Category: Christianity

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Christianity motivation

Two churches from two cultures make a huge impact

Salvador Hernandez, pastor of Centro Cristiano, preaches at Shartel Church of God

I had the pleasure of interviewing two pastors that are making a big impact in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Two Cultures, Two Churches—One in Christ

What impressed me about these two churches is how they work together. Cooperation is a big skill that pays big dividends. But it seems like our world attempts to keep us all from cooperating. Therefore, you don’t have to look far to find news about someone who refuses to work with others. Stalemates and quagmires seem to be preferable to getting anything done. It can feel like the world is in a hostile takeover.

However, progress and solutions require negotiations and compromise. It’s how teams are formed and do anything effective. As a result, it requires some trade-offs. The temptation, and the shortcut, is to surround ourselves with people who look like us, think like us and act like us. There is comfort in being around like-minded individuals. But the problem with that comfort is we tend to gravitate towards group think. Diversity is essential to get anything done.

Likewise, diversity and compromise essential in marriages. I am glad I didn’t marry someone who was just like me. I have learned much from my wife over the years. And I think she’s learned a thing or two from me.

Yes, two churches from different cultures can make a big impact. We can learn a thing or two from their example.

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Christianity Missions writing

Article: Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Ohio Team

Church of God Ohio Disaster Relief Team works through the Dayton Tornado aftermath

I wrote this article on a disaster relief team that originates in Ohio. This was through the CHOGNews web site.

Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Team from Ohio

I enjoyed getting to know the leaders and some of the workers who have worked tirelessly through some tough situations. One of the volunteers is a man I have known for several years and is related to my wife’s side of the family. Furthermore, it was great to explore the family connection and see how this group has responded to needs.

I witnessed a bit of their work when Dayton, Ohio experienced a series of tornadoes on Memorial Day, 2019. Some of their work was based out my church. Therefore, I so appreciated their efforts because as a Hoosier and Buckeye, I’ve experienced a few tornadoes and know what devastation they can cause.

I used to think everything I created had to be funny. And we sure need some comic relief in a world that has its fair share of tragedies! But I have learned that getting some good news out there, such as an article on a disaster relief team, can lift spirits just as much as a little humor. Besides, humor can devolve into negativity just as quickly as any other form of writing.

There is some good in the world. I encourage everyone to find it. Sure, we need to be informed about injustice and concerning events. But what are people doing behind the scenes that are making a positive difference? After a tornado, who is doing the clean-up and helping others get back on their feet? After a demonstration, who is reaching out and showing there can be healing and reconciliation?

We can all make a difference. It was good to interview some people that know a response to a disaster is better than shaking our heads at a new feed. They reminded me I need to do less doom scrolling and more positive action. Yes, we can all make a difference!

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Christianity

Article: Barryton, MI Church Changing the Story

little girl helping her brother with homework
Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.com

I had the pleasure of interviewing a pastor and his wife about a Michigan church that helped their school during COVID and how churches make a difference.

Barryton Church of God in Michigan changes the story by helping their local elementary school during the COVID-19 crisis

Here is a link to a PDF of the article.

Michigan Church Changing the StoryDownload

The church is making a difference by working with what they have and where they are at. Gerald Rosely is the pastor at the church. His wife, Veronica, noticed there were some teachers and school administrators that attended the church.

Before COVID-19 affected the community, Veronica had begun a ministry with the Barryton, Michigan elementary school. When everything changed in 2020, she realized the church needed even more help and sprung into action.

I love how this church is reaching out and making a difference instead of turning inward. It is a great example of how we can all make a positive impact if we open our eyes and see what needs are in our own communities.

Churches really do make a difference!

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Christianity

Article: California Churches Rally in Wildfire Response

Churches rally during Creek Wildfire
Photo Credit: Nate Nielsen

I had the opportunity to interview two pastors about the California Creek Fire in Fresno County and how the churches have rallied together to bring relief efforts in the area. The article appeared on the Church of God News Blog on October 1, 20202. Here’s a link.

California Churches Rally Together in Wildfire Response

The fire began over a month ago. As I write this on October 7, 2020, the fire is still only 49% contained. Thankfully, most of the fire is in sparsely inhabited areas. Largely, this fire is no longer in the national news cycle. It’s no wonder. When I checked The LA Times map of current wildfires, there were twenty-nine active California wildfires. That’s a lot to keep track of!

However, the way the churches rallied in this wildfire response inspired me. Here was a group of people that under normal, prosperous times may have eyed each other as competitors. But as the fire endangered their community, they knew they had more in common than not.

So it can be hard to remain an optimist when things are literally burning around you. But it is so helpful to remain positive and to give help where needed. I loved the outlook Pastor Shawn Beaty displayed.

God uses traumas, trials, and transitions to bring people to him.

Shawn Beaty: Clovis Hills Community Church

Some relief workers had to evacuate. No doubt, relief workers were concerned they could lose their own property. In the early days, the fire was unpredictable and it was a very fluid situation. But the pastors observed the members that were in the best frame of mind were those who were helping others. Instead of despairing, the churches were aiding those who may have been in similar or worse situations.

Sure, we can see the troubles all around us as obstacles worth complaining about. Or like the churches in this article, we can put our resources together and do some good in tough situations.

Categories
Christianity Religion Cartoons

What does it mean to be spiritually mature?

Cartoon of two men. One says, "That's the first time a girl has turned me down because I'm not spiritually mature."

What a good topic for a Sunday! What does it mean to be spiritually mature when we are in lockdown and are longing to have normal events like church services? I miss the time to get together with friends and mentors as we discuss spiritual matters and learn from the pastor’s sermon. While it’s true there are online services, it’s not the same, and there are many churches and congregants that don’t have the technology or the resources.

What Does Spiritual Maturity Mean Today?

When I posted this cartoon and post thirteen years ago, I was working for a Christian publisher. Yet looking back, I don’t know if my definition of spiritual maturity then would mesh with my understanding today. I hope and pray I have matured since then. My wife certainly has, as I alluded to in that previous post. I continue to learn a lot from her. But I know I have a long way to go.

Everyone is being tested through this crisis, even the spiritually mature. However, spiritual maturity can give us resilience during this crisis. What does it look like? Keep in mind I am looking at this from a Christian perspective since that is my background.

Spiritual Maturity is…

  • Putting your faith in God because you know you are not in control
  • Looking for ways to be generous and help others, because you know it’s not about you.
  • Realizing owning things will never fully satisfy
  • Forgiving others
  • Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control
    (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • Acknowledging that you have never fully arrived

We have a great opportunity to strengthen our spiritual, emotional, and mental maturity through this crisis. Like you, I have my bad days. We all struggle. It helps me to remember we are all experiencing trials and troubles and that we can grow from them. Have a blessed Sunday!

Cartoon of two men. One says, "That's the first time a girl has turned me down because I'm not spiritually mature."