By Grayson Hester It has never been about the food. When Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospel of Luke, instructs his hearers to invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” to their luncheons or banquets, it isn’t about the food. It is about the invitation itself, the dignity inherent in having been … Continue reading
By Hannah Turner CBF Global Service Corps Personnel “All you people: Trust in God at all times! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our refuge!” Psalm 62:8 Sometimes the biggest obstacle that keeps me from dwelling with God is myself. Clouds of thought often wrap my mind and heart. The opaqueness and thickness … Continue reading
By Carson Foushee, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Our family took an exciting step this month in renewing our partnership with Kanazawa Baptist Church when we joined the church as members. During worship on September 25th, we looked out upon the faces of brothers and sisters who have welcomed us back to continue our missional … Continue reading
By Chaouki Boulos, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” Matthew18:20 (NRSV) The last leadership training retreat was unlike the previous retreats. It started on Friday afternoon. That Friday night, as well as on Saturday night, a number of the people stayed … Continue reading
By Shane McNary, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Only once have I flown on the door-side of the curtain, so I really do not have much experience for comparison. But I like the intimacy of economy class. As a “non-diminutive,” I am always aware that when my seatmate sees me coming, the darting of the … Continue reading
By Nell Green This year’s theme for the Offering for Global Missions is “A Place at the Table for Everyone.” In a recent sermon, I spoke about the Senegalese cultural characteristic, teranga. Teranga, an integral part of Senegalese culture, is an extravagant welcoming hospitality that is expressed eloquently in the Senegalese proverb: “There is always … Continue reading
By Nell Green It was a marvelous Thanksgiving. The house was full to be sure, but everyone had a place to rest, even the dogs! The table was expanded with an extra table set for the younger ones in our group. The fridge was full, the counter tops laden, the desserts aplenty. Were we missing … Continue reading
By Cindy Ruble, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Recently, thanks to a generous donor, I had the privilege of facilitating a Self-Care Retreat for 25 trauma social workers, staff,and volunteers. The pandemic brought many things with it, including an increase in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse as life moved more … Continue reading
By Jenny Jenkins, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Children and books—there is just something about that combination that gets my energy up. I get excited about the possibilities when a child learns to read—the windows of the imagination and new ideas that are then open. Seeing a child’s face light up when reading something funny or … Continue reading
By Nell Green A few years ago, my son introduced me to a song, “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table”. It is a song they sing weekly at the beginning of their Sunday gathering. The anonymous author of the spiritual was likely an enslaved person. The song was adapted and used during the civil … Continue reading