Light Bearers

A young woman with long hair smiles while standing outdoors with trees in the background. She is wearing a bright pink Los Angeles Lakers t-shirt.

Impacting Lives: Shady’s Story

by Ty Gibson

We’ve just had our ARISE discipleship program graduation, and I have to tell you about one student named Shady, on whom you’ve had a tremendous spiritual impact because of your generous financial…

Three men are smiling and laughing in a split-screen view during a video call. The left man has a beard and wears a black shirt; the middle man wears headphones and a black shirt; the right man has light hair and a black shirt with white stripes, and books are visible behind him.

Global Connections, Lasting Impact: the Light Bearers Live Sessions

by Ty Gibson

When was the last time you cried because you realized the depth of God’s love for you? Do you remember? I have to share with you a message our team recently received because…

A plate of avocado toast topped with sliced boiled eggs, tomato, and sprouts is on a wooden surface. Fresh tomatoes and knife with a fork are beside the plate. Sliced salmon is in a small bowl in the background.

THE SIN OF UNENJOYMENT

by Ty Gibson

Once I posted a picture of a meal I made on social media. Somebody who saw it asked me, “Don’t you have more important things to do with your time?” More important than…

A dark statue of an angel stands illuminated in a dimly lit setting. The angel has wings and is draped in a robe while holding a horn in one hand and pointing upwards with the other. The background is shadowy, highlighting the intricate details of the angel and surrounding architecture.

Michael the Archangel: A Response to Pastor Eric Mason’s Allegations that Adventism Is a Cult

by Ty Gibson

Eric Mason (@pastoremase), a prominent Christian preacher and author, recently made a reel on…

A person wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans sits on a couch with pink cushions, facing another person on a wooden chair in what appears to be a therapy session in a white-walled room with wooden flooring.

ADVENTISM AS WORLDVIEW

by Ty Gibson

When I was a kid, there were only two things I knew with absolute certainty: pain and love. Suffering defined my existence. Horrors haunted our little home—the horrors of…

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If I Were the Devil

by Anneliese Wahlman

I had a couple of big fears as a kid: 1) boa constrictors and 2) quicksand. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve happily realized that neither quicksand nor boa constrictors are the everyday struggles of adulthood that I…

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By the Grace of God, I Can, Part 2

by Alyssa Johnston

Ishmael was a Pioneer Bible Worker for Riverside Farm Institute in Zambia. Justin (Ishmael’s brother-in-law) and Steven (a seasonal worker from Tanzania) were studying Truth Link together with Ishmael. Using the…

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Experiments of Mercy

by Ty Gibson

“Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20). Every human being is, by nature, obsessed with self. This includes you and me. Self-centeredness is…

Three people are laughing and enjoying themselves while swimming in a serene body of water surrounded by lush green trees. The person in the center, wearing a red swimsuit, is the focal point, while the other two smile and swim nearby. The sky is partially cloudy.

How Ellen Went from Fearful to Faithful

by Anneliese Wahlman

“This is so dry,” Ellen thought to herself as she looked at her Bible, feeling shame for thinking such a thought about the Bible and the simultaneous urge to let her eyes glaze over the words. Though raised in a loving…

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The Unexpected Cure for Loneliness

by Anneliese Wahlman

“You can do this. You have a good reason to be here,” I assured myself as I walked over to our new neighbor’s house. My family was new in town and my brother Nick, who has the social anxiety of Spongebob, had already…

A diverse group of seven young adults, smiling widely, take a selfie together outdoors. They seem happy and joyful, capturing a moment of camaraderie. The background is blurred, focusing attention on their cheerful faces.

ARISE Discipleship Program Transforms Lives

by Ty Gibson

In May, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary of running the ARISE discipleship program in Australia. The impact has been nothing short of astounding. Much of that impact is measurable. …

A person wearing a red shirt sits in a church pew with their head resting on their hand, appearing deep in thought or prayer. An open Bible and a pair of glasses are placed on the bench in front of them.

By the Grace of God, I Can, Part 1

by Alyssa Johnston

“Do you really think you can do this work?” His brother-in-law began peppering him—the venom in his words was nearly visible as he spoke. “Do you think you are some kind of pastor? Are you really able to do…

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Now You’re Speaking My Language

by Anneliese Wahlman

There’s a joke that says if you speak two languages, you’re bilingual. If you speak three, you’re trilingual. If you speak one, you’re American. During a recent…

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From Verbal to Visible: Sharing God’s Love

by Shawn Brace

We used to have a neighbor, Richard, whom we adopted as our “grandfather.” We’d have him over for dinner, bake him cookies, take him to dialysis, and help him maneuver around his house when he was bed-ridden. He joined…

A group of people dressed in winter clothing stand together, appearing to sing or speak. They are wearing jackets and scarves, with lanyards around their necks. The background is indoors, featuring a gray wall and wooden beam.

Bridging the Gap: Reconnecting Youth with the Gospel

by Anneliese Wahlman

“Ty, your presentation made me angry,” the young woman said, her brow furrowed. The large beams of the auditorium towered over them as they talked, like a mini cathedral. …

A busy street market scene with many people walking, shopping, and some on motorcycles. Colorful stalls and a variety of goods can be seen. Buildings and shops surround the area, and a signboard for a supermarket is visible in the background.

Preaching the Gospel to Those in Power

by Alyssa Johnston

If you had the opportunity to share the gospel with the president or prime minister of your country, would you have something to say? What about a governor or mayor? Most Christians are aware that Jesus wants us to share the…

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From Skeptic to Believer: My Instantaneous Conversion Story

by Ty Gibson

When I was 18 years old, my mom and my girlfriend conspired against me on my behalf. They sent this goofy looking pastor dude, in a suit and tie, with a big smile to knock on my bedroom door and witness to me. …

A close-up of two hands reaching out toward each other against a clear, light blue sky. The hand in the foreground is reaching upward while the hand in the background is reaching downward, suggesting an act of offering help or seeking connection.

