Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?… Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared (John 8:11). The story of the woman caught in adultery does not appear in the earliest manuscripts of the gospel of John. Interestingly, when the story was added, it was placed in the middle of chapters full of
Read More5 Tips for Long-distance Grandparenting
Many missionary kids are separated from their grandparents by a great distance. Vice versa, many missionaries can feel disconnected from their grandchildren in the homeland. The following ideas on long-distance grandparenting are adapted from Charmaine L. Ciardi’s 1995 book, The Magic of Grandparenting. Try them yourself or share them with your child’s long-distance grandparents: For
Read MoreA Better Return: Partnering with Volunteers
The wisest man in earth’s history understood the value and mathematics of partnership. One may be good. One may have good ideas, skills and energy, but two — two have the potential to be great because their individual ideas, skills and energy can combine and grow in new directions. Ultimately, Solomon’s conclusion is that “two
Read MoreRevelation for Missionaries
I enjoy returning to the book of Revelation often in my personal worship times. I am beginning to realize that missionaries(you!) are a part of the prophetic messages of that book. It is so easy to think of Revelation as a scary story of what is about to happen on the earth. Yet, this book
Read MoreTips for Contingency Planning
In a world with growing political instability, terrorism and poverty, a good contingency plan is essential to those who serve cross-culturally. Do you have an emergency contingency plan? Unless you are a very “event-oriented” person, you will wish to make some Preparations for emergencies. Actually, considering world conditions at present, it is important to make
Read MoreFive Essential Skills to Grow as a Leader
A few days ago, I read an article written by Bill Hybels about how leaders grow, and I would like to share with you some of the concepts because, as a missionary, you are a leader where you work. A key element of leadership is weaving disciplines into your life which assure the people you
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