You can read Pt. 1 in this series here. There’s really no way around it — ministry to the poor is heart-wrenching. My friend Mike Spencer was making strides. He had repented of his sins and decided to follow Jesus with his whole life. But Mike was still homeless and had no clear path to … Continue reading Mike Spencer — Pt. 2
Uncategorized
Mike Spencer — Pt. 1
My mentor Barry lives on a farm. He and his wife, Maria, invite people over for dinner at least once a week, sometimes more often than that. When Rachel and I visit the farm, we usually meet someone new — a caricature artist, a 90-year-old master farmer, a nuclear physicist — There are always interesting … Continue reading Mike Spencer — Pt. 1
Unwanted
One night in Knoxville’s Old City, our group ran into a homeless friend named Daytona. He was hungry, so we offered to buy him a slice of pizza at our favorite late night pizza joint. Daytona eagerly waited for us as we went in to buy his pizza. But when the owner of the shop … Continue reading Unwanted
Close Enough to Touch
Jesus’ first teaching was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” I picture Jesus spending the first thirty years of his life deciding what he would say first, and this was it. I grew up thinking this phrase meant, “Be sorry, because God is coming to get you — and soon!” It scared … Continue reading Close Enough to Touch
Communion with the Saints – Episode 3
What can I say about Michael Weiss? He’s compassionate, wise, and he loves Jesus. He also laughs at all of my jokes, which makes me feel good about myself. Michael sees the Kingdom of God, and he talks about it all the time. I’m glad to call him a friend. Enjoy... "The weapons we fight … Continue reading Communion with the Saints – Episode 3
Front of the Line
Jimmy is one of the first neighbors I met in Midtown. He’s in his mid-forties but has the mental capacity of a child. I used to get voicemails from Jimmy on my office phone. “Preston… this is Jimmy… How’s it goin’?” (long pause) “Well, call me back.” He’s a lovable guy, but a little temperamental. … Continue reading Front of the Line
First Love
I know a pastor who took his wife on a date to the movies. The movie was a thoughtful comedy with a PG-13 rating. After the movie, while standing in line for the restroom, the pastor reflected on the film. He realized his 12-year-old son would love the movie. He also realized the movie had … Continue reading First Love
Wilderness
I’ve been unemployed for nine days now. I decided to spend a couple of weeks establishing better life rhythms. This means I wake up early every morning, read the bible, pray, and exercise. During the day I go to counseling, shop for groceries, and get free massages from my wife. Then at night I read a … Continue reading Wilderness
The Vagabond Monk
When I was in college, I wanted to live a simple life with few belongings. I wanted to trust God for all my provision. I wanted to be a monk. And as a student, living with less was easy. I was on a meal plan, I lived in a dorm room, I didn’t need many … Continue reading The Vagabond Monk
“He’s Not Safe!”
When I was in college, my friend Jon and I used to roam around campus screaming, “He’s not safe!” I’m sure it was annoying. Our yelling was a reference to Jesus. We wanted to remind our fellow Bible College students that following Jesus doesn't guarantee safety and security, at least by worldly standards. So we’d … Continue reading “He’s Not Safe!”
Preston Searcy 