Several years ago I had the privilege of traveling to Russia with a team of people from other disability ministries across the United States. We gave out Bibles, shared our testimonies and presented disability training seminars to teachers and orphanage workers. We also had opportunities to encourage parents of children with disabilities. Russian interpreters and van drivers were so valuable to us during our daily travels and ministry opportunities. Something I consistently heard from the van drivers, spoken in English but with a Russian accent, were the words, “No problem.” I heard these words when . . .

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; .... (Isa. 43: 1b-3, 5a) This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. It says to me that with my God, it’s personal when . . .

Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:1 that as believers in Christ, we have encouragement from being united with Christ. By having tenderness and compassion, we will be like minded with Him, making His joy complete. . . .

If you were to list your favorite snack foods would Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers make it on the list? I know these crunchy little fish shaped crackers would make it onto the snack list of many toddler and preschool age children. In fact . . .

Our H*VMI constituents, you readers, may feel hard pressed, perplexed or persecuted so these verses from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians are for you. They say that though you may feel that way, you . . .

As I was driving back along the turnpike, the glorious colors of the fall leaves literally sparkled in the sunlight. It’s amazing how creative our Lord is; and how gracious He is to allow us to enjoy such beautiful sights. Then, I was reminded of something I learned in elementary school . . .

I like to cook and do some occasional baking. I guess the reason why I like to cook is to help out at home, and to have my wife say, “Oh, this is yummy.” But one thing I don’t like while I am cooking is to mess up or to ruin the surprise for my wife what I am cooking. Because of this I don’t like to ask for help while I am cooking. However, there is one problem, I don’t always read the directions right or understand them correctly. So you guessed it, this . . .

Recently, I have been thinking, “What makes me a Christian?” Yes, I know to become a Christian I need to realize I am a sinner, turn from that sin and accept our God’s free gift of eternal life through Him. But, after that, what shows other people that I am a Christ-follower? What shows people that I am different from the world? . . .