johndehne.com update

In this video, John walks through some of the reasons for the johndehne.com site...as well as some of the tools for dialogue about what it means to be "Church".

Shadows of Vitrue

Last year I took my first trip oversees...and it opened my eyes in many ways! Though my wife, Jill, was born on the foreign mission field (in West Africa), I had only read about the conditions that the majority of global citizens face as art of their daily existence. Suffice it so say that words on a printed page do not capture the reality of things very well.

Many in the world face poor water quality (if any water is even readily available to them), terrible health conditions, minimal food, persecution, social injustice, etc. Hardships that are often too intense to even imagine.

The scriptures are full of references to the poor. Jesus spoke of Himself in connection to the poor by saying that what was done (or not done) to them was done to Him. The proverbs speak of the care for the poor and the value of character over riches. Specifically, Proverb 19 speaks to this subject. Verse 17 says, " He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

We are called to care for the poor...as an extension of Jesus' love for us and our response to Him. And God says that He will reward us for it! After spending time in India last year (and planning to again this year) I can honestly say that I understand at least a little bit of the reward that was received.

So maybe you can't travel abroad - though if you want to head to India with me this fall please let me know! But maybe you can't. How can you gain a better understanding of things from the USA when words don't seem to capture the reality of things?

Recently I ordered and watched a short film called The Shadows of Virtue. It is an independent work that examines the difference between charity and sacrificial service. It is a GREAT film! If you are interested in seeing a great film that captures the reality of this subject better than any words could, click on the link above and check out the Shadows project. I pray that God will stir a new discussion within you about what it means to love the poor and to help in caring for them!

beer vendors

John reflects on a recent trip to Busch Stadium...and his thoughts on two beer vendors.

Food bank...and God's provision.