How to Succeed in Ministry

by Ty Gibson

“Hi, Ty! My name is Rob. I know you’re busy, but I’ve seen the goodness of God through your preaching in a way I’ve never seen before and I was wondering if I could get your perspective on something.” …

A heavily damaged building with a large, gaping hole in the center, exposing the bright blue sky and white clouds in the background. The facade shows missing walls, shattered windows, and crumbling concrete, indicating significant destruction.

Love in a Time of War

by Angelo Grasso

"Mykolaiv...Mykolaiv...There, I found it." One year ago, I was zooming in on Google Maps to locate the city where Karina last told us she lived. It was in southeastern Ukraine. A port city. My shoulders sank. This was an…

A man and a child lie on their backs on a bed, smiling warmly. The man with glasses embraces the cheerful child who has curly hair and wears a brown sweater. Both appear relaxed and happy, sharing a tender moment. The background is soft, light-colored bedding.

The Key to Passing on Your Faith

by Angelo Grasso

“But why?” If you’ve raised children, you’re familiar with this innocent, yet sometimes dreadful, question. Before becoming a parent, I thought I would always have…

A person dressed in athletic wear is captured mid-air, jumping with arms and legs spread out in a dynamic pose on a paved incline. The background features a bright sky and modern buildings with minimalistic architectural details.

How Jared Found His Deep Gladness

by Anneliese Wahlman

Most people are thrilled when they’re told that they’ve been accepted into medical school. Jared was disappointed. He tried to be excited as he shared the news with friends and family, but he felt like…

A group of people seated closely together, some holding or writing in notebooks and others holding books. The focus is on the hands and torsos, with faces not visible. The setting appears to be a lecture, seminar, or study group.

The Best Way to Answer for Your Faith

by Anneliese Wahlman

Normally, if you’re just meeting someone, it’s awkward if they cry in front of you. Maybe extra awkward if they’re crying over a Zoom call and you can’t hand them a tissue and mumble, “Sorry.” But when I spoke…

A person stands on a rocky shoreline at night, holding a flashlight and pointing it towards the sky. The ocean stretches out in front, calm under a star-filled sky. Distant clouds on the horizon softly glow, illuminated by faint light.

There Is Hope in Your Dark Night

by David Asscherick

If there were Olympic Games for the person with the saddest story in all the Bible, obviously Job would take the gold medal, but do you know who I think would take silver? Jacob. His story has always fascinated and attracted…

A close-up of a water droplet falling into a body of water, creating concentric ripples. The droplet is captured mid-air just above where it will impact the water's surface, reflecting the surrounding light and creating a sense of tranquility.

No More Holy Water

by Alyssa Johnston

In the eastern province of Zambia, in the Chadiza district, Thomas Mule was riding his bicycle. His smooth, dark skin was glistening from the heat of the sun. You would not know it by his looks, but he had been pedaling for…

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Don’t Look Where You Want to Go

by Anneliese Wahlman

A few months ago, my boyfriend told me he hated me. Well, actually, he said we should go hiking, but it’s the same thing. After work, we drove to the Manitou Incline in…

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Crisis After Crisis: What Can We Hold Onto?

by Ty Gibson

Anxiety levels are rising worldwide. Surely you have noticed, while, no doubt, trying not to notice. Jesus described the final chapters of human history as involving “men’s hearts failing them from fear and the…

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We Are Them

by David Asscherick

“Father Steve” was a fixture of my childhood. He was the longtime minister of the local Episcopalian church my parents attended. I remember him being kind and funny. I remember the strange robes he would wear on Sunday.…

A person takes a photo of a group of three individuals standing near a window. One man, in the center, is giving a thumbs up and smiling widely. Another man and a woman stand beside him, both smiling. A seated person in the foreground is looking away.

The Most Un-Boring Thing Ever

by Ty Gibson

I want to tell you about a 17-year-old girl named Alycia whose life you’ve changed. She sent me the following text: “I’ve been to countless retreats, revivals, and conferences, but never before have I experienced such…

A person with a somber expression is sitting in a dark room, intently reading or praying with a partially opened book in their hands. The low light highlights the book’s pages and the person's hands, while the rest of the surroundings are in shadow.

No, You Don’t Study God’s Love Enough

by Anneliese Wahlman

My mom is one of those off-the-grid, homesteading types. She has a garden, a root cellar, and even a composting toilet that utilizes sawdust, which actually isn’t as weird as you’d think. Unless, of course, you get…

A young girl with braided hair claps and smiles joyfully among a group of people. She wears a red and white dress and is surrounded by individuals of various ages, some also smiling and clapping. The background is a blur of colors and faces.

God Didn’t Show Up, You Did

by Anneliese Wahlman

It was a hot, muggy day in the Kenge territory of the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when Yanvu Joseph saw a tent flapping in the breeze. Maybe he overheard people talking about the tent in one of the six…

A close-up, blurred image of a person holding a fishing rod near the water's surface, with ripples forming around the rod in the calm, dark water. The scene is dimly lit, evoking a tranquil, contemplative mood.

The Language of Love

by David Asscherick

What if I said this to you? “You should dead drift an olive wooly bugger, with just a touch of swing, right through the gut and watch for a flashy, butter-colored…

A close-up shot of a glass of red wine viewed from above, with visible bubbles on the surface. In the background, out-of-focus beige flatbreads rest on a wooden table, adding a rustic feel to the scene.

John’s Communion

by Nathan McKee

Can you think of a friend who seems to stand out from the rest? Perhaps it’s because he or she does things a little bit differently from others, or has experienced life uniquely, and because of this, offers unique…

A person sits at a wooden table with their head obscured by a tall stack of books. Their arms rest on the table on either side of the stack, and an open book lies on top of the pile. The person is wearing a green shirt.

John 14:15—Command or Prediction?

by Nathan McKee

“If you love me, keep my commands” (NIV). “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (ESV). Above…

A group of four people sit together indoors, engaged in reading books. The focus is on a young woman with a ponytail in the foreground, smiling while reading. The background shows three other individuals also absorbed in their reading.

