Every culture has its heroes—women and men, gods and mythical creatures who act for the wellbeing of their people. Sometimes these heroes are historical figures or the gods and goddesses of religious tradition. Other times they’re the legends of human longing, the kinds of heroes we need but haven’t yet... read more →
Dec
13
Dec
12
Jesus knew His disciples were distressed. Suggestions of betrayal, abandonment and death had disturbed what might have otherwise been an ordinary Passover feast. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Though He would be with them only a little longer, He assured the disciples He was going to prepare a... read more →
Dec
11
Sarah, a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma, had been teaching English for six months in a girls’ school in Bukhara, a city in central Uzbekistan. As one of the few Western teachers, she was lonely and discouraged. While she enjoyed teaching and loved her students, she felt disconnected... read more →
Dec
10
Just before Christmas a few years ago, the Johnson family participated in a program to welcome refugees to Houston, Texas. They received some details about the Al-Fayli family from Iraq and went shopping for practical and fun presents for each family member. They wrapped the gifts and drove to the... read more →
Dec
09
Eight-year-old Gamachu and his older sister, Arfasa, have 10 brothers and sisters. Life in their large family is busy with daily tasks: taking care of the animals, fetching water, gathering firewood and going to the market. But today is a special day, and they’re running as fast as they can... read more →
Dec
08
Batu, a 12-year-old Mongolian nomad, sits on a motorcycle watching his family’s sheep graze contentedly in the afternoon sun. He ponders today’s news: his family group will pack up their six gers (portable traditional dwellings) tomorrow and move to a new location. With the weather growing colder and a few... read more →
Dec
07
Philip was born into a marginalized people group in South Asia. When he was eight years old, the village teacher allowed him to attend school. But he made him sit in the back of the classroom on a stack of dried cow patties used as fuel—for the entire year. Philip... read more →
Dec
06
Yes, Baba. Sani took the bag of rice from his father’s hands and made his way through the bustling streets of Niamey, Niger, to the home of a recently widowed neighbor. Baba was a devout Muslim and good father, working hard to provide for the family. He also cared for... read more →
Dec
05
Nergui, raised in a nomad family in Mongolia, missed the countryside after moving to the city for university. But she quickly made friends and was excelling in her studies to become a teacher. Identifying her potential, a professor invited her to attend a conference for young leaders. After several days... read more →
Dec
04
No jobs in town, debts piling up, no bread for the table. Umid had no choice but to leave his wife and young children behind in Kyrgyzstan to find work. He got a construction job in St. Petersburg and shares an apartment with 20 other men. He sends money home... read more →