Rather than giving up on the seed that doesn’t bare fruit or trying to cut down the thistles, I wonder if it’s possible to invite people to grow and rise above the thistles, to set their eyes on life eternal, to turn their eyes toward Jesus and find hope there learning as adults to be children of God who takes care of us.
I am at my desk preparing to share our testimony with a group of Christian women, and I am wary of a very specific trap: ‘the exciting story’. My husband and I are on a journey of exploring God’s call to move from the UK to North Africa. And in vocalising that into a microphone …
All Things to All People. To conform or contextualise, that is the question.
Just re-reading Walter Brueggemann’s classic book, The Prophetic Imagination. Here is a wonderful passage on hope: The prophet has only the means of word, spoken word and acted word, to contradict the presumed reality of his or her community. The prophet is to provide the wherewithal whereby hope becomes possible again to a community of kings …
Part of Jeremiah’s calling was to reach out to those living in the province of Ephraim, north of the dividing line between the southern kingdom of Judah (with its capital Jerusalem), and the northern kingdom of Israel (with its capital Samaria). The dispute between Ephraim (Joseph’s son) and Judah was an ancient one, going back …
Nabil Costa shares his personal journey to advocate for his son, Christopher, and reflects on how Lebanon has changed over the past decade to more inclusive.
What capabilities mark out those growing in cultural awareness?
As we listened to his stories, we felt as if we were listening to a modern day book of Acts, our faith was stirred and we were so encouraged.
As we listened to his stories, we felt as if we were listening to a modern day book of Acts, our faith was stirred and we were so encouraged.
And then I begin to compare my life to the lives of the people who I admire and I start to think – Have I done enough? Have I prayed enough? Why would God ever use me? But these questions are all leading me to one person…
Regularly engaging with the Bible helps people to come to faith and to grow in maturity as believers. Reading the Bible individually is just one way…
Be thankful. Lift your eyes to Jesus, know that He’s very close and listen. Rest, Quiet, Shhhh.
He fears for her life as if any of his 15-20 members of his family catch on that she is a believer they will kill her and maybe him also. They have two young kids.
I work in an education centre for Syrian refugees who cannot access education in a traditional school. As I walked in to work on the first day of this school year when we would actually have children in the centre (in mid-May due to Covid restrictions), I went over things that were likely to happen …
Everything was different about this church; the heat, the sounds, and the smells. Natalie was driven along the streets that belonged to the pimps of the district in India. She was visiting a project in the middle of the brothel district, which the church had set up to provide a safe place for children of …
Shame plays an integral role in Middle Eastern culture. So much so, that since living here, it has been a daily (and sometimes hourly) battle to stand in my identity as a daughter of God: free from shame, forgiven and cleansed. In Isaiah 61, we receive a mandate for loving and serving those in poverty …
Ramadan has come back round with its pretty flags and bizarre working hours. It is also a time to learn, every year I learn more about my Muslim friends and what they believe. Yesterday, a Muslim friend posted a list of activities that women who have their period during Ramadan should do in order …
It was a number of months ago that a suggestion was made that we should create a video where ethnic minorities share their experiences of joining a predominantly white church. The video is powerful, giving insights of how we can help minorities feel at home within our churches, helping us become more multi-cultural. Please feel …
What does it feel like attending a white majority church? Read More »
‘To woke or not to woke? that is the question’ by Ian Geary “Having a form of godliness but denying its power….” 2 Timothy 3v5. “In a world bereft of the power of revealed religion, we have to face up to the fact that no-one knows how to live.” What is the good life? What …
In Parts 1&2, Hayat shared some of her experiences as a single female living in an Arabic speaking part of the world, then shared some wisdom from Romans 12 on finding our place in belonging. In this final part, Hayat shares some helpful tips and insights for those involved in supporting and sending singles overseas. …
One family here have taken me in and consider me to be one of theirs. I’m expected to celebrate Eids with them, to come over for iftar (the daily breaking of fast meal during Ramadan, the month of fasting), to visit on at least a weekly basis (ideally from dawn to dusk). It’s a joy …
One of my favourite things about the Arabic speaking world is the high value placed on hospitality and the extended family. Living in this part of the world, it is rare that I would be asked questions typical to a western culture upon introducing myself to someone. “What’s your name?” “What do you do?” are …
While loss is an unavoidable part of life this side of eternity, many have noted that cross-cultural living comes with more loss than usual. Moving to a new culture, whether by choice or necessity, involves leaving things behind – parts of your identity, people and places you love, perhaps the ability to speak in full …
Dealing with loss in cross-cultural service (resource) Read More »
