To say 2020 was challenging is an understatement. The pandemic grounded me and my husband – the director of a mission sending agency – from our usual international ministry travels. It left me unemployed by canceling my speaking invitations to women’s retreats and conferences when large gatherings were banned. It stole time with our children and grandchildren, and it … [Read more...] about Five promises that bring us hope
Faith
Inspiring a deeper walk of faith in God, expressed as Father, Son, and Spirit. Living out our shared experiences of life in Christ.
Hunker down, do not be dismayed
The other day, during my devotions, I heard the Blessed Holy Spirit say, “hunker down!” I am a church minister. I knew what God meant. Keep things close; don’t struggle to have big crowds and big meetings; settle in. I knew also my Lord wanted me to share these words. Hunker down. It’s good to know the Lords leading for this time. A time of refreshing. Extra time for a … [Read more...] about Hunker down, do not be dismayed
Lament and the Church: Part 2, in the context of worship
When we accept a theology of suffering there’s the question of how to introduce lament as a truthful, healing practice that leads us back to hope. Worship leader and recording artist Brian Doerksen agrees that offering a space for lament in our worship draws us together as community, reminding us we’re not alone in our feelings of hopelessness and grief. Taking it one step … [Read more...] about Lament and the Church: Part 2, in the context of worship
Lament and the church: Part 1, A theology of lament
Grief. Mourning. Sorrow. Weeping. These are elements of lament. As children of God, we are not immune to feelings of abandonment and desolation. In scripture, most of God’s chosen leaders enter into a time of lament – Jacob, Joseph, David, Job, all the prophets, the people of Israel and even Jesus, whose anguished cry in the Garden of Gethsemane was accompanied by … [Read more...] about Lament and the church: Part 1, A theology of lament
COVID – Christ Orchestrates Very Interesting Developments
Very few miss Mark Buhler on the streets of Southeast Vancouver. Standing 6’6,” and crowned by a tilly hat, his smile is disarming. He ducks in and out of shops and restaurants, reconfirming friendships with Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and acquaintances from BC Housing nearby. Buhler works as a Fellowship missionary to Vancouver with a base at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. He … [Read more...] about COVID – Christ Orchestrates Very Interesting Developments