“Are you satisfied that you are at the destination?” My co-instructor asked this question of the two women standing in front of us. It was an early evening a few days into a 6-day challenge expedition for a group of families doing pre-field training to prepare for the mission field. The women looked at each […]
The Complexity of Simplicity
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary […]
Brambles and Briars
Brambles! Maya and Steven stared ahead. After several minutes of uncertain glances at the compass and then back to the brambly woods in front of them, they led the group onward, promptly turning north to walk along the road. A quarter of a mile later, the scenario repeated, only this time they sought advice. They […]
A Pattern of Suffering
Matthew 26:36-40 (TPT) 36 Then Jesus led His disciples to an orchard called “The Oil Press.” He told them, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 He took Peter, James, and John with Him. However, an intense feeling of great sorrow plunged His soul into deep sorrow and agony. 38 And He […]
Pretenders
“I have something to prove, don’t I? Who me? Yes. Let’s face it. If we knew every moment where a leader doubted their own course, faltered in their vision or wrestled with fear we probably wouldn’t follow them. So sometimes it’s just safer to keep pretending. Maybe you’ve felt this way too? Maybe no one […]
Look Where You Need to Go
I held my breath as I watched the current ahead surge from wide, lazy flat water into a turbulent whitewater chute. The narrowed passage caused the water to rush rapidly straight toward a large, intimidating boulder where the roiling water boiled up, over, and around the mass. It was obvious that while water might be […]
A Sense of Humor
Editor’s Note: This is the last post of a 7-part series where we have shared some poignant and inspiring reflections from our Journey alum, Al Janssen, who spent nearly 20 years working in ministry with Brother Andrew of Open Doors. A personal note from Al about this blog post… How is a deep friendship forged? […]
