This summer I got the opportunity to serve as a chaplain for a week of family camp at Camp Susque. The setting at Susque is picturesque, a valley surrounded by mountains and bordered by a gently rolling creek. Their young staff was extremely kind and welcoming to me and invited me into some of their camp traditions. One that stuck with me and has since been absorbed by my family is their sharing...
As our nation approaches Veterans Day after almost 20 years of sustained conflict around the world, and no clear end in sight, it may be more important than ever for Christians to consider how to minister and reach out to veterans in their churches and communities. What unique needs do they have? How can we help them process their military experiences in light of the gospel? Having counseled and...
Season Two of Straight to the Heart continues as our host, Rush Witt, sits down with author and Pastor Jerome Gay. Rush and Jerome talk about the challenges of ministry in our current culture, the important art of being winsome in conversation, and how pastors and Christians can productively engage others in discussion about difficult social topics like race. Timestamps: 0:20 – Intro1:25...
Inevitably, we all face the painful realities of life in this broken world. It might be illness, mistreatment, unjust circumstances, financial strain, or some other painful trial. When these things happen, it’s only natural to bristle at the situation. It’s okay to be honest about the ways you are hurting and even the ways you are wrestling with anger. But when you are dealing with the bitterness...
Often, kids (and grownups too) don’t feel thankful. It’s easy to complain about things, even when there are so many wonderful blessings all around us. But in the Bible, God says “in everything give thanks.” The young boy in Why Do We Say Thank You?: Learning to be Grateful by award-winning author Champ Thornton learns that thankfulness is a choice—it’s about paying attention to God and...
