relationships, and ultimately our destiny. This brought up the memory of a conversation I had with our team leader out in the village in Mali one day, a conversation that could have been mundane but went unexpectedly deepContinue reading “Thoughts on Magic, Manipulation & Becoming a True Disciple of Jesus”

This Invisible Path – Finding, or maybe just stumbling into, God’s plan for your life

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. (Isa. 42:16). How did I get here? This question is oftenContinue reading “This Invisible Path – Finding, or maybe just stumbling into, God’s plan for your life”

Espoir, Déception et Plus Grands Projets

French version of my post on Luke 1… ESPOIR, DÉCEPTION ET PLUS GRANDS PROJETS (Lire Luc 1 : 5-80) Je ne me lasse jamais des contes bibliques de la venue de Jésus dans le monde et de tous les détails que les Écritures nous donnent sur les événements entourant ce moment charnière de l’histoire. Les personnes impliquéesContinue reading “Espoir, Déception et Plus Grands Projets”

A Hopeful Conversation

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11) Before you roll your eyes at someone taking this verse out of context for the millionth time, I’m aware of the context. The peopleContinue reading “A Hopeful Conversation”

And now for something totally different…

I’ve just done something I’ve never done before, and would never have pictured myself doing. It’s kind of about cancer, and about fitness and how it helps me stay a step ahead, and … well… I’ve just entered a fitness competition! I was worried that people might think this was a ‘show-off’ kind of thing,Continue reading “And now for something totally different…”

Blessed Brokenness & Resurrection Hope

If you’ve ever failed miserably, let others down and disappointed yourself beyond what you thought possible, here is some is good news. The Gospel accounts of events leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross and those surrounding His resurrection are full of lessons for us – if we will take the time to look,Continue reading “Blessed Brokenness & Resurrection Hope”

Scars and Sufficient Grace

Hast thou no scar?No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound?Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rentBy ravening beasts that compassed Me, IContinue reading “Scars and Sufficient Grace”

Unexpected Gifts

Here we are, well into 2023 already! Once again, it’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog, and I really am going to post more Africa chronicles in the months to come… But for now, I just want to share a recent experience, along with some reflections, that I hope will be insightful andContinue reading “Unexpected Gifts”

Can I Eat the Meat?

Wrestling with questions of culture while trying to communicate the Gospel faithfully… another story from life in the village. Koyala, Sunday April 7, 2013 We had a somewhat lengthy discussion this morning about what to do with meat that’s been sacrificed to idols. It wasn’t simply an abstract discussion – the meat in question wasContinue reading “Can I Eat the Meat?”

When I thought about quitting…

Months ago I had planned to start sharing stories, experiences, and reflections on life and mission in a village in rural Mali – a random collection from a 7-year period – but I got sidetracked with present day life and responsibilities. So I’m making an attempt to actually start, and I’m going to try toContinue reading “When I thought about quitting…”