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”

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”

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…”

Things I never saw myself doing…

I’ve heard lots of advice over the years about the importance of making a 5-year or even 10-year plan for one’s life: ask yourself where you want to be in 5 years, envision it, and let that vision guide your goal-setting and decisions. I think it’s a great thing, even though I’ve never actually doneContinue reading “Things I never saw myself doing…”

The Human Element

With this short piece, I’m launching a series of stories about life in a village in Mali, where I worked off an on for a period of about 8 years, establishing a small evangelism/ church planting team that continues to share Jesus with the local population. My hope is that you will be inspired andContinue reading “The Human Element”

The Gospel & Racism: How Does the New Testament Address Issues of Racial Discrimination & Inequality?

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28). Here there isContinue reading “The Gospel & Racism: How Does the New Testament Address Issues of Racial Discrimination & Inequality?”

Just GO! (please)

***Background note: I wrote this article about three years ago while was still coaching an evangelism / church planting team in an unreached region of MalI, West Africa. Now I’m privileged to work in a Christian relief organization where my responsibilities involve coaching leaders and volunteers in evangelism and discipleship across Central Africa. I don’tContinue reading “Just GO! (please)”