Freedom From Uncontrolled Chaos

by Anneliese Wahlman

“I’d been drinking and I was involved in an accident where a life was lost,” Edgar’s voice is somber but clear. It’s hard to picture Edgar and his wife, Nicole,…

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Words

by Ty Gibson

Words are the building blocks with which we construct sentences in order to convey ideas, form perceptions, ascribe meaning, and tell stories. We are linguistic creatures because we are creatures made in the divine image.…

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Be A Spring

by Nathan McKee

Have you ever seen something almost every day of your life, hardly noticing it until you see it in a new light and start appreciating it more? This seems to happen to me more now that I have kids—they have a way of…

A rural scene showing a couple of small houses set within a grassy, dry landscape. One house is made of concrete with a metal roof, and two men are at the doorway. Nearby is a wooden structure and another house with brick walls and a conical roof.

A Battle for Jesus

by Alyssa Johnston

“Tuli pa Nkondo ya Yesu. Pioneer, tigwile nchito. Yesu commander watu, Bible chipolopolo.” Translated from Zambian Chichewa: “We are in a battle for Jesus. Pioneers,…

A vast, tumultuous ocean is depicted with dark, choppy waves under a heavy, overcast sky, creating a moody, somber atmosphere. The horizon is barely visible due to the dense fog.

Why Your Struggle Is a Good Sign

by Anneliese Wahlman

“When I first arrived, I thought, ‘This is the worst decision I’ve ever made!’” At 23, my oldest sister, Becky, enlisted in the army and soon found herself in hot, sticky Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic…

A vast desert landscape with rolling sand dunes under a pale, clear sky. The dunes are a rich shade of orange and stretch out into the horizon, creating a sense of both beauty and barrenness.

Of Perils and Tyrants

by David Asscherick

In his excellent book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson writes, “All the wisdom and strength of the ancient world were in Mesopotamia and Egypt…Mesopotamian power and Egyptian wisdom were…

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You Were Made for Freedom

by Anneliese Wahlman

“My addictions are my comfort zones and, if I leave them, well, I'm scared I won't know how to handle myself.” You might not do cocaine or meth, but, on some level, we…

A group of children and young adults standing outdoors, holding papers and looking at the camera. Some wear colorful clothing and headscarves. There are trees and other people in the background, suggesting a community or group gathering in a rural setting.

The Request God Never Made

by Anneliese Wahlman

“I. Want. To. Go. Home,” the pastor exclaimed to the auditorium. He wasn’t talking about returning to his bungalow in the suburbs. He was preaching about Jesus taking us to heaven. He used his pauses dramatically,…

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Get in the Word for Yourself

by David Asscherick

Get in the Word for yourself. Get in the Word for yourself. Get in the Word for yourself. Get in the Word… That’s really all I want to say in this…

A group of people, both standing and sitting, pose cheerfully outdoors in front of a building surrounded by lush greenery. They show various fun expressions and gestures, some lifting each other or striking humorous poses. The mood is lively and joyful.

Saved From a Deep Hole

by Ty Gibson

“I was in a really deep hole and Jared pulled me out.” Those are the words of an 18-year-old young man named Noah, a current ARISE student, who testified to me and his…

A small, fluffy lamb with black markings on its face and legs stands on a tiled floor, looking up. The tiles appear dark gray and have a slightly worn texture. The lamb's wool is predominantly light-colored, contrasting with the dark tile.

The Secret to a Happy Life

by Anneliese Wahlman

You probably don’t know many four-year-old children with depression, but when my grandma was that age, she was depressed—so depressed, in fact, she stopped eating, laid in bed, and only spoke when necessary. She should…

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The Exodus

by Ty Gibson

Exodus is a book for people in trouble. People who are controlled by external forces, and by internal forces too. …

A close-up of green clover leaves, including several four-leaf clovers, covered in water droplets. The leaves display a heart-shaped pattern in lighter green at their centers. The background is lush and vibrant.

Patrick, the Patron Saint of Dreamers

by Anneliese Wahlman

When you think of Saint Patrick’s Day, you likely think of shamrocks or sporting green, but Patrick’s life was full of drama and adventure rather than luck and leprechauns. …

A person wearing a green graduation cap and gown is seen from behind, standing against a stone wall and looking slightly to the side. The background is a bright white, highlighting the individual.

How Molly Saw God

by Ty Gibson

Molly Bwalya is a student at the University of Lusaka, Zambia. We all know why people go to universities: to get an education, in order to get a job, in order to get money, in order to provide one’s material…

Aerial view of a dense forest blanketed in snow, with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. The landscape appears serene under a light-seated fog, adding a mystical ambiance to the winter scene. The horizon fades into the misty sky.

Two Key Words

by Ty Gibson

Words carry meaning. I say “cat” and immediately an image pops into your head. I say “dog” and the image changes. Some words mean little some mean a lot. And some words mean so much that reality itself would implode…

A person stands on a stage in front of a large screen displaying the word "DIFFERENT" in large, block letters. The individual is wearing a plaid shirt and jeans, and there are multiple lights on both sides of the stage.

Think Different.

by Anneliese Wahlman

Back in 1992, IBM launched an ad campaign with a single word: think. It was brilliant because who doesn't want to be regarded as a thinker? But then, in 1997, along came Steve Jobs and Apple who launched what is regarded as…

A pastel-colored art piece features a soft background gradient of pinks, blues, and purples. Silhouetted in white at the bottom are figures walking toward a bright star in the sky, evoking a sense of journey or pilgrimage.

A Political Christmas

by Ty Gibson

The prophet Isaiah foretold the first advent of Christ with the words, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). …

A speaker in a brown "DSCPL" t-shirt presents on stage with a microphone, gesturing with hands. He is in front of an audience, and a large screen beside him displays an image of a man photographing a person in a white outfit near a body of water. The backdrop reads "MAKE IDEAS HAPPEN.

