By Laura Stephens Reed When I trained to be an intentional interim minister more than 15 years ago, I picked up many “tools” that have been applicable in a range of ministry roles and settings. There is one tool, though, that I reach for in almost every circumstance in my coaching work with congregations. Asset … Continue reading
By Sue Smith Connections are important, especially when I come across awesome people engaged in creative, powerful ministries in vastly different contexts and doing similar types of work. I see opportunities for intercultural exchange and mutual learning. About a year ago, Greg and I traveled to Puebla, Mexico, where we learned about dry composting toilets and wood-saving stoves made … Continue reading
CBF field personnel Brittany and Casey Ramirez relocate to Philippines to continue long-term Chinese ministry By Meg Rooney With nearly 20 years of experience in Chinese ministry, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Brittany and Casey Ramirez and their two children, Juniper and Finnley, are headed to Baguio, Philippines on July 4th, 2024. Brittany and Casey … Continue reading
By Sue and Greg Smith, CBF Field Personnel, Virginia Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.– Matthew 25:40 My (Sue) parents taught me a lot about the practical aspects of faith and practice. I grew up … Continue reading
By Gennady and Mina Podgaisky Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the … Continue reading
By Aleisha A. Langhorne, Pastor, Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Maryland This piece is a reflection on the influence and power of women, most notably, Eve as an Ezer*—a helper; women in the genealogy of Jesus as listed in Matthew [Tamar (Matthew 1:3); Rahab (1:5); Ruth (1:5); and the wife of Uriah the Hittite (1:6)]; … Continue reading
By Brooke and Mike, CBF field personnel, Southeast Asia “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not form harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Esau is the youngest in his family. He is the third of four siblings to have … Continue reading
By Jessica Hearne, CBF field personnel, Virginia “Then Peter came to him and said to him, ‘Lord if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 “Forgiveness does not relieve someone … Continue reading
By Missy Angalla CBF field personnel, Uganda “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12 I first met Justine at a job interview to serve with us on staff as a social worker. Our ministry programs were at an important growth point and we needed an additional social worker to serve … Continue reading
By Marv Knox After the United States military withdrew from Afghanistan in late summer of 2021, a wave of Afghan refugees began heading toward the San Francisco Bay Area, where Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Lita and Rick Sample prepared for them. The Samples didn’t have to ask who might need help; their local Afghan … Continue reading