I read a great blog post by Sarita Hartz about vicarious trauma. You can (and should) read it here. Vicarious trauma happens when missionaries and humanitarian workers listen to (and/or witness) the suffering of others on such a regular basis that they begin to burn out, question their beliefs about the world, and grow emotionally … Continue reading Why Suffering Matters – Pt. 1
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Taking a Short Break
Hey folks. I'll be taking a short writing break through the rest of the year. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for 2017. Let's commit the year to Him. Merry Christmas. -Preston
Introducing Nomad
If you’ve read anything I’ve written, you know that I work with the poor. And up until recently, I was employed by a local church to minister to a specific neighborhood in New Albany, Indiana. Then, because of some upcoming life changes, I left that job. You can read about it here if you want. I spent … Continue reading Introducing Nomad
Can We Have a Conversation?
In ministry to the poor, I often feel lonely. I’m guessing others in this ministry feel the same way. We come to Christ at some point in our lives, read the gospels, and draw the conclusion: I think Jesus wants me to care for the poor. Then we show up in a poor neighborhood and … Continue reading Can We Have a Conversation?
Drawing On Jesus
I’m currently unemployed. The last time I was unemployed, I decided to work on my art skills. I borrowed a book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and got to work. I used to be a pretty good artist, but had lost some skill over the years and couldn’t figure out why. … Continue reading Drawing On Jesus
Oak St. – Communion with the Saints, Episode 4
Today is the last installment of this year's "Communion with the Saints." Guest writing today is my good friend Chris Bobay. I've gotten to know Chris and his family over the past couple of years. I have to say, he is one of the most mission-minded people I've every met. He truly wants his whole heart to … Continue reading Oak St. – Communion with the Saints, Episode 4
Should We Try to End Poverty?
A sinful woman once knelt before Jesus and anointed him with a jar of expensive perfume. The apostles saw the act as wasteful, because the woman could have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. Jesus tells his disciples to shut up, because the woman had done a beautiful thing. He also … Continue reading Should We Try to End Poverty?
Is the Church Eager to Remember the Poor?
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of the most important theological texts in history. He writes the letter to confront the Galatians for believing the legalistic lie that to follow Christ, they must also be circumcised. The letter is important because it clarifies that Christians are saved by faith rather than works of the … Continue reading Is the Church Eager to Remember the Poor?
Are Poor People Really Blessed?
Who is Jesus talking about in the gospel of Luke when he says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20b, ESV)? When I talk to other Christians about Jesus and the poor, the conversation typically focuses on three demographics: The working poor — Men and women who … Continue reading Are Poor People Really Blessed?
Black Hole Jesus
For over a decade now, I’ve had the joy of interacting with men and women who are said to be on the “margins of society.” The word margin simply means “the edge or border of something.” When describing people, the word typically references those who don’t fit into the normal social structure of a community. … Continue reading Black Hole Jesus
Preston Searcy 