When a Movie Teaches You About the Bible

by Anneliese Wahlman

As a species, we’re kind of obsessed with love stories. They’re in everything we read, write, watch, and talk about. We can’t help but root for the guy to get the girl or for the girl to finally be noticed and for them…

A narrow, paved pathway stretches through a dense forest shrouded in thick fog, obscuring the distance. Tall trees on either side have sparse, autumn-colored leaves, and a thin layer of fallen leaves lines the edges of the road. The atmosphere is tranquil and eerie.

Grief and Gratitude

by Frank M. Hasel, PhD

“Gratitude exclaims, very properly, ‘How good of God to give me this.’” —C.S. Lewis Twelve years ago, I lost my wife to breast cancer. It was by far the most…

A large group of people poses for a photo inside a building, holding certificates. Behind them is a colorful stained glass window. In front, there is a table with electronic equipment and a few seated individuals. Some wooden benches are visible in the foreground.

Double-time Distribution in Zambia

by Anneliese Wahlman

Mimi ni mwanadamu aliyechanganyikiwa. Je suis un humain confus. Esmu apmulsis…

A child in a yellow shirt draws with a pencil on paper. The image focuses on the hands, with the right hand holding the pencil and the left hand resting on the paper. The background is blurry and out of focus.

Notes Left Behind

by Elise Harboldt

“Look! I drew you something!” If you’re friends with any little kids, you know how special it is when they draw you something. Whether it’s a lopsided heart,…

A person is seen in silhouette, standing in front of a large window with grid-like panes. The window offers a panoramic view of a cityscape under an overcast sky, creating a contemplative and introspective atmosphere.

Am I a Bad Christian if I Don’t Feel Like Praising God?

by Anneliese Wahlman

“You’re obsessed!” My friend Elise laughed at me as she sat down on my bed. The month before, my mom, step-dad, and I went to watch a movie called JoJo Rabbit for my twenty-eighth birthday, and I fell in love…

Close-up, black-and-white photo of a person with eyes closed, clasping hands near their face. Windswept hair partially obscures their face, casting a shadow. The mood appears reflective and somber with dramatic lighting and contrast.

How Literature And a Prayer Changed the Future of a Prostitute

by Anneliese Wahlman

There were no child services to take care of Margret and her brother when they lost their parents. Two of the hundreds of thousands of orphans in Tanzania, they grew up along the shores of Lake Victoria. Margret managed to…

A solitary person stands in the distance on a sloping field, with a clear sky overhead. The person is illuminated by sunlight, while the surrounding area is partially shaded. The overall image conveys a sense of solitude and vastness.

Growing Up

by WayAnne Watson

One Thursday evening this past February, I gathered up a can of tomato paste, old newspaper, dry coconut husk, sewing scissors, and a grocery bag of bright-colored envelopes. Squatting on the ground, I wrapped the can of…

A person wearing a black jacket and knit hat is smiling while looking down at their smartphone. The sun is shining brightly, creating a lens flare effect and casting a warm glow on the scene.

TikTok, the Gospel, and the Future of Light Bearers

by Anneliese Wahlman

YouTube was founded in 2005. Today, 16 years later, 82 years worth of video content is uploaded to YouTube every day (or 500 hours every minute). To put that in perspective, you could grow up, go to school, get married,…

A glass bottle with a rolled-up piece of paper inside rests among pebbles and rocks beside a river. The background features a lush, slightly blurred landscape with a small wooden structure on a hill, creating a mysterious, serene atmosphere.

Inside Information

by Elise Harboldt

“You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” –Psalm 51:6 Would you rather have the ability to fly or to…

Three people sit around a table engaged in conversation. One person with long hair and glasses is smiling, while another wearing a beanie listens attentively. The third person, seen from behind, is wearing a wide-brimmed hat. A book and a can of soda are on the table.

She Found Her Voice

by Anneliese Wahlman

“So, what do you think is going to happen in the future?” The guy sitting next to Maria in one of her classes at the University of California in San Diego turned to her abruptly and asked. “I feel like an apocalypse is…

An abstract image featuring a blend of vibrant colors, including shades of green, purple, and pink, with fluid, wavy patterns and varying bubble-like textures throughout the composition. The overall effect is dreamy and ethereal.

How to Win People

by David Sherwood

I work at a school for special needs children. Historically, there’s been very little effort expended to help people with mental illnesses, and when there was more help, only the wealthy could afford it. Eventually, with…

A man in a gray shirt hands a package to another man in a plaid shirt and red cap. They stand on a street with blurred figures passing by. In the background, an open blue door and a dark interior are visible. A white box is on the ground between them.

The Worst Publishers Ever

by Light Bearers

Play. Pause. Translate. Play. Pause. Translate. It’s the early 1980s in China. A small group is listening to a cassette tape recording of a Bible study. They…

A serene mountain landscape at dusk with layers of dark silhouettes of mountains fading into the distance. The sky is a gradient of purple and pink hues, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Small clouds hover above the peaks in the background.

This One Question Will Help You Trust God More

by Angela McPherson

In the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. –Romans 4:17, ESV How…

A person sits on a bench, holding and reading a newspaper that covers their face. They are dressed in a striped shirt, and the background shows out-of-focus urban surroundings with hints of graffiti and other people in the distance.

Unbelievable

by Ty Gibson

The gospel is good news, not good advice. It doesn’t tell us what we must do but rather what God has already done for us. And what He’s done for us is so monumental and complete that we literally can’t add anything to…

A woman wearing a white sweater and ripped jeans holds hands with a young child in a knit hat and sweater as they walk barefoot along a sandy beach, leaving footprints behind them. The ocean waves gently lap at the shore under a soft, warm light.

God Is Like a Mom

by Anneliese Wahlman

When it comes to metaphors of God’s love, Fathers often get the spotlight. They no doubt communicate God’s love in an irreplaceably unique way. But Scripture tells us that it takes both genders to understand the fullness…

A historic photograph shows a large battleship docked at a pier, adorned with flags and naval decorations. Numerous people, including sailors and civilians, are gathered on the dock and aboard the ship, while some onlookers observe from a distance.

