In Psalm 71:20, the Psalmist speaks to God and says, “Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again.” This is what we celebrate at Easter. Jesus was a man who experienced deep troubles that were many and bitter. Yet, His life was
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Easter is an exciting time in the Church year even though it is for only 50 days. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is also exciting, but this excitement rests completely on the resurrection of Jesus. Everything in our faith walk is grounded in the resurrection. Easter is
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February is a unique month with Ash Wednesday falling on Valentine’s Day. The beginning of the Lenten season and Valentine’s Day will find ways of challenging each other and complimenting each other. Of course, it is Jesus who is our focus of love, service and commitment. There’s a children’s Valentine
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A blessed 2018 to each of you! It is my prayer that you would grow stronger in your walk of faith and in your ability to share Gods’ grace with others. The Texas District’s mission statement is, “To strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and to care
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We filed out of the suburban loaded with youth as a man came out of the house and introduced himself. “Hello Troy,” I said and started a round of introductions during which we told him the names and hometowns of our team. “It is going to be really hot this
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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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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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Is it possible to make mission inroads into the wild, remote and independent communities of West Texas? Through the work of Dr. Margaret Peterson, God is opening doors by opening books. Throughout this year, Margaret has been looking at West Texas communities from a missionary perspective. Through much prayer, the
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