GrindTV reports that Jodie Nelson had a surprise visitor on a nine-hour paddle from Catalina Island to Dana Point, which the California surfer made in support of breast cancer research. A 30-foot minke whale rode alongside her for two hours.
An answer to prayer, perhaps? At the start of the journey, Nelson and her crew [...]

Words of Wisdom on the Via Dolorosa

There are things that my friend reminds me of which make me sad. I used to tell stories and put flowers behind my ear and run out in the rain. I still could do those things, there is nothing stopping me, but it would feel insincere, like I am drinking from a well not my own. The things that stir within me move slower, more deliberately. I cannot and will not pretend to be 20, but I need to know, I want to believe that the things I have to offer have value, deep intrinsic value, to the Kingdom of God and to my team.

Ground Zero: Haiti

I lived about 40 miles from Port-au-Prince. We were shaken, but not stirred by the earthquake. I was actually playing basketball up the street with some locals when it happened, and it was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. By God’s grace, no one here was hurt. We had no cell service, though, so we couldn’t call to let everyone know we were okay. There was extensive damage in Port-au-Prince and other areas.

Imago Dei: Preserving God’s image in Cambodia

Holland Prior is an ordained pastor with the Wesleyan Church and a graduate of Azusa Pacific University. She also received a Master of Divinity degree from APU. Holland was one of my team leaders on a mission trip to New Orleans in the summer of 2008. She traveled to Cambodia from February 12-22. Before she left, I talked to her about the coming journey.

Beyond the Debate

We all have opinions about the latest news and hot topic issues like abortion, homosexuality and “going green.” It doesn’t take long for an argument to ensue when two headstrong people from opposing camps begin to debate the merits of their view. At some level, it is healthy for people to defend their point of view; however, it can become a tool for bullying when words turn to slander.

Finding the Real Me

Ben Harrison came to America to find himself, and stir up a little trouble along the way. The result of his journey was nothing that he expected, and everything that he needed.

Waves of Compassion

Daniel Looman took an illuminating trip to El Salvador with Surfers on Mission. In addition to the unspoiled beauty of the surf, Looman discovered the beauty of the people.

Letting Go: A Mother’s Perspective

This time in Chico was different, though. They were calling us to lay down our lives – our LIVES – meaning, being willing to die for the Kingdom of God, and for the first time, I had to pause. I had another little person in my life to think about. This wasn’t just me anymore – if I died, it would affect my son.

My Couch Smells Like Joy

My couch smells like joy.
Take a deep breath. Sniff down deep under the layers of Febreeze, and day-old potato chips and you can smell it.
OK, if we had really had scratch and sniff going on, it would actually smell like unwashed bodies and possibly five-day-old alcohol breath.
But to me, and those I work with, [...]

Going Coconuts

I love coconuts. I always have. From the time I was a middle school girl meandering through Bath & Body Works stores armed with my allowance, I would always buy the coconutiest scent available, with vanilla or other fruity overtones.
My favorite salad growing up: ambrosia with coconut flakes. After playing in the sun all day, [...]