Category Archives: Christian Witness

Give yourselves fully

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Rich Stearns in Christian Witness, Stories

I always enjoy Easter for its atmosphere of wonderful, joyous celebration. While Christmas might be described as special, Easter is triumphant. We celebrate the astounding miracle of a man, the Son of God, risen from the grave. But like a parade after any victory, Easter’s celebration is more than the festivity following an unexpected triumph. We also celebrate what Jesus’ victory over death has freed us to do: to work for the kingdom of God....

What’s “good” about Good Friday?

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Jonathan Lo in Christian Witness, Stories

Visualize this: It’s 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. A crowd of Roman soldiers and community members gather around three crosses. You see Jesus, bloodied to a pulp, crucified. You smell impending death and hear a mixture of cheers, jeers, and sobbing. All you want to do is run away so you can curl up in your own bed, desperate for any ounce of comfort and familiarity. But you don’t. Paralyzed, you stand and stare and hear and smell and feel. So, what’s good about Good Friday?...

Pray for West Africa

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Denise Koenig in Christian Witness, Disaster Relief

We believe prayer is foundational to our work. It sensitizes us to the needs around us and acknowledges God’s provision and help in all we do. Join us in prayer for the needs of children and families in West Africa impacted by the deepening drought and food crisis....

Why my Grandma may be wrong: Living a life of sacrifice

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Samantha Bender in Christian Witness

Living a life of sacrifice | World Vision Blog

“Sacrifice” is a funny little word. It conjures up images of pain, hurt, and unfinished to-do lists. This word especially takes on a warped meaning when combined with the word “Lent.” Growing up, Lent was always a little bit of a joke. We teased each other for the excuses we all made for giving into the things we had given up. My Grandma always had the best excuse. She said that Lent is technically only 40 days if you exclude Sundays, and that on Sunday, she could “break the rules.” I’m almost positive she somehow found biblical support for this, and I wasn’t going to argue if it meant my Sabbath was filled with Thin Mints. That’s how sacrifice is...

“Be a person who is love”

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Rachael Dill Boyer in Christian Witness, Stories

Have you ever met someone who just radiates the love, light, and peace of God? Last month, while traveling in Swaziland, I had the privilege of meeting Nomsa, a World Vision volunteer AIDS caregiver. She is one of those people — so full of the love of God that it can’t help but spill out to those around her. This Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share her story. Nomsa presented me with a new way of looking at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind…it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” In a society that often equates the word “love” with romantic love, I had forgotten that this verse is talking about the way we...