Talbot, We have had an amazing time here connecting with the children at the three orphanages we have visited. You would be very proud of the GS volunteers who are on this trip.We have had some internet issues so that has delayed sending the blogs in a timely manner....
Here's another first-hand account from our team in Haiti:A bumpy, dusty ride leads us to a tiny cement refuge filled with angels. “A New Life Orphanage” is the temporary address for the small ones left behind… As we opened the gate dozens of sets of big brown eyes...
Is it something in the water?I have more pending weddings than at any other time in my 21 years of pastoral ministry. And each couple deserves the best preparation that I can give them.And isn't it sad that many couples devote more time & energy to planning their...
Pastoral ministry is often physically and emotionally draining.We pastors get invited into some of the most crisis-filled moments in people's lives, we lead congregations through seasons of evolution & change, we do the best we can to motivate & manage staff, and in...
Beth Boutilier is our Haiti's team's official blogger. Here's her latest post:The Sunday morning two worlds collided... ...a Haitian church alive with a hopeful spirit; welcome their American gests with open arms and broken English. ...wearing your "Sunday Best" took...
In the picture above, you see Good Shepherd's Haitian mission team. From the far left: Coleman Pierzchala, Jack Jones, Laurie Reiriz, Mike Gathman, Ginenne Rife, Charlotte Gott, Vladimir Andral, Beth Boutilier, Ron Dozier, Nancy Kaiser, Debbie Dearth, and two of the...
Our Elements series got off to a strong start last week with a look at "Bread." We ended up celebrating communion in a different manner than ever before at Good Shepherd.The second element is "water." Why do we baptize? Who do we baptize? When do we baptize? And how...
The students and adults you see in this picture are role models for the rest of Good Shepherd.As you check this post, they are serving in Purdy, Missouri at a God-inspired movement called Camp Barnabas. Barnabas exists to provide life-changing opportunities to people...
Most of us preachers are keenly aware of what we want God to do through us.Usually, that involves things like growing a bigger, better church, one that prevails agaist the current culture of decline and advances the kingdom of God.I'm OK with God doing something like...
I once attended a church where one of the pastors suffered larynx damage that slowly but surely robbed him of his voice.A preacher without a voice is like a car without a gas pedal. Doesn't work.Which gets me thinking . . . who are some preachers with voices of...