By Elizabeth Batuka, Student.Church Intern As I reflect on my experience this semester, I am reminded of the instance where Jesus is presented with five loaves and two fish and he multiplies them to feed the starving multitude. This is one of the miracles recorded in all the gospels. I sometimes wonder whether this miracle … Continue reading
By Laura Foushee When we began our practicum period at Tokiwadai Baptist Church in Japan in the spring of 2019, it was natural for us to begin practicing our Japanese Christian language through preaching. Sermons, though time-consuming, offered us a way to take time to write, have manuscripts edited, and practice our speaking fluidity and … Continue reading
by Grayson Hester Rev. Dr. Libby Grammer never really cared for sports. And, despite living in Martinsville, Virginia, known primarily for its racetrack, she especially didn’t care much for NASCAR. That is, until she became the first woman ever to deliver a pre-race prayer. “I think it’s important that NASCAR and this community know that women … Continue reading
By Laura Foushee The last time I preached for our church in Tokyo (Tokiwadai Baptist Church) was in November. It was by video, allowing as many takes as I needed. The last time I had walked into a church building for worship was in March of last year. The last time I had used public transportation … Continue reading
By Holly Strother-Waller About three years ago, I started research on a paper that would shape how I view God and trauma. It drew me in. Most of us know who King David was. He was perhaps the most famous king in scripture. Some of us are aware of Bathsheba and the relation between David … Continue reading
By Andrew Nash Mirsada’s parents had a plan to escape from the Bosnian Civil War. The first step was getting to Germany. The second step was getting arrested intentionally. “When we came to Germany, we had to actually go to the bus station and act like we didn’t have money to pay for tickets so … Continue reading
By Brittany Darst “How do you put this thing on?!” Deep in the church basement, I struggled with my alb. After a lifetime in Baptist churches, I had to wear my first-ever vestments for Thursday Vespers at Duke Chapel. With the gracious help of a Methodist friend, I finally figured out the drapes and snaps … Continue reading
I hold the Bible as a sacred authority that informs my faith and living. And I also recognize that the Bible contains many unfortunate misogynistic and patriarchal views that have defined the beliefs, religious practices, culture, and family practices of many. One does not have to look very far in our history as a Baptist … Continue reading
The following is a reflection from CBF field personnel Laura Foushee, who serves alongside her husband, Carson, and the Japan Baptist Convention in Tokyo. You can learn more about their ministry and support their work at www.cbf.net/foushee. I met Rev. Akinori Taguchi, pastor of the first church that Carson and I served in Kanazawa, at the … Continue reading
By Bekah Rhea It is all too easy to forget that even in popular tourism spots, life is still proceeding as usual. Schools are still in session, elections still happen, and people of faith are still seeking places to worship. It may be more difficult to spot steeples among the gift shops, amusement parks, and … Continue reading