Church: A Gathering of Sinners or Saints?
Each week when I step into church, at least one person will ask, “How are you?” or “How have you been?” My response is often short, and almost always accompanied with a smile, “I’m good, how about you?”
Entries by Contributor
When Serving Brought Out the Worst in Me
Growing up in church, I was actively involved in church activities at a young age. As a youth, I served as a Sunday school teacher as well as a musician in the worship team. From a young age, I knew that God had blessed me with gifts so that I could bless others.
Broken and Shaken, but Far from Forsaken
I grew up in Chile; life was good then. My father had an important position in a large company and my mother worked as an army nurse. We led a carefree existence in a neighborhood away from civilization.
How a Message on a T-Shirt Convinced Me to Break Up
Like many other girls, I have wished for a boyfriend since primary school. However, because I was a shy bookworm, I only ever played the part of secret admirer. Then one day in high school, another student asked me out.
It wasn’t just excessive spending, it was more.
Ask any good Christian where their comfort comes from and their answer would be Christ. My source of comfort starts with C too, but I’m afraid it’s something else: Clothes.
Why Am I Striving to Please Others?
I have always been a people pleaser. I know that I can please someone by doing exactly what they tell me to do. Growing up in church, I did just that. I was cautious whenever I spoke to guy friends face-to-face or in text messages, because my leaders discouraged me from doing so.
Blessed to Bless Others
Three months ago, I took a nervous step off a plane onto Australian soil (or rather, concrete pavements), after an incredible nine months in another country. This re-entry to my home country marked the end of a life-changing journey of working in a developing country.
#blacklivesmatter
Title: #blacklivesmatter Materials: PhotographyArtwork by: Tricia Victoria Description: Have you ever had a vision that made you so uncomfortable to execute because you were so unsure if you could do justice to it? This project was it for me. It pushed me and stretched me and made me nervous. The entire photography session was emotional. It wasn’t […]
Where Can We Find Safety in the Midst of Suicide Attacks?
Some weeks ago, in my hometown Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, a would-be suicide bomber charged into a church while it was holding a Sunday service and tried to detonate his vest. By God’s grace, the bomb failed to detonate, and the congregation was able to restrain him and subsequently hand him over to the police.