Former Shepherd Needs Some TLC
Jonell Permenter and her 20-year-old granddaughter were making their way through a neighborhood near downtown Atlanta. Ariana, who had just finished her shift at work, hitched a ride with her grandma and was headed home to Tucker, a northeast suburb. They chitchatted as the blocks melted into a blur. Soon, they noticed a sidewalk lined […]
In the Midst of a Dark Night of the Soul God Did a Miracle
The world was heavy with darkness and only part of it could be blamed on the night. Silvia sat there, wide awake, well before the sun would creep over the horizon. Her husband, Manny, slept next to her and their five children, ages 1 to 14, surrounded them in the cramped confines of their SUV. […]
I’ve Never Had a Bible
As a father of eight, John Bump is familiar with the happy chaos of a full house. The giddiness of a new discovery, scampering to grab the toy first, the occasional skirmish over that toy. Secrets and conspiracies. Giggles and groans. Joy and, sometimes, peace. So John was in familiar territory as he stood near […]
Little Screen, Big Message
Cassandra sat in front of the computer, her eyes fixed on the small screen. Three young children gathered at her side. It was unlike any Resurrection celebration she ever witnessed, vastly different from her childhood memories of fragrant flowers and the low slant of the spring sun casting soft light into the sanctuary. Sundays at […]
Building Confidence
Peter Villa and his colleagues, Andy, Orlando and Jairo — despite working together at a California homebuilding firm — were like planets passing each other in orbit. Adding to the distance was the hectic pace of daily life, including Peter’s role as co-pastor of Kern County Seeds of Greatness Church in Bakersfield. I didn’t really […]
Reflections From the Street
Pastor Ruben Durant was handing out turkey dinner invitations in a homeless encampment under a railroad underpass when he came face to face with his past. It was pre-COVID and the evangelistic leader was enjoying community outreach. “This guy popped up,” Pastor Ruben said. Although familiar, Robbie’s face bore evidence of a life held captive […]
A Box of Love in a Box Truck Leads to Transformation
When it comes to telling people about Jesus, Rosa Marti willingly follows wherever the Lord leads in her Sidewalk Sunday school on wheels. That’s just how she rolls. The Orlando woman, with the help of her husband, Pedro, converted a former moving van into a mobile ministry center, complete with its own stage. “I got […]
Blanket Love
Balvina was carrying a gift through the streets near downtown Minneapolis. It wasn’t wrapped, and boasted no name, a fact that did not diminish its importance. There were no diamonds, rubies or emeralds. No gold, frankincense or myrrh. Still, its value was priceless. As Balvina scanned the streets she spotted Pedro, who was hanging out […]
Removing a Cloak of Shame
The flashback was almost instantaneous for the Tucker, Georgia woman. There was no ignoring the young mother standing near her van as she and her three small children held up the hand-scratched sign, “Hungry, Help.” Decades of memories and emotions fell away and Jonell Permenter was suddenly a girl of 10, standing behind the local […]
What Does God Care About? Part 3: “Holy Hands and Just Feet”
Editor’s note: This is the final installment of a three-part series looking at What Does God Care About? What has He called us to care about? What has He commissioned us to do? What should be our practical response? Last week we examined the power and responsibility of stewardship and its impact on justice. we focused on who God cares […]