By Josh Casper Friendship at the Margins is the kind of book I’ve been waiting for in the midst of my own spiritual crossroads (tumbleweed and all). There are models of missionary life that I’ve come to terms with – the word itself “missionary” being a hesitancy in my messy evangelical conscious. The missionaries I … Continue reading Friendship at the Margins Book Review
By Lesley Paparone My husband, Joe, has been reading a bit about monastic tradition and spiritual disciplines lately. I think this is what brought on the $2 a day idea. But sometimes he just suggests crazy things that turn out to be great, so it could have been that as well. For example: moving into … Continue reading Living On $2 a Day
By Carole Turner Casey first came around the Baton Rouge Dream Center over three years ago when she was homeless, 15 years old and pregnant. At the time all we really had to offer her was referrals to shelters and unwed mothers homes, some free clothes, groceries, a few free meals and some toiletries… and … Continue reading Dream with Her: Seeing the Homeless Succeed
By Matt Snyder “I’m not from Nashville. I’m from Columbia. There’s a correctional facility around there and, well, I got out about a month ago.” He fit the profile. He was in worn clothes, a bright red jacket, dirty white shoes, and hadn’t shaved for weeks. His mustache curled precariously over his upper lip and … Continue reading Meeting An Angel on the Street
By Karen Swank Date: Christmas Season, 2009 To: Mr. Right, who may be just a dream, but perhaps is real and in training even now, gaining the skills and insight necessary to Be My Husband. From: Ms. Recently Unemployed and Elated at the Next Possibilities Re: Jewelry and Much Bigger Things Hello again. I hope … Continue reading Wish List: Buy Me This Wedding Ring
By Karen Swank Here come the holidays. I’ve already got my Thanksgiving plans made, including where I am going and what I am cooking. I’m working out what to do at Christmas. Some people I know already have their trees up and decorated. Others are ticking off how many gift-buying days remain. A lady told … Continue reading To the Givers, this Holiday Season
By Morgan McKeown I got the news the other day that Maswane (pictured below) died. At age 19, her life here on earth is over, stolen by AIDS. She desired to tell her story and let the truth be known. That’s why I’m writing. Our first day in Swaziland Pastor Gift told us about Maswane … Continue reading When the Poor Die
By Isabel Maldonado There is something interesting about people living in poverty. Most of the time we don’t like to admit that we have nothing, that we are taking each day at a time praying that maybe God will send someone with something to meet our needs. Living out in Nsoko is heart-breaking. Living in … Continue reading The Shame of Poverty in Nsoko, Swaziland
By Jeff Goins, Editor Singer/songwriter and Compassion blogger Shaun Groves posted a tongue-in-cheek blog last week about his recent trip to Kolkata, India, criticizing churches in the developing world for “doing it all wrong.” He cites churches that he’s visited in India, Africa, and Latin America that have made worship centers not just places where the … Continue reading The Poor Teach Us How to be Christians
By Josh Harrod Casper I had read bits and pieces of her life through other works – who she was and who she is helping others become through her story. Dorothy Day was the founder of the Catholic Workers Movement, along with “co-founder/conspirator” Peter Maurin. Peter had led an interesting life himself, traveling from his … Continue reading What I’m Learning from Dorothy Day