Where We All Begin by Nick Kersten, Librarian-historian          “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past and bridge to our future.” –Alex Haley        “This is the written account of Adam’s family line.” (Genesis 5:1 NIV)        “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of Abraham, the son of David.” (Matthew 1:1 NIV)   When...

Intentional Acts of Kindness by Katrina Goodrich   Evangelism. Not many words strike fear into the hearts of Christians quite like this one. The stigma attached, especially in today’s society, is not all that favorable. We talk about evangelism and how we need to do it. We take seminars that teach the 24 different approaches to sharing the Gospel in an...

So, Why On December 25th? by Leanne Lippincott-Wuerthele   As Christians, we recognize “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” when Christmas rolls around. Yet, how many of us actually know the history of the word, “Christmas,” and why we celebrate it on December 25? Using various sources—and quoting the late radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey—“Here’s the rest of...

Four words no parent wants to hear by Jim Lyke, Milton, Wis.   “Your child has leukemia.” I sat numb in the hospital room as the doctor explained that my 21-year-old daughter’s blood test contained cells that 95% of the time are an indication of acute leukemia. He assured us that the diagnosis wasn’t a death sentence, that treatment had advanced in the...

Set Free Indeed by George Lawson, Colton, Calif. Psalm 119:45   In America, early July is a time of reflection on our nation’s beginnings. We hear a lot about freedom and living in a country where we are free to choose and free to speak. We are free to go where we want, free to worship or not worship, and free to decide many things for ourselves. At the...