“The Trellis and the Vine”: a dangerous book for immigrant churches

We currently have the joy and privilege of serving in the English ministry of a Chinese church. It’s given me a window into the world of the immigrant church and its unique mission opportunities and needs. We’re learning to be “missionaries” in our own backyard as we help each other navigate living between Kiwi culture, …

Der Elefant (The Elephant)

I thought this was an interesting, absurdist story from Slawomir Mrozek. Originally in Polish, translated from German, courtesy of April Wilson’s book. Ich denke, das ist ein interessante und absurde Geschichte von Slawomir Mrozek. Ursprünglich auf Polnisch geschrieben, aus dem Deutsch übersetzt, vielen danke zu das Textbuche von April Wilson. Der Direktor des Zoos ist …

Thoughts on preaching the book of Ephesians

Last Sunday, our church just finished a series on the book of Ephesians. It’s been a joy the past few months to share the pulpit with fellow pastors and friends as we enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet in this powerful, practical letter. To prepare for the series, I translated the passage from the Greek text and …

Thoughts from “In Other Words” by Jhumpa Lahiri

One way I’m trying to expand my cross-cultural experience is by reading stories and reflections from authors outside my own background. In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri offers a fascinating window into the mind of an English-speaking author who tries to find her voice in Italian. Writing in a language that “first captivated and capsized …

Learning from the reception history of Job in Archibald MacLeish’s “J.B.”

Is suffering a theodicy to be solved? Is there justice from God? Is human love the only island of meaning during COVID and crisis? Here’s one of my final year essays, peer-reviewed and polished up as part of the latest COVID-19 themed issue of Laidlaw College’s Stimulus Journal. Come on an adventure through Broadway and …