The morning came for their trip to the interior city of Ilebo. Alessandra was excited. Roosters, thousands of them, trumpeted the...

Because Dan felt responsible for Alessandra’s extra day, he and his wife, Sheryl, invited her to come to supper at the Embassy Club the...

Dan drove Alessandra to MPH, the Methodist-Presbyterian Hostel built to house expats in transition in the Congo. He promised to pick her...

Alessandra made it into the terminal and even there she was just beginning to panic when she ran into Wesley, a young businessman that...

Alessandra was nervous, really nervous! The plane was landing in Kinshasa, and the reality of what she was getting ready to face in the...

Alessandra settled into her seat on the upper deck of the jetliner, having finished every crumb of the yummy meal. Several families with...

The day had arrived! Weeks of planning, packing, visas, and travel vaccines, and the day had arrived for Alessandra to head to the...

One morning, a week later after Alessandra had confirmed plans with the Carmichael family in the Congo about her trip to see them, she...

Alessandra shared with her brother and the rest of her family about her offer to go on a short-term mission trip to the Democratic...

Alessandra leaned her head back on the wicker porch chair immensely enjoying doing absolutely nothing. The late spring breeze gently...

It’s a new year! And it’s time to try something new: blogging about one of my books. And I’m starting with Congo Crisis, the book I...

The final “new” of 2022 is found in the hope for our future. That future is not only 2023, but also our eternity with God. “-lay hold...

Although the way of salvation in the Old Testament appears to be rife with requirements for good works, in truth those systems were...

Many good kings over the millennia desired the chance to lift up their people. By raising the opportunity for industry and prosperity, a...

Sure! It really does SEEM logical, that after a year of exploring some new things in Scripture, that we should end the time delving into...

Not frail. Not forlorn. But fresh and fruitful. But is there anything more we can hope for? Are there any dreams left to dream? Any more...

Sigh. Yes, I am old. I’m old enough to be seriously considering slowing down, winding down my life goals, and contemplating my heavenly...

The word “fresh” is so alluring, so alive! It hints at something new and full of hope for the future. The attraction is strong for anyone...

“Newness of life!” What a beautiful and hope-filled phrase. And this opportunity for a new beginning begins with the resurrection power...

So often “newness” or “new life” must begin with death. Death to self. Death to the old person with the old ways. Death to temporal...