David Platt, author of RADICAL and his wife are just completing their adoption of a little girl from China. In the midst of that process he has been writing about adoption. I found this piece particularly powerful and a good follow up to our month’s emphasis on adoption. May the Lord help us to live…

Here is the latest update from the ministry we are involved with in Tanzania. Please pray for wisdom and strength to minister. October 2011 Update The definition of “rape” with the Maasai is “training”. Some forms of “training” are more brutal than others. Maasai close their eyes to what it really is, as it is…

I read the following article by Reb Bradley on Joshua Harris’ blog. The article comes from the Virginia Home Educator Magazine. I believe this is a very needed word. I was challenged by it as well and I am thankful for Mr. Bradley’s humility in admitting mistakes he’s made as a dad. I love the…

Dear Springs of Grace Church Family, I wanted to remind you of the special opportunities to pray and fast or pray and watch the next few days. As we talked about Sunday, we are asking God to use us in the mission He has given us and asking Him to provide the resources to do…

I have the privilege of serving as the Superintendent of the One Hope Academy. One Hope Academy is an important ministry in the life of Springs of Grace and for our city. I would encourage you to read the front page of our handbook that is copied below. Why does the One Hope Academy exist?…

Tim Challies writes about a book and a concept that has shaped my life and ministry. I was blessed to read it again and spend time praying for all those I can leverage my influence with to have correct and high views of God. It was A.W. Tozer who wrote (in The Knowledge of the…

This article spurs my heart as we approach the next phase of ministry. May God give us the faith to “dive in”. If God has birthed a vision in your heart, the day will come when you will be called upon to make a sacrifice to achieve it. And you will have to make the…

Here is a wise word from Martyn Lloyd-Jones, from his work Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure. It will help to know that the biblical context for what he is writing here is Psalm 42. The main trouble in this whole matter of spiritual depression in a sense is this, that we allow our self…

Letter to an Incomplete, Insecure Teenager by: John Piper Four years ago a teenager in our church wrote to me for advice about life in general, and identity in particular. Here is what I wrote, with a big dose of autobiography for illustration. Dear ________, My experience of coming out of an introverted, insecure, guilty,…

For weeks now I have been praying for this nation. What an encouragement it was tonight to see this article! Please keep praying for these brave brothers in Southern Sudan and for God to open His eyes to this nation and let His mercy flow. Brother Joe My Heroes Live in South Sudan by Justin…