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Christianity Missions writing

Article: Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Ohio Team

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

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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webcomic

It’s good to admit when you are wrong

Cartoon of a couple adrift in a lifeboat

Cartoon of a couple on a lifeboat. The husband says, “Okay! So you were right! The discount cruises aren’t as fun as they make them out to be.”

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cartoon

Floating Bethel

Cartoon of two men. One says, “If it rains any more we’ll have to rename our church the ‘Floating Bethel.'”

The cartoon I did for this month’s Church of God newsletter was an inside joke. I had written this idea when Hurricane Irene drenched the east coast. I had hear of many churches that had been caught in the floods.

This was about the time the cartoon was due. Part of the history of the Church of God always stuck out in my mind. Part of the evangelistic efforts was to outfit a barge for missions. They called it the Floating Bethel.

There was something about a floating church that has always intrigued me. Is it the Noah’s Ark story? Is it the idea that it could be a challenge reading a hymnal while the waves rocked the sanctuary around? Who knows!

I was definitely playing to my audience on this one. Not many people would get it without the lesson in Church of God history. But I thought the imagery would lend itself to some humor nonetheless. I like the language of that time too and how disjointed it feels with today’s vernacular.

I hope the recovery is going along well after the deluge and that no churches had to resort to becoming floating chapels.

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Adobe Illustrator animal cartoons cartoon gag cartoon Illustration Friday single panel cartoon webcomic

Ripple in the Gulf

Cartoon of birds on a soiled beachCartoon of birds at a beach. They are all the same color. One bird says, “Remember before the oil spill when we were different colors?”

I did this for Illustration Friday. This week is a special focus on the Gulf of Mexico. This week’s word is “ripple.”

This will also be for the ripple blog at http://ripplesketches.blogspot.com/

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has held my attention from the beginning. My family loves Florida beaches and it breaks my heart to see any beach soiled with crude oil. What a mess!

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Adobe Photoshop cartoon children cartoons gag cartoon single panel cartoon

Cartoon: Earthquakes and Playing Again

Cartoon of a boy at a donation booth. He holds a soccer ball and says, “Take this. I just want the kids to be able to play again.”