Journal

Held

There was a dark time – there are always dark times – when I felt my light almost sucked out. I was in a hard group and I didn’t know why. Big personalities, mental-health issues and sketchy facilitation. “God,” I asked repeatedly, where are you?” Only when I began to paint could I see where God had been: holding ALL of us, together.

Four flat tires

Recently, the Africa Ministries Office sold the truck that Eden Grace used for transport when she was in Kenya as Field Staff. In fond commemoration of the truck—and by popular demand—we are running again Eden’s reflection on one of the lessons the truck taught her.—ed.

Squared up

Among the various tribes within Christianity, Quakers are some of the most optimistic. We absolutely believe in the possibility of peace. We anticipate justice rolling down like a river at any moment. We practice, on our best days, listening for a whispered word from God—expecting it will be spoken and trusting we will be given the strength and grace to do whatever we are told.

Muddy waters

Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, be- cause through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a val- iant soldier, but he had leprosy.

Transformed by worship

Just as you, Father, live in me and I live in you, I am asking that they may live in us, that the world may believe that you did send me. I have given them the honour that you gave me, that they may be one, as we are one—I in them and you in me, that they may grow complete into one, so that the world may realise that you sent me and have loved them as you loved me.

Church?

After several decades of not attending church services, a good friend of mine has decided she wants to return to “church.” She grew up attending a mainline church in a small Midwest town, and she now lives in a major city in the Midwest. Literally, she has hundreds, perhaps a few thousand, choices of churches to attend.