I recently sat in a meeting with a group of adults who are all part of the newly-launched mentoring program at my children’s school. The last 3 months have served as the first continual exposure that some of these people have had with children that...
Growing up in a western, enlightened society I learned to look down on everyone else’s understanding of the world. I learned empirical values. I learned to despise the childish notions of our ignorant ancestors. Accordingly, Greek mythology, demonic activity and supernatural phenomena were classified with...
We don't belong here. This idea is a difficult one for us to remember. Our lives feel normal, busy, and often, harried. Our homes provide us with a safe haven in the evenings; we control and protect the comfort we find there. We have an...
Christmas is about a relationship. I didn’t say that Christmas is about relationships, as in relationships with friends and family. Of course, this season brings many intentional moments to be with friends and family. But those relationships, important as they are, aren’t the best part...
My husband was in Kenya, and I was in Charleston visiting family when I got a text from my friend. There had been an announcement at Grace about the partnership with Pastor Suhas, an Indian believer who would be hosting a Christmas gathering for the...
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, or too busy decorating your home for the holidays, you’ve heard of some big events around the world -- the recent spat of bombings across the world (most notably in Paris and Beirut), followed by a debate over...
In 2005, I distinctly remember praying about going on a missions trip. I know I was interested in missions before then, but this is the first time I specifically remember praying about going....
The Bible speaks clearly about the honor and wisdom that comes with old age. Yet in our society, many of those in the older generations spend their final years in elder care facilities with few connections to the outside world....
“Mom, we can always slide our chairs in to create another space.” Those words recently uttered by our 6 year old over breakfast, served as a reminder that children can be on mission and sometime lead us with their uncluttered perspective....
One of my favorite nights of the year is Mission to Worship, a night at Grace Church dedicated to celebrating what God is doing in our community and the world through the local church. It is also a call to action – How can we...
Thanks to everyone who joined us for Mission to Worship this past Monday. Worship points our hearts to who God is. His character, His holiness, and His grace call us to action....
As I walk through the doors of work with a canteen of coffee in my hand, I mentally prepare myself for the day ahead. The humidity and the heat of the air are increased as I walk from the open air breezeways into the four...
If I were to take the time to think about all the really bad things that could possibly happen to my children, whether it be physically or emotionally, the list could get pretty lengthy. And then if I added some of the sufferings of children...
They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and in our family, we have understood that to be true. Our children have formal and informal mentors – grandparents, teachers, coaches, church members, and family friends....
Last November, we gathered together as a church to celebrate the work God is doing through the local church both in Greenville and around the world. Once again, it is our desire to pause and reflect together- to praise Him for the work He has...
Until three years ago, Barbara Dansby had never had a desire to join an overseas missions team. She heard about opportunities to join medical or pastoral teams, and, since Barbara is a middle school guidance counselor, neither of those areas were really in her skill...
I was home in Greenville for three months this summer on a break from missionary life in Papua New Guinea. During that time, I heard the “Citizens” series at Grace and since then I’ve been thinking about what it means to be an alien and...
“Nobody wants me. Look at me, Nobody wants a kid like me. I’ll stay here one more year, and start my life…I guess.” As those words fell off the lips of a 17 year old I had known for a while, the direction of my...
As I write this, my mind is drifting aimlessly to pinterest boards and dreams for my new home. I have an excuse though – I just signed a contract on my first house! I imagine clean spaces, crisp linens, and cozy blankets. A perfect dream world...
Foster care and adoption are quickly becoming a part of who we are at Grace Church. As we grow in our understanding of the church's biblical responsibility to care for orphans, we are seeing more and more of our families begin the process to become a part...
I worked as a cashier at Piggly Wiggly in high school, and I still remember some of the customers who frequented my line. They were intentional about asking me questions and about taking a general interest in my life....
Some of the best leaders I’ve ever known were in prison. During our season in Allendale, God led me to do a little bit of prison ministry. It was a humbling decision, as God showed me how arrogantly I had viewed men who were living...
I find it interesting that Pope Francis, who is by all appearances too liberal for the conservatives and too conservative for the liberals, is revered and even loved by both. How is it possible that someone who should have enemies on both sides finds friends...
As I was reading Pocahontas to my children the other night, a particular part of the story stuck out to me. “Smith told Pocahontas that it [his fancy compass] came from London, a very big village filled with carriages and bridges and big, tall buildings....
There's no denying it. Our world, our city, and our neighborhoods are messed up places. On a personal level, we all experience pain, loss, and suffering. And yet there always seems to be someone whose struggles are harder than our own....