In the early 1990s I read the late Henri Nouwen’s book, The Road to Daybreak, his account of leaving the prestige and comfort of Harvard University to join L’Arche Daybreak, a ministry serving severely mentally challenged adults in Toronto, Canada. This new ministry was part of a network of L’Arche homes begun by Jean Vanier…
The 25th commemoration of the historic “Memphis Miracle” occurred in March. IPHC leaders joined with the nearly 200 delegates of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA) to thank God for the courage and humility demonstrated by Pentecostal leaders in 1994. I was honored to represent the IPHC there. One of the key leaders…
The Joseph narrative in Genesis describes the ascent of Joseph, an Israelite, from a dungeon to the highest political positions in Egypt. With almost absolute economic control of Egypt, Joseph led the kingdom through a severe crisis. Through his leadership, Joseph also saved his father, Jacob, and his brothers. For a season during and after…
In 2019, the IPHC turns its attention to one of the most important and challenging of our seven core values: Justice. It is important because God’s nature, our sinful experience and our treatment of others must be addressed. Thus Micah 6:8 speaks so powerfully to us: “He has shown you, O man, what is good;…
[vimeo 300641323 w=640 h=360] “Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” – Luke 1:38 When the angel came to Mary with a promise from God, her response was obedience. She received the miracle of God, fulfilled by…
[vimeo 300638548 w=640 h=360] “Ye who now bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.” During this time of joyous festivities, we also take time to remember those who have suffered from violence, those who are poor, and those who are marginalized. The story of King Herod seeking to kill the “holy innocents” reminds…
[vimeo 300639408 w=640 h=360] “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 Bethlehem, “house of bread”, serves as a place of hope for God’s people throughout its history. As the birthplace…
[vimeo 300640266 w=640 h=360] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 The shepherds were the first to receive the good news of Christ’s birth. They responded to this message with haste and became the first people to worship Jesus—returning to their fields glorifying and praising…
The higher education institutions of the IPHC have served multiple generations of students. Begun in 1898, Holmes Bible College is the same age as the IPHC. Emmanuel College will be one hundred years old in 2019. Southwestern Christian University began in 1946. Advantage College began in 1976. In each instance, there are hundreds and thousands…
After graduating from college, I attended graduate school at Union Theological Seminary (UTS) in Richmond, Virginia (now called Union Presbyterian Seminary). Though I was accepted at other seminaries, Union’s strong Bible department and financial aid, along with an excellent local IPHC church, led me there. The Presbyterian money must have been predestined to educate a…