The Power of Dolphijn’s Hand

by Light Bearers

Ghana’s Adventist history is said to have started with literature. In 1863 Adventism found its way into West Africa through literature. It wasn’t an official church…

A serene view of a mountainous landscape under a clear sky. Snow-capped peaks rise above a blanket of clouds, with the horizon tinged with soft hues of pink and blue, creating a tranquil and ethereal atmosphere.

Faith That Thinks

by Elise Harboldt

“I wish I could believe in God, but I’ve never heard Him explained in a way that made intellectual sense. He might as well be the Easter Bunny.” These are…

A person wearing a leopard print headscarf looks upward with a thoughtful expression, resting their chin on one hand. The background is plain and light-colored, focusing attention on the individual's facial expression and pose.

Go and Sin No More: Winnie

by Meiring Pretorius

Winnie is a changed woman. Her life was on the path of destruction, which, in turn, was destroying many others’ lives. But Jesus has changed the trajectory of her life completely and forever. …

A stunning view of a narrow canyon with smooth, flowing rock formations in shades of orange, brown, and blue. The ground is sandy, and the light filters in, creating a play of shadows and highlights on the canyon walls.

Grace Supersedes Sin

by Ty Gibson

It’s astounding how much enlightenment can be packed into a single sentence: “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20, KJV). …

A group of students, dressed in matching colorful clothing with red ties for men and red accessories for women, are seated in a classroom. They are smiling and appear engaged in a presentation or lecture. Some students have books and bags on the desks in front of them.

The Great Commission in Magomeni Church

by Light Bearers

As told by Pastor Protus Makimu The Magomeni Church in Tanzania has been richly blessed by the continued donations of literature from Light Bearers. We’ve…

The image displays a soft focus of bokeh lights in shades of pink, white, and light purple. The lights are scattered, creating a dreamy and abstract background with a smooth gradient transition to a pale blue on the left.

Coming for His Bride

by Ty Gibson

Once I began a sermon by asking the congregation to shout out the first thing that came to mind when they thought of the Second Coming. One guy yelled, “It won't be a…

A serene, snow-covered mountainous landscape under a bright overcast sky. Smooth, undulating hills of fresh, undisturbed snow create a peaceful and pristine winter scene, with distant peaks barely visible through the fog.

A Little Bit More

by David Asscherick

Do you love snow? I’ve always loved it, but today I love it a little bit more. You see, I’ve lived in sub-tropical Australia for the last six years. “Cold” there is 50° Fahrenheit. So, as you might’ve guessed, it…

A group of children are outdoors, engaged in reading and sharing papers. Two girls are wearing woven clothing and shawls, one reading a paper while another smiles at the camera. Other children and adults are in the background, holding more papers.

Sharing the Water of Life

by Stephanie Van Koten Hinger

Each year Light Bearers is privileged to provide more than 20 million pieces of gospel literature in local languages to developing countries—all printed, packaged, and shipped free of charge to regions in need of resources…

A silhouetted image of a person kicking a soccer ball into the air at sunset. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, and the horizon glows with golden light. Two other silhouettes stand in the distance, watching the scene.

The Red Rope

by Light Bearers

As told by Bible worker Emmanuel Kadima Christian Lema was born into a Roman Catholic family in Mbanza-ngungu, a small town west of Kinshasa, the capital…

A cozy winter scene with a cream-colored blanket draped on a surface, adorned with a string of warm white fairy lights. In front of the blanket are two painted pine cones, a walnut, and an unpainted pine cone, creating a festive, rustic atmosphere.

Love Matters Most, Part 12

by Anneliese Wahlman

Love Brings Us Face to Face with Ourselves “This is true weed whacking!” my roommate said as she attacked the two forests that were my eyebrows with a pair of…

Two young girls walk arm-in-arm down an empty urban street. One wears a black dress with white polka dots, and the other wears a floral dress. They face away from the camera toward a distant brick building with large windows.

Minds Differ, So Assume The Best

by Ty Gibson

Probably the most important and yet challenging discipline to which the Christian is called is to love with a kind of love that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians…

A group of children and teenagers curiously peer through a doorway or window opening, with several trees and additional children visible in the background. One child is holding a book. The scene is outdoors, and the mood appears to be one of interest and attentiveness.

An Answer to a Prayer and a Provision to Fulfill a Vision

by Light Bearers

The following report was sent to us by Pastor Thomas Ongasa: In 2012, God called me to step down as president of a local mission/conference faith-based ministry.…

A string is suspended with clothespins holding leaves that transition in color from green on the left, through yellow and orange in the middle, to red on the right, showcasing the gradient of autumn foliage. The background is plain and light-colored.

Love Matters Most, Part 11

by Elise Harboldt

Love Never Fails Murphy’s Law states that everything that can go wrong will. I don’t think it’s true, but the law seems to describe 2020 quite well. As if a global…

A blended image showcasing the U.S. Capitol building on the left side with a classic church building on the right side. The center of the image is blurred, creating a transition effect between the political and religious structures.

Politics and Religion: The Diabolical Union Almost Nobody Sees Coming

by Ty Gibson

I'm not a Republican and I'm not a Democrat. I'm not a conservative and I'm not a liberal. I’m a follower of Jesus,…

A collage of a woman with long hair expressing various emotions. The top row shows stress, anger, and sadness; the second row shows extreme anger, sadness, and a "stop" gesture; the third row shows anger, headache, and frustration; and the last row shows sadness and confusion.

How to Communicate During Election Season (and Other Situations Where You’re Tempted to Be a Jerk)

by Anneliese Wahlman

“What is that? It smells like something died in here,” my friend bellowed after we got in my car. I’d definitely noticed an odor coming from my car’s…

Shattered pieces of a ceramic plate, predominantly white with some blue parts, scattered across a gray, textured surface. The fragments vary in size and shape, spreading outward in different directions.

Love Matters Most, Part 10

by Ty Gibson

Love Does Not Rejoice in the Failures of Others. My best friend and I were trying to master a challenging skateboard maneuver. The goal was to dip down from the shallow end…

Person with curly hair and wearing earrings leans over a balcony railing, gazing downwards. The background is an out-of-focus cityscape at dusk, with colorful lights and a soft blue sky.

