Category Archives: Story

These books go on the top shelf

During lunch conversation Tuesday at the Evangelical Press Association convention, I was asked, “Other than your own book, what are your favorite books on writing?” Here’s what came to mind, in no particular order. They aren’t all about writing. Some … Continue reading

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Angels and demons

The movie “Heaven is for Real” cost $12 million to make and as of a week ago had raked in more than $52 million at the box office. Apparently a lot of people are interested in grappling with its central … Continue reading

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Is this heaven? No, it’s journalism

It helps that the topic is one my favorite movies. But what the Des Moines Register has accomplished with its “Field of Dreams at 25” package of stories, videos, photos and graphics is pretty special. Take a few minutes to … Continue reading

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‘I had no idea’

Last night, I had the opportunity to speak at church about what’s been happening in Egypt: a prayer movement that has accompanied the revolution and now is leading to unprecedented numbers of people coming to Christ, from all backgrounds. As … Continue reading

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MH370: The cold void of not knowing

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 went missing one month ago, carrying 239 people who almost certainly are now dead. But what happened to that plane? That’s the question still burning in the minds of family members and people around the world … Continue reading

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What God is up to in Egypt

From its infancy, our missionary journalism ministry has been about two primary things we seek to report to the church: What is God up to, and how can people get in on it? The second part is easier than the … Continue reading

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It’s just an angel — settle down!

If you’re looking for some levity in the Bible, an honest-to-goodness laugh, read Acts 12:12-17. Stories like this cannot be made up. Let’s track it: The apostle Peter, fresh off a divine jailbreak, makes his way back from the Big … Continue reading

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A Tale of Two Boats

The other day, on my way back from Haiti, I had the surreal experience in Ft. Lauderdale of looking across the channel at one of the most expensive pleasure boats in the world. It was Seven Seas, Steven Spielberg’s mega-yacht, which … Continue reading

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Die, monster!

We see a lot of missionary newsletters / prayer letters. Some are great. The majority are not so great. The writers don’t tell stories well, and we’re convinced that’s because they don’t put enough thought into the elements that comprise those … Continue reading

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Why storytelling from the field matters

Culturally insensitive missionaries of the past always draw attention, but they’re not the larger story. The cover story in the current issue of Christianity Today reveals missionaries’ work as “the single largest factor in ensuring the health of nations.” Without effective reporting … Continue reading

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