Jill was seven years old when we first met. I was her pastor. Ginger curls reflected the fiery nature within her little girl spirit. Adventure was her mojo. Now a Grade 6 teacher, she realized a lifetime dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021.
If you attend a church or lead a church you know churches are facing uncertain times. In the midst of a leadership shortage, declining attendance, a decrease in volunteers, and increasing cultural irrelevance, there are stories from the frontlines of churches that are making a comeback.
2022 started with the subtraction of Jones family gatherings due to COVID restrictions and is ending with an unexpected addition that gives new definition to our lives.
One day, according to the world, I'm on top of my game, adored, praised and respected. And the next, I'm at the bottom of the heap, criticized and torn down.
Christmas Eve 2012 was nearly two years to the date since he had returned from the Afghanistan frontlines. Craig had been in an unexpected war with himself ever since.