Go and Sin No More, Part 3

by Meiring Pretorius

Catherine was raised in a loving Christian family of four in Morogoro, Tanzania. She was the only child in the family who had the opportunity to receive higher education at the University of Dar es Salaam. It may be painful…

An exploration of forgiveness and when it's okay to withdraw from a relationship

On the Nature of Forgiveness and When to End a Relationship

by Ty Gibson

There are traits and talents latent within you that can only be brought to active expression when you are in healthy, honest relationships. By remaining in destructive relationships, you are suppressing your unborn…

A crowd of protesters kneeling with one person in the foreground raising a clenched fist. The people are wearing face masks and holding signs, with a sense of unity and determination. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the raised fist in the center.

Love Matters Most, Part 9

by Anneliese Wahlman

Love Believes the Best of Others When you see _ _ NNER, what’s the first word your brain makes? BANNER? TANNER? Heaven…

A person with neatly manicured nails rests their hands on an open book with a bookmark that reads "Your Word." The person is wearing rings on their fingers. The book appears to be a Bible, with readable text on the open pages. The setting appears calm and focused.

Go and Sin No More, Part 2

by Meiring Pretorius

Amina grew up in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania under the care of her loving parents. In university, she pursued computer science. Upon completion, Amina was hired at Tanzania’s Ministry of Labor headquarters in Dar es Salaam.…

Three crumpled pieces of paper are scattered across a flat surface with several sheets of smooth, white paper underneath them. The image portrays a sense of discarded ideas or attempts.

Love Matters Most, Part 8

by Elise Harboldt

Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs Did you know that God practices a voluntary form of amnesia? It’s true. The only One who knows everything about everything chooses to block…

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Escaping the Big One

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Growing up in earthquake territory, I was keenly aware that while no one knew when, everyone anticipated “the big one.” Earthquake drills in school, tremors, and even actual midnight earthquakes kept the apprehension…

Silhouetted figures of two people sitting on a bench, facing each other and engaging in conversation. Behind them is a large screen displaying a tranquil beach scene with the ocean, rocks, and birds flying in the sky.

Go and Sin No More, Part 1

by Meiring Pretorius

Nelly is an Australian lady who worked as a prostitute around the world. However, today she is a faithful missionary of the Word of God in Australia and beyond. This is her story. …

A long, empty road stretches through a desolate landscape, flanked by rugged hills on either side. The sky above is dark and ominous, with thick clouds suggesting an impending storm. The scene has a dramatic and moody atmosphere.

Love Matters Most, Part 7

by Ty Gibson

Love is Not Provoked I have a problem in the kitchen. Every time I attempt to boil water, it boils over. This, of course, creates a terrible mess. But this is a small…

A clipboard holds a piece of paper displaying an anatomical drawing of a human spine. The background features faint sketches of human skulls and other anatomical illustrations. The image has a clinical and educational feel.

The Straight Truth

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

An antagonist is typically someone who is against us. Defined as an opposing, limiting, nullifying force, the antagonist does not carry a positive connotation. In the world of physiology though, a healthy balance of life…

Two side-by-side photos of two people in a room. The person on the left is smiling and wearing a black shirt. The person on the right has a neutral expression and is wearing a light-colored, striped shirt. Both are standing in front of wooden cabinets.

A Desire to Share

by Meiring Pretorius

Stories from Tanzania: Richard and Jackson One thing stands out in all my interviews with people when listening to their conversion stories: there is a fresh desire to share…

A person wearing a white headscarf adorned with small yellow embellishments smiles at the camera. They are outdoors, with a beach setting and greenery in the background. A blackboard with colorful writing appears behind them.

God’s Muslim Children

by Meiring Pretorius

When I arrived in Tanzania, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church was in the middle of a satellite evangelism program. I wanted to visit one of the sites, so a local church elder picked me up from the hotel. …

Close-up of a fresh salad in a white bowl. The salad contains green leafy vegetables, red onion slices, chickpeas, and croutons, topped with a light dressing. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the vibrant colors and textures of the salad.

Metabolic Syndrome

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Various studies show that somewhere between about 25-35 percent of adults in America and 50 percent of those 60 years of age or older are estimated to have metabolic syndrome. These are staggering statistics. Potentially 3…

A hand holding a compass in the foreground, with lush green mountains and a cloudy sky in the background. The person appears to be on a mountain summit, overlooking a scenic landscape with rolling hills and valleys.

Love Matters Most, Part 6

by Anneliese Wahlman

Love is Not Self-Seeking I have a friend who wears a t-shirt that says, “I have gone to find myself. If I get back before I return, please keep me here.” …

A bright, glowing sun peeks over the horizon of a planet, casting red and white light rays into space. The planet's surface appears illuminated, with visible terrain patterns and a dark expanse of space in the background.

Signs of the Second Coming

by Ty Gibson

Dear Friend of Light Bearers, With this worldwide pandemic, it feels like we're on the precipice of a great disaster. …

A detailed close-up 3D rendering of a virus particle, prominently featuring a spherical shape with a textured, orange surface. The surface is covered with blue and green spike-like structures. Blurry background shows additional similar particles.

Balanced Defense

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

For a while now we’ve been in the throes of the coronavirus. Most of us have never experienced empty grocery store shelves, social distancing, and unemployment due to a virus. Because COVID-19 is novel, one we’ve never…

Close-up shot of several people's hands holding and using smartphones. The image focuses on the screens and hands, with blurred details in the background and surrounding people. The scene suggests a group engrossed in their mobile devices.

Love Matters Most, Part 5

by Elise Harboldt

Love is Not Rude My heart sank as I checked my Facebook notifications. I had commented about emotions I was feeling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While I’m confident of…

A woman with long, brown hair sits with her hands clasped and eyes closed, appearing deep in thought or prayer. The background is blurred, with various indistinct objects and a cool, blue-toned ambiance.

