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, [...]

Eastern Poetry

Poet Brianna Tongen presents four poems inspired by her travels working with the poor in India and Myanmar.

Letting God out of the box

Since the beginning of time we have tried to make God fit into our box. We want God to squeeze into our worldview and live within the parameters we have set for Him, instead of allowing Him to do his job and just be God.

Putting a Face on the Faceless

When Sarah Freeman called to tell her friend Stephen Christian about her mission trip to Haiti, she was just asking for prayer.

Twenty-four hours later, Christian, who is the lead singer of the rock band Anberlin, called Freeman back to let her know he was going too, and bringing friends along with him.