Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

Geswende Bamogo was already an old man when the Christian Service International workers came to his village in 1977 to drill a well. The well was dry, but the old papa saw something in these men that became a spring of living water in his life. He visited often, learning all he could about their … Continue reading Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

Hockey pool church

Every morning, in offices across Canada, folks check how their fantasy hockey team is faring in the office hockey pool. It starts in the fall with individuals picking an imaginary team from the list of active NHL players. The aggregate scoring statistics of those players then determines the winner of the hockey pool. I have … Continue reading Hockey pool church

Great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ

Where baptism is practised without the command and word of Christ, as those do who not only baptize without faith, but also without reason and consciousness; where the power and representation of baptism, namely, dying unto sin, the new life, the circumcision of the heart, &c., are not only not upheld, but also quite hated … Continue reading Great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ

The way of peace

Forty-five years ago I was picking up my mail in a village post office when I heard two older men reminiscing about the war. Somehow the subject of Mennonites came up. “Mennonites!” one of them said angrily, “They should all be lined up against a wall and shot!” The other agreed. This was at a … Continue reading The way of peace

Why am I doing this?

I have been doing some reflecting of late. And not much writing.  I'm happy to see people are still looking at my blog, even if I haven't posted anything since Monday. Why am I writing? What purpose is there in wanting to communicate clearly, either verbally or in writing? I attended a Toastmasters meeting Wednesday … Continue reading Why am I doing this?

They’ll know we are Christians by our love

We are one in the Spirit We are one in the Lord . . . We will work with each other We will work side by side . . . And they’ll know we are Christians by our love. -Peter Scholtes, © 1966 F.E.L. Publications Ltd. For the young folk out there who might not … Continue reading They’ll know we are Christians by our love

What if?

Many North American Christians appear to believe that separation of church and state only applies one way.  They feel it is part of their calling to try to fix what is wrong in government.  Yet cries of  outrage are heard when government shows an inclination to try and fix what is wrong in the churches. … Continue reading What if?

Defenceless Christians

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and … Continue reading Defenceless Christians

True Christianity is neither Protestant nor Roman Catholic

"And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). Well, they had to call them something, didn't they?  Some of them had once been Jews, but that label didn't really fit anymore.   Others had been pagans, probably worshippers of Apollo and others of the Greek gods.  That label didn't work for them anymore.  … Continue reading True Christianity is neither Protestant nor Roman Catholic

Catholicism or catholicity?

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. This is the final clause of the ancient confession of faith which is commonly known as the Apostles’ Creed.  It is the earliest complete confession of the Christian … Continue reading Catholicism or catholicity?