Love Matters Most, Part 4

by Elise Harboldt

Love Does not Parade Itself It’s easy to criticize the Pharisees, but I think we have more in common with them than we realize. …

A person with hair in a bun, wearing a brown shirt, holding a large bunch of fresh green leafy vegetables in front of their face against a plain light gray background. Their face is completely obscured by the vegetables.

GLV

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

During the telegraph era, humans started to formulate abbreviations to communicate. Today, abbreviated texting lingo abounds. It is referred to as SMS language or textspeak. I am admittedly slow with cultural change, but I…

A serene landscape at sunset featuring a silhouette of a large acacia tree. A vehicle drives along a dirt road flanked by trees and dusty plains. The sky is illuminated in warm golden hues, casting a soft glow over the scene.

Where Ministers Can’t Be Heard

by Meiring Pretorius

As a publishing correspondent for Light Bearers Ministry in Africa, I have the privilege of listening to literally hundreds of people tell me their conversion stories. I see lives who are touched by God’s powerful Word…

A close-up, colorful 3D rendering of a virus, showing a round, spiky surface with purple and turquoise structures protruding from it. The background is a soft blend of white, purple, and blue gradients with other blurred virus particles in the distance.

Scarier Than Coronavirus

by Ty Gibson

In Matthew 24, Jesus warned that as the end of human history approaches a number of signs will increase in frequency and intensity. The spread of contagious diseases is in His list. The coronavirus it's pretty scary for a…

A person dressed in colorful traditional clothing walks past a weathered, yellowish wall with a blue-framed window. Another person stands partially visible in a blue doorway, facing indoors. The scene appears to be in a historical or cultural setting.

Whose Business Is It?

by Meiring Pretorius

As told to Meiring Pretorius by Ilunga Kazembe, Northern Zambia: It was a Sunday. I was going home from visiting some students who were enrolled to study the Discover…

A metal scoop overflows with black-eyed peas, with additional peas scattered on a gray surface. The peas are cream-colored with distinctive black spots. The image conveys a sense of abundance and the texture of the legumes.

Black-eyed Peas: The Unfailing Friend

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Black-eyed peas are not pizza or hamburgers. That’s for sure. Black-eyed peas are associated with soul comfort food. However, I don't think the amount of black-eyed peas consumed in the United States can even be compared…

A dense forest filled with tall trees, half-shrouded in thick, white mist. The fog creates a mysterious and serene atmosphere, with the silhouettes of tree tops gradually fading into the haze, giving a sense of depth and tranquility.

Love Matters Most, Part 3

by Anneliese Wahlman

Love Does Not Envy Kids believe weird stuff. For example, I have a friend who, when he was young, didn’t think girls pooped. I guess, for him, femininity and bodily…

A metal tray containing surgical scissors and other antique medical instruments is displayed on a table. Nearby, there is a white ceramic bowl with cotton balls, and more medical tools are visible in a leather roll-up case in the background.

What to Do When You’re Accused of Stealing Organs: A Literature Report from Zambia

by Anneliese Wahlman

“They don’t want to teach you about the God of the Bible. They just want to harvest your organs and use them for witchcraft.” When you’re holding an evangelistic…

A group of small, round tomatoes is scattered on a white background. The tomatoes vary in shades, from bright red to a yellowish-orange. The colors and shine make them look fresh and ripe.

Wonder Berry

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Zingy, zesty, and bright. That's how some describe the taste of gooseberries. Others say they're like sour grapes. Scientific circles refer to them as Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinal. In Sanskrit…

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Love Matters Most, Part 2

by Elise Harboldt

Love Suffers Long I ran my first marathon at 23. The first half was a breeze. By mile 18, I felt sore. At mile 23, a young man ran up beside me and asked:…

A person's arm extends upward, reaching for a rock ledge on a cliff face. The cliff's surface is jagged and striped with shades of brown, gray, and rusty hues, emphasizing the rugged texture of the rock.

If You Feel Like Giving up on Your Resolutions…

by Anneliese Wahlman

“Whenever I feel the need to exercise, I just sit down until it goes away.” I found this snarky saying printed on a little plaque, stored in a box of my junk from high…

A bustling street market scene filled with people wearing colorful clothing. Vendors are selling goods from carts, motorcycles are parked nearby, and in the background, there are multi-story buildings and a sign reading "Market Siemear." The atmosphere is lively and vibrant.

Sharing Hope and Healing

by Light Bearers

Report from the Northern Conference, South Africa By Pastor Corrie Venter Sharing Hope and Healing is…

A person stands in the middle of a snowy landscape, leaving footprints behind in the snow. The sun is setting or rising between distant mountains, casting a warm glow over the scene. The sky is clear with a few clouds near the horizon.

Love Matters Most, Part 1

by Ty Gibson

When Martyrdom Doesn't Matter Shortly after I became a follower of Jesus, somebody in a group Bible study said something that was kind of like theological shock therapy for…

A blood glucose meter reading 4.8, a syringe, a lancet device, test strips, a pill bottle, and a small blood sample on a white surface. These items are used in diabetes management for monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels.

Insulin Resistance, Part 7

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Diabetes for Dummies I spend time with a woman every other month who uses words such as "dummy," "stupid," and "idiot" when describing herself. As she acknowledges what…

A long, straight road stretches into the distance, flanked by tall mountains on either side. The sky is overcast, casting a dramatic, moody atmosphere over the landscape. The road is wet, reflecting a hint of light, with yellow markers lining the edge.

But Now

by David Asscherick

Presently, for my local church, I’m in the midst of a preaching series on the book of Romans, called All Roads Lead to Romans. And the next sermon is on one of my three favorite passages in Romans: chapter…

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Expectations

by Ty Gibson

Have you ever expected one thing and gotten another? Once while traveling to Germany, I expected a small, gutless, compact rental car, because that’s what I reserved.…

Insulin Resistance, Part 6

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Shortly after finishing her master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University, Ana Montes was hired at the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). What the DIA didn’t know was that she already had been hired by the Cuban…

Eight young children in school uniforms smile and lean out of a large window opening in a concrete wall. Their uniforms are white, and they look happy and engaged, each with unique expressions. The window frame is rustic and unfinished.

