A recent study of churches across the nation indicated that if pastors set time aside to get out of the office and into the community, the likelihood of unchurched people coming to Christ rises exponentially. It seems like common sense, but the study shows that churches accomplish results in sharing
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About a year ago, I gathered in an office one weeknight to pray with two other women – friends from my community at The Vine. Our purpose was simple but deliberate. We would pray and ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the characteristics of someone He wanted to
Continue reading“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest for a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went
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Here are some census numbers from census.gov that begin to paint a picture of rural life in America. Rural areas in this country cover about 97 percent of the land. A little over 19 percent of the population (60 Million) live on this land. A significantly higher percentage of families
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I have experienced the goodness of God. My husband and I married eight years ago this summer. There is much that could be said about our first six years of marriage and where we have been. But, that’s a story for another day, so, I’ll fast forward to the weekend
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The Center of Hope first opened its doors in 1985 in a rented room next to a laundry mat in downtown Livingston to respond to the physical and spiritual needs of low-income families in Polk County. A significant reason for starting the mission was that several churches in the area
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I am happy to share with you that Dr. Keith Loomans was my mentor and friend. I first met Keith as a member of the review committee when I was hired into church work, and he acted as my part-time boss and advisor for a number of years. For those
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I sat with a man I’ll call Diego at a recent gathering of a newly launched church. The church is gathering at a local rehab center. Residents join with people from around the community for worship, conversation, relationship building, prayer and fun. The rehab center residents invite family and staff
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Fifty years ago, a rural school district in south Texas ran into a predicament. One of the students lived in such a remote area, no one wanted to drive the school bus all the way out to his home to pick him up or drop him off. The student’s name
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Life in cities can be very complex and simple at the same time. The convenience of having all that you need readily available for you within a walking distance, if you can afford it, makes life in the city simple. However, the noise, the hustle and bustle of living in
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