Being Seen: Open Hands Lead to Open Hearts
Editor’s note: Since 1983, the Inner City Ministry of Cru® has been serving vulnerable and marginalized residents in some of the nation’s largest cities. What motivates these teams of missionaries and church partners to provide resources and spiritual guidance in these struggling neighborhoods? We tackle that question in our three-part series “Being Seen.” In Part […]
Being Seen: Scriptures Highlight Dignity and Compassion
Editor’s note: Since 1983, the Inner City Ministry of Cru® has been serving vulnerable and marginalized residents in some of the nation’s largest cities. What motivates these teams of missionaries and church partners to provide resources and spiritual guidance in these struggling neighborhoods? We tackle that question in our three-part series “Being Seen.” Last week, […]
Being Seen: Helping Others to See Jesus
Editor’s note: Since 1983, the Inner City Ministry of Cru® has been serving vulnerable and marginalized residents in some of the nation’s largest cities. What motivates these teams of missionaries and church partners to provide resources and spiritual guidance in these struggling neighborhoods? We tackle that question in our three-part series “Being Seen.” Today, we […]
Sharing Jesus is the Cornerstone of our Urban Outreach
“Preach the gospel at all times; use words when necessary.” This quote, widely attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, has — for centuries — been a motivational call for Christian servants. It is a powerful statement urging believers to show, not just tell, because showing the love of Christ is often perceived as a more […]
The Power of Yes!
At the beginning of the new year, many of us resolve to use the word no to avoid unwanted commitments, overextending ourselves, or just protecting ourselves from uncomfortable, inconvenient situations. There is real wisdom in that decision. The word yes can be just as powerful. Yes has built marriages and families, founded communities and nations, […]
The Hard Work of Loving
As their father lay dying, Jacob used trickery to steal the blessing due his brother Esau. It was the second time he one-upped his older brother, having seized Esau’s birthright over a bowl of stew when they were younger. The wound was likely deep and gaping, and without proper treatment, there was a real risk […]
A Light for a World of Darkness
I was convinced it was torture, but then again, what does a little girl from a middle-class American family truly know about such matters? All I knew was that the boxes of shiny glass ornaments were already bearing their hooks, and I was more than eager to find a place for them on the tree. […]
A Debt I Could Never Repay
Editor’s note: Last week, our Options Blog featured a Thanksgiving perspective piece about the sacrifice of giving thanks. Today, lead editor Michelle Melchor also discusses gratitude, but from the thoughtful perspective of having a debt of gratitude. This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to gratitude, expressing thanks for the blessings God […]
The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
Editor’s note: Next week, lead editor Michelle Melchor also discusses the topic of giving thanks but from the thoughtful perspective of having a debt of gratitude. Don’t miss it. Airline flights have been booked, car tires have been checked and gasoline tanks are full. Turkeys are thawing in the fridge and recording devices have been […]
Building Bridges: 6 Steps to Pursue Racial Unity
Editor’s note: Although the word unity only appears in the Bible a few times, the concept was a major teaching of Jesus. He stressed it among His disciples when they were arguing. He urged His followers to love one another. He emphasized it when discussing the Godhead. And, in His High Priestly Prayer, hours before […]