Today’s unsettled world offers little in the way of calmness and peace. War continues to rage in Ukraine. Israel and Iran are exchanging missile volleys. Airplane crashes result in tragic deaths. Political divisions in the United States run deep giving rise to protests requiring military intervention. All the average person can really do in the midst of such strife is to pray. Need to feel at peace? Try The Serenity Prayer. The Benefits Of Prayer In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul... Read more
Think no connection exists between fishing and faith? The New Testament might indicate otherwise with at least four of Jesus’ disciples—Peter (also called Simon), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), and John (James’ brother)—working as fishermen. In modern times, the vacation destination of beautiful Destin, Florida offers a bridge between fishing and faith with its decades-old annual Blessing of the Fleet. Fishermen In Jesus’ Day In Bible times, fishing was a common occupation, especially around the Mediterranean Sea and... Read more
News stories on immigration currently focus on the apprehension of individuals illegally in the country captured for deportation. Nevertheless, those foreigners aren’t the only ones immigration laws concern. In fact, foreigners legally in the US as religious workers now face being forced to leave the country too. As a result, immigration impacts religious workers negatively as well as the churches and people they serve. Immigration And Foreign Religious Workers Foreigners legally entering the US include many religious workers. In fact,... Read more
Newly installed Pope Leo XIV brings more than one first with him to the high religious office. Not only is he the first pope in history from the United States, but the former Cardinal Prevost/Father Bob is also the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine (OSA). While the spotlight has shone on the significance of the new pope’s name to what his papacy will be like, the roots of his religious order provide insight as well. Pope Leo’s... Read more
The announcement of the first pope from the United States stunned the world on May 8, 2025. But while now Pope Leo XIV calls Chicago his hometown, Chiclayo, Peru holds a special place in the former Cardinal Prevost’s heart. And that South American location greatly contributed to Prevost’s pope preparation. Prevost’s Peruvian Connection Born on the South Side of Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost was ordained in 1982. He later traveled to Peru as a missionary, specifically being assigned to Chulucanas during 1985... Read more
All eyes are on the Sistine Chapel this week as the College of Cardinals convenes for a conclave to elect the next pope. The centuries old chapel has played an important role in the Catholic Church’s history and will now be the site for history in the making. Learning more about the Sistine Chapel adds to the awe and mystery of the newsworthy location. What Is The Sistine Chapel? The Sistine Chapel serves as the pope’s own chapel, and principal papal... Read more
Hearing the word Belize may evoke thoughts of palm trees, scuba diving, and Mayan ruins. Mennonites, however, are highly unlikely to be associated with the Central American country. But surprisingly, this religious group maintains a presence there, and Mennonites make their mark in Belize. Belize Basics Located on the northeastern coast of Central America, the tiny, subtropical country of Belize resembles a rhombus in shape. Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and east, and the Caribbean Sea to... Read more
The familiar account of Jesus’ crucifixion contains a reference to something which may not be familiar to believers. While on the cross, Jesus expressed His thirst. A sponge soaked in wine vinegar was lifted to Him on a hyssop stalk. The fact the biblical account specifically identifies the plant indicates its importance. So what is hyssop? Easter provides a wonderful time to learn more about hyssop – in history and health. What’s Hyssop? Hyssop is an evergreen plant native to... Read more
The Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt provides one of the most familiar and exciting stories in the Old Testament. But getting out from under Pharaoh’s thumb did not provide God’s people with an immediate happy ending. After gaining their freedom, the former slaves then spent forty years wandering in the wilderness en route to the Promised Land. While difficult, this experience proved valuable, and, in retrospect, the worth of wilderness wandering is evident. The Story of Wilderness Wandering The... Read more
On April 20th, Christians will celebrate Easter, the most important holiday of our faith. Other than attending Easter services, though, how do we observe this foundational season of Christianity? Are we merely caught up in the secular observances of Easter such as preparing Easter baskets and holding egg hunts? Five tips provide a way for Christians to experience the best Easter ever spiritually. Secular/Insignificant Celebration Of Easter? While celebrating Christmas seems to start earlier each year, Easter comes and goes... Read more
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