The criminal, deathly Russian aggression against Ukraine in the last week has touched a deep place of both shock and compassion in hearts around the world, especially Wayne and me. We moved our family to Odessa, Ukraine some years ago to start Bible schools and congregations. When the flames of Communism went underground, the gospel…
Category: Culture
Go, and Keep Going
I responded to a call to go into all the world to preach the gospel in my early 20’s. Eagerly, I went to Bible school to prepare. This hope became my bread and butter as I studied, dreamed, and planned to go. I didn’t exactly know where God would send me, but I knew international…
Spent
I saw the silver-headed woman limping from a distance. Her attentive husband, with one arm around her waist, coached each step and made her giggle as they walked. As we passed, our eyes met. Something moved between us—perhaps I saw a glimpse of the impartation of the gifts of this older woman. (This can happen…
Discovery
Not even two, she steps into her first winter day of discovery. Heavy and stiff with warm woolen armory, our little explorer stretches mittened hands out into the cold air of gently falling snow. Next, one then two brave little black boots slide forward into the sparkling powder. Her big brown eyes fill with childhood…
One Foot on Different Continents
We buried the dead for months and months, and we mourned and wept and waited for it pass. Some prayed and some railed. Some burned and some stole. Some legislated and some pressed on. Some died and some lived. Some shouted into the dark, and some escaped the flames. Everyone’s hair was singed. Everyone looked…
Table of Forgiveness
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Psalm 23:5. This scripture sprang to living color this morning as I read, and a myriad of memories flashed across my mind. When Wayne and I lived in Israel, we made numerous trips to…
Stick through the Silence
I prayed for the world’s madness to stop. It only got crazier. Silence from heaven. I prayed for several friends not to die of Covid. They died. Silence. I prayed for God to heal my brother of pancreatic cancer. Silence. I prayed for 15 years for a husband. Silence. I prayed for five years for…
At the Nail Salon
Although everyone I know loves the luxuries of a manicure/pedicure or facial, I do not. The truth is that I never had a pedicure or facial without the scolding of the professional offering her skills. According to them, I’ve done a terrible job managing my feet and face on my own. They hope they can…
The Tree in Winter
Lacy and austere at once–beautiful barren trees–winter’s mystique. Frost-covered branches, in winterland magic, play music when jiggled. There is promise in the tree, stripped of fruitfulness in winter’s glory. Winter’s splendor is best revealed in tree unrobed stark against the gray. Let the barren branch take root in bleak mystery–deep hides the new leaf. The…
Cloistered
Cloistered I barely see you across the green meadow, feeding, lingering in morning’s silvery misty veil and awaiting the sun’s bright clarity that brings sure revelation of up and downhill turnings. Day’s beginning and ending remain in mystery. Cloistered in daybreak’s sheltering haze, hidden but not hiding, you quiet your soul to rest and wait…
Bonnie Saul Wilks 