In a world with Amazon Prime — The smell is unforgettable. Mango Season! There is a sweetness in the air that makes the heat and humidity bearable, if even for just a couple of months. There is nothing like a freshly picked ripe mango. (My favorite variety is Chico Rico.) During mango season, people who have a…

Music wields an unparalleled power — it can evoke poignant memories and fuel our actions with purpose and vigor. Who among us hasn’t blasted the Rocky Soundtrack to psych ourselves up before a big game or listened to BB King after a breakup? In my time as a missionary abroad…

Addressing the missionary attrition crisis with simple solutions — There is a hidden crisis happening in Christianity today. It is ignored by churches and not openly discussed by mission agencies, but it happening as we speak. Most churches around the world would agree that their mandate is to make disciples of all nations and to spread the good news…

A guide for those who serve — Are you feeling overwhelmed with loneliness in your ministry? You’re not alone — many of us have been there. But you can find hope and connection. You just have to look in the right place. Ministry is a lonely job. It requires long hours, hard work and often involves sacrificing…

Are you wasting time on failed methodologies? — Checklists Here is how this method usually plays out. An organization decides there are a few skills and ideas that an employee needs to know. They then create a checklist of said skills and essential knowledge for the task. Finally, they assign a “mentor” to teach them these skills and pass…

Stepping away from cookie-cutter missionary methods — I was “called to be a missionary” as a sophomore in high school. I went on a few short-term mission trips to confirm that calling and fell in love with missionary life. Learning language and culture, loving people and building relationships, then sharing with them God’s story of hope and…

What kind of leader are you? — Leadership is a hot topic in America, especially in Christian circles. But we also have a long history of getting it wrong. The disciples had a specific idea of leadership that they imposed on Jesus. Jesus tried to prepare them for His kingdom and how things don’t work the same…

A parable — The day had started wrong for Elam. His brother had left the fishing nets after work yesterday without cleaning them. So here he was, cleaning nets before the sun even broke the horizon. Despite his annoyance with his brother, he desperately needed time to think. And the early morning hours…

A study in simple multiplication — In Baptist circles, church anniversaries are celebrated with a large homecoming, fellowship, stories, and a potluck to die for. But every once in a while, it is a church funeral that pleases the heart of Christ. I want to tell you the story of a rare assembly of devoted Christians…