When I first met Deborah*, the word that came to my mind was “firebrand.” Deborah lives among an unreached people group. Long ago, they were stripped of their dignity, identity and God-given purpose in life. Grave injustices have brought this entire population to a place where is no electricity or water. There are very few economic opportunities, and […]
Persecution – 3 Perspectives on Who’s Who
Charities who work with Christian communities overseas know well that as they work with those under anti-Christian persecution, they will invariably bump up against the issue of doctrinal differences. While it is a long trip from marginalization to martyrdom, doctrinal difference will be an issue that American Christians must likewise consider as we move into cultural marginalization of our own. At an event […]
What Charleston Teaches Us
A church in flames against the backdrop of night is a strong and evocative image. The tension swirling around the recent rash of Southern church fires in the US is understandable, given the history of terrorism against African American churches. The most recent fire at Mt. Zion AME Church in Greeleyville is being investigated by the FBI and the ATF, and […]
“One:” Global Anti-Christian Hostility, and the Case for Action
*Editor’s Note: Some links in this article contain graphic content. I’m often asked why I prioritize the global persecuted church when there’s so much need right in our own backyard. I understand the question. Like most, I serve a local community with pressing needs and issues. How should we regard the global persecution of Christians […]
My People, My People: A Letter to the Church in America
In July 2014, I was invited to the Creating Options Together Conference by John Sather, the National Director of CRU Inner City, to give a presentation on the current condition of the global suffering church. At the conference, I was honored to share the platform with my husband Carl Ellis, Bob GreyEagle, Adam Edgerly, Sunish Abraham, Edrin […]
Identity Satisfaction Through Union with Christ
This is a reprint of an article I wrote that was carried by the Journal of Urban Mission. This article will address (1) how mentors may biblically affirm a disciple’s physical cultural differences within a dominant culture’s message that there is something inherently flawed in his or her design, (2) how theology addresses a body/spirit […]
Motherhood, Untimely Born
A curious command and promise opens Isaiah 54: 1 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! 2 For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the […]
Freedom From a One-Dimensional Identity
I see myself as a walking paradox. There are many manifestations of the human condition that I find repugnant, yet that I also find present in me. Some would say that this makes me conflicted at best, hypocritical and self-loathing at worst. Yet and still, I know I’m not alone, as many similarly struggle with […]
Endurance. 