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Hope in Surprising Places Article

Photo of classroom illustrating "Hope in Surprising places article"

Last month, I got to interview a pastor about a new ministry his church launched. I enjoyed writing it because it challenged some preconceived notions about how a ministry should serve its community. Here is a link to the Hope in Surprising Places Article.

Hope in Surprising Places: Unique Church-Community Partnership Bears Fruit

I love the chance to write an article where faith and hope are present. As I’ve written before, I used to mix up the two terms. But it’s evident in the article that this church is bringing hope to its community through the active use of faith.

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CHOG News Newsletters writing

IYC 2022 Speaker: Chip Taylor

Last month, I had the pleasure of interviewing the featured speaker for the Church of God International Youth Convention (IYC 2022). Chip Taylor is a fabulous youth leader with a heart of gold. Here is a link to the article

Former IYC Student, Longtime Leader to Return as Featured Speaker

Chip serves at a church where my wife was the children’s pastor for a time. Although they haven’t worked together at the same time, my wife is a leader with Intern Academy and they’ve worked together in that organization.

Former IYC Student, Longtime Leader to Return as Featured Speaker

One of his quotes shows his approach to youth ministry.

“You have to be relational with today’s youth. You have to go to their turf. Positions don’t work anymore. You have to identify each kid as they are and acknowledge them. Relationships take precedence over roles.”

Chip Taylor

Chip will be a great speaker for IYC 2022. If you have a teen that is considering going, I would highly recommend it.

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Blog Articles

Are rebirth and renewal possible?

Rebirth and Renewal Baptism in a pool Sarasota, FL

We get excited about new things. Our culture likes the latest and greatest. But are rebirth and renewal possible? Is it better to reinvent and bring something to life?

In church culture, a church plant gets attention. However, you rarely hear about a church restarting after several years. Based on an article I wrote, I’d say rebirth and renewal are just as exciting.

Rebirth and Renewal in Sarasota

A couple whom I know and have worked with have relaunched a church in Sarasota, Florida. There’s something special about restarting something that appeared to be over. Restarting can be just as exciting as beginning something new. This couple is doing something special in sunny Florida. If you live in the area, I’d encourage you to visit them.

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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!