Culture & Perspectives

My love for refugees grew out of my love for cross-cultural engagement. The daughter of a missions pastor, I had the privilege to travel internationally from a young age, meeting people from other parts of the world and learning about their cultures…

I clearly remember the year I got a Stretch Armstrong for Christmas. I remember taking that toy to our family dinner and asking everyone to stretch it with me. We would pull it far, stretched to just before a breaking point…

“Does God call us to engage in the work of racial reconciliation, and what is our role in that work as a predominantly white congregation?” This question was posed by a typically reserved and quiet member of our congregation who felt compelled to speak up on this issue…

Lent came early this year, starting on February 14. For this reason, many followers of Jesus wonder if they have missed it. It is interesting to note that Christian traditions worldwide use several timelines to enter spiritual seasons. Consider how an Orthodox friend of mine will begin his Lent journey on March 18…

Jiran Collective had its usual crowd of about thirty-ish people seated in the rows of folding chairs that evening: Arabs – both U.S.-born and immigrants – and European-Americans. Some are Christian, some Muslim, and others find themselves somewhere in between. Jiran (which translates to “neighbor”) is an environment where all are welcome to bring their voice to the table in our bilingual gathering to praise Jesus…

As we approach Christmas, we remember that Jesus’ birth is just one part of the grand story of redemption. In this article – originally published in a 1923 issue of the EVANGELICAL VISITOR – writer Fred Hahn expertly explores Jesus’ deep love for us through his character and life…

Taking out the trash mid-holiday party has become an oddly spiritual chore for me. The trash can usually fills up midway through a gathering, and taking it out has become a Christmas Party Examen that helps me be attentive. (You may be familiar with the concept of an Examen through the Daily Examen…

My husband’s aunt owns a cabin along Pine Creek in Northern Pennsylvania. I’m always arrested by the stillness, such a contrast from the noisy pace of my day-today life and mind. In the quiet of the early morning or at the hush of dusk…

The heat of summer was in full swing in Dearborn, Michigan, where I was serving as a Kingdom Professional with BIC U.S. World Missions. I had just returned from some time with family at home in Pennsylvania and was helping my church invite neighbors – many of whom were Arab-Americans - to a backyard kids club…