Rachel started her own business last fall. She spent a year training to become a massage therapist, then another year gaining some experience. Then she opened up her own place. And God has blessed it. Since opening in October, she has seen around 100 new clients, most of whom re-book and refer their friends. But … Continue reading Pure Presence

My friend Cricket died a couple of weeks ago. Cricket was a homeless man who struggled with alcoholism. He had recently undergone heart surgery but wasn’t taking care of himself. Still, these realities didn’t prepare the neighborhood for his death. For many of our homeless friends, Cricket’s death hit a little too close to home. … Continue reading Funeral

A couple of years ago our ministry held an Easter service in the neighborhood park. We sang hymns, proclaimed the gospel, and ate sausage biscuits together. Maybe 50 people attended. In many ways, that Sunday marked the official end of a hard winter. We had experienced weekly snow storms and dangerously low temperatures. But beyond … Continue reading “You Think You’re God”

“Should I give money to panhandlers/beggars?” This is a question I’m asked often, usually from someone with a generous heart who has had a negative experience with giving. It’s a complicated question. Many of us have interacted with the man or woman who just needs $14.27 to pay for a hotel stay or a bus … Continue reading A Common Question

I have a pastor friend who says the minute we add just one requirement to the gospel of grace, we ruin the message. The requirement could be anything, big or small. For example, if someone says, “To be saved you must believe in Jesus and go to church every Sunday,” the message is no longer … Continue reading Not All Believers are Disciples 

I had the flu a few weeks ago and had to take a couple days off work. When I felt better I went back to the office. But after half a day, I was drained of energy and had to leave work early and get some rest. Our food pantry was just beginning for the … Continue reading Fruit

Anthony sat in our cafe and raised his voice to complain about the trouble in his life. He rambled on about various problems. I stood near Anthony and listened to his story. He talked about violence and injustice and trauma involving his friends and family. The story stretched back to his childhood. Anthony also believed … Continue reading Harmful Spirit

After Jesus was raised from the dead, he spent some time hanging out with his closest friends. He did some things that blew their minds, like magically appearing in the middle of locked rooms and showing off the fresh scars of his crucifixion. He also did some regular stuff. For example, he found his friends … Continue reading Resurrection Breakfast

When I was in high school, I co-founded the heavy metal band “Cell.” A lot of people don’t remember my band. They must have not attended our performance at my high school’s Sadie Hawkins dance in 2001. That’s okay. I’m not offended. Unfortunately, our bassist moved to North Carolina and the band broke up. That’s … Continue reading Screaming Fans

After living in New Albany for a year, Rachel and I broke our lease and moved into an apartment in the middle of Midtown, across the street from the elementary school. Our new landlord allowed pets and we soon rescued a retired greyhound. We named our black and white giant Banksy, after the artist. We … Continue reading Bouncin’ Banksy