I didn’t get my first passport until I was 31. A few years later, I’ve collected a small handful of stamps; this is partly due to Spark Ventures. I learned about Spark during the application process for a short term missions trip to Zambia. Since then, I’ve served on two of Spark’s Transformation Trips (in conjunction with North Park University’s Global Partnerships Program). While I’m in the States, I continue to support the work of Spark and Hope Ministries by volunteering my time, talents and money. I made a special $50 “Lent” donation to Spark () that will benefit their Read More
Tag: Hope Ministries
Dealing with disappointment…
Warning: This post is purposely not “polished.” It’s a peek into my brain as I process through this situation…I chose this way because I hope that my transparency and willingness to be “raw” will help someone else who may be dealing with disappointment. So, here’s another peek into the way my mind operates. Fasten your seat belts, and please keep your arms inside the ride at all times… One evening, in the mid-nineties, while at my college’s gospel choir rehearsal, I had a thought…a little inkling of a thought that maybe one day I might be some sort of missionary. Read More
Never stop dreaming
Yesterday, I saw a video spread across the internet like wildfire, but it wasn’t until late last night that I finally decided to click “play.” By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of Ted Williams, the homeless man with the golden radio voice. In the original video (taken by a newspaper reporter from the Columbus Dispatch), we see Williams on the side of the road, holding a sign that says he has a “God given gift of voice” and that he is an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. During the video, he’s given a chance to wow the Read More
It’s a new year!
Happy New Year! Since childhood, my family’s New Year’s Day dinner has included black-eyed peas and greens. Many of you probably know the history behind this tradition, so I won’t go into that. Today, I’m thinking about how my experiences from the past few years are shaping this tradition for 2011. I will still be preparing black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread. However, this year, I will also prepare a small serving of nshima. Nshima (pronounced “shee-ma”) is usually made from maize and is a staple dish in Zambia. It is similar to West African fufu and Kenyan ugali. I was Read More