Many times we have no idea of the true impact of simple words and deeds done in Jesus’ name. But sometimes—God gives us a glimpse. Back in June of 2023, Pastor Isaac and I led a team of 13 BGF students and 7 adults to Jamaica. Our mission was to partner with Jamaica Link Ministries and Redemption Chapel in advancing the gospel through both word and works. It was a wonderful trip. We visited West Haven, an orphanage for disabled…
Pam and I just got back from Germany last night. We flew from Stuttgart to Copenhagen to Newark, and after driving for over two hours in a steady downpour, we pulled into our driveway by 6:30 PM. Even though the weather was rainy and a bit chilly, it was a fantastic trip—mostly because we got to spend quality time with our son Josh and daughter-in-law Alaina. In Germany, we wandered through medieval towns, explored a huge cathedral, ate amazing food,…
It’s often been said that pastoral ministry is a lifelong journey—and if that’s true, then some parts feel like a leisurely stroll, others like a grueling cross-country marathon, and still others like wandering aimlessly through the Costco parking lot trying to find your car. My journey here at Bethany began 5 ½ years ago on January 1, 2020. I had just come off several exhausting years of solo pastoring a larger congregation in Virginia. Bethany was a breath of fresh…
Sometimes the most powerful things in life become so familiar, we forget how extraordinary they really are. Imagine trying to describe modern air travel to your great-great-grandparents. It would sound preposterous. You’d explain that in our day, people can pack a bag with everything they need, travel to a giant warehouse called an airport, and then several hundred people walk into a huge, pressurized aluminum tube—shaped vaguely like a bird. They close the door, it lifts everyone seven miles into…
Today is Good Friday—the day Jesus, our Savior, paid our debt and ransomed our souls, defeating Satan and sin. Six hours of hell. Immeasurable physical, emotional, and spiritual pain endured by the Son of God on the cross. And yet, that agony resulted in immeasurable blessing, glory, and redemption for us. Truly, Good Friday was only really good—for us. Sometimes we minimize the suffering Jesus went through. Our minds can’t grasp it. So we unconsciously think, “Well, yes, it was…
What a smorgasbord taught me about favoritism, humility, and a well-timed rebuke. Last Tuesday was the annual CrossNet fundraising banquet—an event that draws the “who’s who” of Christian giving in our area. Held at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, it’s a wonderful night where local business leaders and representatives from dozens of churches gather to celebrate the incredible work CrossNet does—providing help and hope in Jesus’ name. It’s always sold out, and this year was no exception, with over 900 people crammed…
Back in January, I made a mistake that I’ve been paying for it ever since. I’ve had a credit card for years—decades, really. I put just about everything* on that card: insurance, healthcare payments, subscriptions, gas, and all our ordinary shopping. It’s a simple way to consolidate my spending records. I rarely carry cash and use the card wherever it’s accepted without an added fee. If it’s the same price for cash or credit, I figure I may as well…
I’m a sucker for chocolate. At home, after the kids and Pam have gone to bed, I’ve been known to sneak into the baking cabinet and scarf down a handful of Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips right from the bag. Don’t hate. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Then there’s Isaac’s office. He has this basket where candy accumulates—Hershey’s minis- dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Krackles, Mr. Good Bar, Twix, Kit Kats, and if you’re lucky, a few miniature Reese’s Peanut…
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” – Isaiah 31:1 The situation for Israel was dire. The Assyrian empire was the dominant world power, and its brutal military machine was on a rampage, swallowing up nations like a California wildfire. The northern kingdom…
Sometimes when I read the Bible, I come across a verse that sounds great (I mean, how could it not—it’s the inspired Word of God), but after I read it, I’m left wondering, “And how exactly does that work?” Psalm 8:2 is one of them. It says: “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” If that sounds familiar, it’s because Jesus quoted it when the chief…