Today our family learned we will say goodbye to someone we love. For the past two-and-a-half years we have sponsored Dayana, a fatherless little girl living in Haiti who came to our attention through the Christian relief organization Vision Trust. We have become attached to Dayana as we have given monthly to support her needs and the…
Following is an update on my friend Laura’s trip to Eastern Europe. She begins her journey home tomorrow. There is a great need in Poland for English teachers who will share the gospel and their lives as well. From Laura: Wow, is Poland ever different from 27 years ago! Back then everything in Eastern Europe came in varying…
If you’re at least 40 years old, you remember the cold war, the iron curtain, and the communist regimes that dominated Eastern Europe from World War II until they successively collapsed during the late 1980s and early 1990s. If you attended church in the 70s and 80s you may also have heard Bible-smuggling stories from behind the iron curtain…
When I was a little girl, I looked forward to the Christmas bazaar my church hosted each fall. There were many enjoyable things at the bazaar, but I dreamt of the taste of the glass candy sold in the sweet shop and of Mildred Ringer’s divinity treats. Christmas crafts adorned the church in almost any media, all for…
Recently I was given the privilege of sharing with the junior high youth group at Central Ministries. They are a great bunch of kids and they were attentive and fun! Because the youth group has been talking about unexpected gifts, I told the story of one of my most memorable unexpected gifts. It was Christmas Eve in…
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25 Our church is presenting a drive-through nativity this weekend for the Fort Wayne community. Last night 380 cars drove through scenes that progressed from the modern-day hustle and bustle of the Christmas season…
I am rich. I’m overwhelmingly rich, but I’m not talking about a bank account or houses or stuff. I’m not even talking about the fact that I live in one of the most wealthy nations on earth where we have more material wealth than 99% of all people in the world. Those things describe many Americans. I’ve…
JANUARY 12, 2015 BY VICKIGATCHELL Oh Come, Let’s Sing Ohio’s praise… IN HONOR OF THE BUCKEYES PLAYING IN THE FIRST-EVER NATIONAL TITLE GAME OF THE NCAA FOOTBALL PLAYOFF ERA, I POST THIS ROUGH DRAFT. A TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST TEAM IN SPORTS. O-H… I’ll never forget my first Ohio State-Michigan game. I was a freshman at OSU…
10See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. …
I have been studying Gripped by the Greatness of God (James MacDonald) along with many (80-100?) other women from Central Ministries. One of the assignments this week was to go outside to enjoy God’s creation. Yes please! Today was a perfect fall day. There was a gentle breeze and the drying leaves crackled beneath my feet….