At each of these same intersections, other vendors walk between the cars relentlessly selling a magazine entitled, The Big Issue to drivers held captive by the red light. Each issue consists of a variety of articles written about the latest world news, pop culture, current events, local gossip and so forth. The title of the magazine itself begs the question… “what exactly is the big issue?”

In our part of the world, the big issue might be: “how ... Read More »]]> Nearly anything can be purchased at traffic lights throughout South Africa. Colorful, persistent vendors peddle phone chargers, toilet brushes, steering wheel covers, fake sunglasses, clothes hangers, umbrellas, flowers, trash bags and just about anything you can think of. It’s like having the Dollar store come to you. Who needs the mall when you can shop at the traffic lights?

At each of these same intersections, other vendors walk between the cars relentlessly selling a magazine entitled, The Big Issue to drivers held captive by the red light. Each issue consists of a variety of articles written about the latest world news, pop culture, current events, local gossip and so forth. The title of the magazine itself begs the question… “what exactly is the big issue?”

In our part of the world, the big issue might be: “how do I pay the school tuition for my kids?” Or, “where do I find a decent job, or any job for that matter?” “How do I stay warm and dry this winter?” “How do I get the medication that my mother so desperately needs?” What do I do now that my life hasn’t turned out the way I thought it would?” All of which are very real issues – big issues that require a loving response and an assurance to those seeking answers in the midst of ups and downs and the uncertainties of life.

Jesus told us in John 16:33 “… In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.”

Isn’t it good to know that in the midst of trouble, suffering and curve balls that life throws at us, that we serve a loving savior who has conquered the world? That hope, that message is the big issue that people must hear – that God is not mad at them; that He has not lost his recipe for a miracle, and that they are not the exception to His never-ending love. Our heart should always be to see lives changed and transformed by this Gospel message.

At this time of year it seems that we tend to slow down a bit, count our blessings, and focus on others. We shop for that perfect gift for our wife or husband. We don’t mind giving to the Salvation Army guy who rings ... Read More »]]> As I sit down to write our newsletter this month, my heart is overwhelmed with Thankfulness. Looking back over the year Terri and I can see how God has been at work in our lives in a number of ways. He’s blessed us with family & friends that enrich our lives. We have great health; He’s answered prayers; and He’s given us the ability to carry out His plans for our lives. If I’m like you I could sit down and write a substantial list of things that I’m grateful for.

At this time of year it seems that we tend to slow down a bit, count our blessings, and focus on others. We shop for that perfect gift for our wife or husband. We don’t mind giving to the Salvation Army guy who rings that annoying bell outside the grocery store. We generously tip our favorite barista at Starbucks along with the paperboy, the mailman, employees, and others who are important in our lives. Isn’t it amazing how we can become more giving, more generous, more gracious and thankful against the backdrop of Thanksgiving and Christmas? Remembering Jesus and all he has done has a way of doing just that – and enriching our own lives at the same time.

Our prayer is that Jesus would reveal himself to you in a special way during this holiday season. May He bless and increase you, and grant you favor in every area of life.

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you like to win but think you can’t, It’s almost a cinch you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost. 
 For out in the world we find
 Success begins with a fellow’s will. 
 It’s all in the state of mind. 
 If you think you are out classed, you are. 
 You’ve got to think high to rise. 
 You’ve got to be sure ... Read More »]]> Proverbs 23:7 tells us: “…as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” So then, our thinking, dreaming and imagining then must play quite a big role in whether or not we succeed in life’s endeavors and relationships or not. The reality is that we will ultimately gravitate toward what we think about. Have a look at this poem by C. W. Longnecker…

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost. 

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow’s will. 

It’s all in the state of mind. 

If you think you are out classed, you are. 

You’ve got to think high to rise. 

You’ve got to be sure of your-self before
You can ever win the prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man. 

But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

Today we hear the words “Social Justice” to describe a value system of helping those in need and righting the wrongs of society. It is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, social rights and opportunities. Social Justice has become an overused buzzword even in the church suggesting that we as believers must subscribe to this value system of righting the wrongs facing humanity – to stop human trafficking, to build homes for the ... Read More »]]> At first thought the answer to that question would be – no way! But, when I ponder the thought a little more, the answer is yes, but… hear me out. Jesus gave his life so that all of humanity could experience a vibrant relationship with our Heavenly Father and live an overcoming, victorious, eternal life now. Handing out blankets to those in need is our job.

Today we hear the words “Social Justice” to describe a value system of helping those in need and righting the wrongs of society. It is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, social rights and opportunities. Social Justice has become an overused buzzword even in the church suggesting that we as believers must subscribe to this value system of righting the wrongs facing humanity – to stop human trafficking, to build homes for the poor, to hand out blankets, and feed the hungry – all in the name of social justice and community upliftment.

To involve ourselves in these activities does make us feel good; it gives warm fuzzies, a sense of accomplishment, and helps people along the way. The problem however, if we are not careful, is that it becomes easy for ministries, and even churches to focus more attention and resource on the cause or the project, and a tendency to minimize the role of missions and preaching the gospel in the process. In the past several years we have seen a shift even in our giving towards missions. Surveys tell us that those aged 45 and older will typically place a higher value on financing missions, winning souls and discipleship. Where those aged 45 and under place a more value on funding social projects and “felt” needs. Here’s the deal… Introducing Jesus to the people we are trying to reach will invariably involve challenge, rejection and even persecution at times. If we focus more attention on the less-confrontational social justice and upliftment projects, then we become just another do-gooder, UN type organization that endeavors to relieve suffering without giving people an opportunity to make an eternal decision. What do we do then? Do we make wine for humanity because Jesus made wine? Do we preach the gospel but not feed the hungry? No! We must do both. However, our end goal and message must always be Jesus and his love for mankind. The redemptive work of Jesus in our own lives must be what motivates us and fuels our efforts to do good and help the little Johnnies who are hurting, and in need… of a blanket.