(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – March 29, 2015) Louie Zamperini tasted a heavenly peace as death approached. But he’d made a promise to God during his weeks of floating in a deteriorating raft, gazing at the vast ocean and starry skies. If the Creator of all this could save him from the dangers he faced—hunger, thirst, heat […]
ROCKWALL, TX (March 19, 2015) What happens in South Korea isn’t confined to that country or to Asia. Even in America, babies are thrown away, sometimes left on the side of a road. But on the streets of Seoul, it’s not unusual. Lee Jong-rak, pastor of Jusarang Community Church in Seoul, takes in abandoned children, […]
ROCKWALL, TX (March 1, 2015) This week’s limited-release of an award-winning film, The Drop Box, will inspire churches and those interested in ministry to the disabled and to children in need of adoption. Cinemark Theatre in Rockwall will offer showings at 7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, March 3-5. The documentary tells the story of one […]
ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (Jan. 26, 2015) We hover over our children as they start school, and we might do it all over again—with more restraint—as they move up to middle and high school. Then again, we get anxious as they go off to college, career or marriage. And just when we begin to relax about their well-being, […]
ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (Jan. 26, 2015) A friend of mine has experienced God’s very present help in trouble. But after seeing so many signs, she might have a problem getting people to believe her. The past few years have been filled with sorrow for Ann’s family. Her husband faced a business calamity that hung over their […]
ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (Dec. 21, 2014) The Christmas tree of my childhood held 1960’s ornaments—silver orbs with spikes and color-filled depressions. We threw on strips of foil “icicles” and pronounced it good. Maybe that’s why our late-December visits to the grandparents’ house felt like arriving at Disneyland. Grandma loved to decorate at Christmastime. She adorned the […]
ROCKWALL, TX (Dec. 18, 2014) There’s at least one group in Rockwall County that won’t take a break for the Christmas holidays. In fact, this Christian fellowship is offered every Friday night of the year—52 weeks running. “Well, we did cancel for an ice storm once.” Sarah Kelly explained to me that addictions and other […]
ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (Nov. 24, 2014) It’s time to dust off the turkey platter and polish the silver. But wait…we can use the casual dinnerware. No need for silver spoons. I’m good with laid-back gatherings on Thanksgiving Day. My growing-up years featured holiday dinners laid out in the garage, with tables lined up cafeteria-style to hold […]
ROCKWALL, TX (November 13, 2014) Todd Phillips spent the last day of July watching a country shut down. Government offices and schools closed; stores and marketplaces emptied. The Ebola outbreak had turned parts ofLiberiainto ghost towns—practically overnight. Dr. Phillips, of Rockwall County, is Executive Director of The Last Well, a ministry that provides clean water […]
ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (October 5, 2014) Reading the book of Jonah for the first time troubled me. Not the miraculous aspect; I easily digested the man-gets-swallowed-by-fish part. But Jonah’s stubborn response to God bothered me. I couldn’t relate to the prophet’s attitude. Until the time I found myself following his example. Our church on the edge […]