Summer Tuesdays with Ezra (Chapter 1)

This year I spent time digging into the Old Testament book of Ezra. While the book contains a fascinating historical account of the return of the Jewish exiles after the Babylonian captivity, it's more than a history book. It's a…

Praise and Prayer Update (May 23, 2025)

A few weeks back, I asked you to pray with us about some upcoming ministry opportunities Linda and I were anticipating.  I (Rick) was scheduled to speak at a men’s conference and also invited to train a group of pastors…

How to Navigate Through Life’s Rough Waters (Part 1)

I don’t have to tell you life is not exactly smooth sailing right now.  Internationally, the waters are choppy and chaotic.  Closer to home, we feel storm tossed by rising prices and falling stock markets.  It’s hard to stay steady…

Tips for Teachers: Learning from Billy Graham

As I type these words, I’m listening to Billy Graham preach.  It’s a rebroadcast of one of the messages he preached decades ago.  You can tell that from the hairstyles and clothes worn by those in the arena. But while…

When You Feel Like Quitting: Learning from Jeremiah

The prophet Jeremiah wasn’t a quitter, but there were days he wanted to quit. Read what he lived through over the course of his forty-year ministry and you will understand why he wanted to resign. God gave him one of…

Praise and Prayer Update (November 16, 2024)

As we finish up a very full week, I want to give thanks to God and express my gratitude to all of you who read these updates and make a point to pray for the requests I highlight. In the…

Praise and Prayer Update (November 8, 2024)

As we head into the weekend, we have several praise and prayer items to pass along. Praise: Open Toronto Initiative:  We are thanking God for leading us to join forces with EveryEthne to help with their Open Toronto Initiative.  Linda…

Praise and Prayer Update (October 12, 2024)

On this Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, it's a perfect time to practice Psalm 103:2: "Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits." One of the reasons I'm thankful this year is for friends far and near who…