In my mind, the true meaning of the word “missionary” is someone whose mission in life is to do good, someone who is determined to make the world a better place. Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875 ~ 1965) is an example of a true missionary. His mission wasn’t to convert, but to heal, and his purpose wasn’t to teach doctrine, but …
Life is fragile — handle with prayer
Today’s article is in answer to a question sent by Amitabh (a Bengali name that means “The light that cannot be extinguished”). He writes, “I truly believe in a creator (whether we call him God or Allah, or any other name.) I serve people believing that serving them means serving God. I work as a volunteer, serving humanity, and I …
Have you given much thought to prayer, pray tell?
An act of goodness surpasses a thousand prayers (Sa’di) Have you given much thought to prayer, pray tell? Someone once said, “Prayer provides power, poise, peace, and purpose.” And American college administrator, William Arthur Ward (1921 ~ 1994), has said, “Prayer is the prelude to peace, the prologue to power, the preface to purpose, and the pathway to perfection.” If …
My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness
A reader from South Africa writes: “I’m a Christian and the whole New Age belief has made me confused. Basically, the same principles are taught in both Christianity and New Age. What I’ve done is to apply principles of New Age, because it is so similar to Christianity, and still go to church. The problem is that I feel ‘two …
When night turns into day and darkness into light
Sugimori Nobumori was hunched over the corner table, slurping a bowl of noodles. Behind him he could hear the crowd in the noodle shop excitedly discussing the sighting of a wise holy man. The sage had come to town for supplies and then returned to his home in the wilderness. Finishing his noodles, Sugimori turned to face his fellow villagers …
The strange case of ETs and the theory of evolution
One day an alien spacecraft landed in a remote region of North America. Two extraterrestrials left the craft to explore the area. Completely unlike us, everything they saw was new and unfamiliar. The following is a translation of the conversation they had when they came upon an abandoned log cabin. “Look at this structure. It has a geometric shape. Nature …
Problems? Come to God for a faith lift
Although South Africa is a beautiful country with enormous potential, some believe it is in a state of disarray. Violent crime, political corruption, and rising friction among the races are commonplace. Many white and non-African residents have emigrated to other parts of the world in search of peace, security, and opportunity. It is not the purpose of this article to …
Awakening to God-Fish are unaware of the ocean in which they live
There was once a wise and holy fish who preached to the others, saying, “We live in an Ocean of Love. Behold how it protects and sustains us!” At first the fish were thankful, but soon they took their good fortune for granted. For whether they remembered or not, they still were cared for. Although their eyes were always open, …
As Ye Sow, So Shall Ye Reap
You have heard people say, What goes around, comes around. But have you given that saying much thought? It is actually a modern way to express ancient wisdom. The Old Testament stated it this way . . . they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. (Job 4:8). At least 50 years before the birth of Christ, the …