Connections

In recent years, stories of trauma and abuse have become all too common in the church. 

Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois, says we need to find a better way.

The world’s largest unmet disability is poor vision, but one organization is doing its part to help end this global epidemic.

Founded by J. Kevin White, U.S. Marine (Ret.) and Naval Academy graduate, Global Vision 2020 and its partners have delivered over 50 thousand pairs of prescription eyeglasses to over 48 countries in the most remote areas of the world.

They use the innovative USee Vision Kit™, invented by White, to provide prescription eyeglasses to those in the developing world. 

Even before the pandemic hit, Canadian singer/songwriter and worship leader, Rachelle Luk understood what isolation felt like. Her husband was diagnosed with chronic health issues that left them isolated from friends and family.

"He had chronic fatigue for several years and it changed our entire lives," Luk explains. "Actually, it limited our lives and restricted our lives in a way that is very, very similar to what everyone is experiencing now, except that at that time everyone else's life was going on as usual."

2020 and 2021 have been quite the whirlwind for Colton Dixon and his family.

In March of 2020, touring came to a halt for Colton as COVID-19 took over the world. 

Shortly after that, Colton along with his wife Annie, announced that they were expecting twin girls. Those girls were born in August of 2020, but not without complication.

For many, Father's Day is a time of celebration, but for others, it can be a time of sadness and grief. 

Rob Kenney knows what it feels like to be on both sides. When he was just fourteen years old, his father left him and his seven siblings, leaving the youngest to fend for themselves. 

Kenney grew up wishing he had someone who could teach him the basics such as how to tie a tie, jump start a car or unclog a drain, as well as succeed in life. But he and his siblings had to figure things out on their own.

From the global devastation of COVID-19 to the national grief, horror, and widespread protests, the world is reeling with chaos. No wonder waves of fear, pain, and uncertainty are infiltrating our thoughts and emotions—and thus, our homes, says Karen McGregor.

"We're witnessing the most disease the world has seen in our lifetimes," says McGregor, best-selling author and inspirational speaker. "As individuals, we can't be untouched by what we're seeing and hearing and imagining. What we can do is make our home a haven from the worst of the chaos."

If you were asked to name your favourite things—the things you love—how long would it take for you to name yourself?

If you’re anything like Jonathan Puddle, you may have tried to love God and love others without thinking too much about yourself. Wanting to avoid self-centeredness, he doubted himself and condemned himself—he even hated himself—until he noticed the ancient words of Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Want children who are patient, kind, humble, thankful, and respectful? Who have a good work ethic, strong character, and a healthy self-image? 

Dr. Kevin Leman, an internationally known psychologist, Christian author and speaker recently released a new book,  8 Secrets to Raising Successful Kids: Nurturing Character, Respect, and a Winning Attitude, to help parents raise successful, faith-filled and respectful children.

JJ Heller has spent the past 17 years reminding women that they are loved, they are not alone and that they can live life with a whole heart. 

"At some point in our lives, we all want someone to believe in us, to remind us there is beauty in the world, and to tell us that everything’s going to be ok," says Heller. "There is a child in all of us, and that's who I make music for."

Singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb knows all too well the struggles and burdens that many have been feeling around the world as we deal with a difficult season. 

She shares the highs and lows of her life and how God has helped her through those times in her soon-to-be-released third studio LP, Canyon.