Boost for São Tomé and Príncipe

by Meiring Pretorius

São Tomé and Princípe is a small country located on the seacoast of West Central Africa, just under the equator. With a population of approximately only 200,000, São Tomé and Príncipe is a peaceful country. It has few…

A serene, foggy forest scene with a dirt path, surrounded by tall trees adorned with autumn foliage in shades of orange and brown. The path, lined with fallen leaves, curves slightly as it disappears into the bright mist, creating a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.

Centered, Safe and Free

by James Rafferty

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). …

Insulin Resistance, Part 5

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Growth doesn't occur without resistance of some kind. Sometimes the strongest resistance we face when pursuing change is from ourselves. How do you feel when you think of going back to school, joining the gym, losing weight,…

A crowd of people raising their hands outdoors, illuminated by warm, natural light. The background is blurred with the silhouettes of trees, creating a soft, serene atmosphere. The image captures a sense of unity and celebration.

Celebration and Stolen Salvation

by Meiring Pretorius

This year, 2019, the Seventh-day Adventist Church marks one hundred years of its existence in Rwanda. A celebration was held on August 31. It was a high Sabbath. About 50,000 Adventists packed into the Mahoro stadium in…

A silhouette of a man with a beard is visible in the foreground, illuminated by a torch he holds, casting a warm, flickering light in the dark surroundings. The background is mostly black, emphasizing the glow of the torch and the contours of the man's face.

Covenant Cutting

by Ty Gibson

Get three animals, cut each of them in two, straight down the middle, and lay the pieces across from one another to form a pathway between the three sets of severed pieces. …

Insulin Resistance, Part 4

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

These articles on insulin resistance are an attempt to provide reasons for resisting the typical approach to managing diabetes. I find that when the focus is primarily on blood sugar readings, we tend to forget the larger…

A person rides a bicycle down a dusty, sunlit dirt road surrounded by sparse trees and vegetation. The sun is low, creating a golden glow and long shadows, imparting a serene and warm atmosphere to the scene.

A Publishing House Report from Kenya

by Meiring Pretorius

In a Different Army I met him near Kisumu City in Western Kenya. His name is Dyvan Fred Khakame. He served as a counselor and "pastor" in the Salvation Army, led the…

Silhouette of a person raising a clenched fist against a vibrant, orange sunset sky, symbolizing triumph or solidarity. The sun creates a glowing backdrop around the figure's head and arm, highlighting the dramatic effect.

God Identity

by James Rafferty

From an early age Jesus knew who He was. He was only 12 when Joseph and Mary questioned His whereabouts and He simply said, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke…

Insulin Resistance, Part 3

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Removing the reason for resistance is the most effective remedy for the need to resist that I can think of. If you remove injustice, overcome hate, restore harmonious existence, you eliminate the need for war and resistance…

A large outdoor gathering of people, many of whom are holding up books or documents. They are seated under trees and appear to be engaged in an event or activity. The background shows buildings and a lot of greenery.

Pubs Close, Doors Open

by Meiring Pretorius

In May 2018, Pastor Mark Finley and his team conducted a series of evangelistic meetings in Mwanza, Tanzania, with satellite sites in all districts of South Nyanza Conference. A few satellite sites were also established in…

A person wearing glasses reads from an open book, standing on a stage with a bright light shining behind them. The person is holding the book in their left hand and touching their chin thoughtfully with their right hand. The light creates lens flares in the image.

Weekend Warriors: ARISE Intensive Report

by Anneliese Wahlman

We typically think change has to take a long time, but you can actually accomplish quite a lot in just a few days. Like traveling to the moon if you’re Neil…

A man with short dark hair and a mustache is glancing sideways and smirking. He is wearing a beige button-up shirt and is set against a dark, blurred background. The lighting highlights his facial expression, giving the image a playful and mischievous vibe.

How Can I Share Jesus and Not Make It Weird?

by Anneliese Wahlman

A while ago, some friends and I who were raised going to church were discussing an important question: How can you share Jesus with secular people and not make it—for lack of a better word—weird? …

A solitary figure stands at the end of a long, narrow pier extending into a calm, expansive body of water under an overcast sky, giving a sense of isolation and vastness. The scene is moody with muted blues and grays.

The Accuser and the Advocate

by Ty Gibson

There's a lot going on inside your head. What shall I have for lunch? Is my anniversary coming…

A group of individuals dressed in striped prison uniforms are gathered in a room with light-colored walls. Some are standing while others are seated or kneeling on the floor. Most of them are looking toward the camera, holding books or papers.

Bible Lessons Behind Bars

by Meiring Pretorius

Kateregga Kyembe served seven years in Luzira Upper Prison for a crime he did not commit and was released on March 19, 2018. He was found innocent and suffered unnecessarily because of Uganda's poor legal system. A survey…

Insulin Resistance, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

As a freshman college student, Martin Luther King Jr., became “fascinated by the idea of refusing to cooperate with an evil system” and fighting against it while holding to his Christian value of love.1 Jesus…

A serene night sky filled with stars illuminates three snow-capped mountain peaks. The largest peak stands prominently in the center, with the others on either side. The dark silhouette of the mountains creates a striking contrast against the glowing night sky.

The Revelation of Relational Integrity

by James Rafferty

What is Relational Integrity? Relational = “concerning the way in which two or more people or things are connected” …

Insulin Resistance, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Resistance comes in many varieties and forms. Nancy Wake was a New Zealand born Australian who married a wealthy Frenchman and settled in Marseille in 1939, a year before Germany invaded France. Upon their invasion, she and…

A large group of smiling people outdoors, standing and sitting on grass in front of lush greenery. They are wearing matching T-shirts with various designs featuring circular patterns. Some individuals are standing, while others are seated or kneeling in front.

The Best Job in the World

by David Asscherick

I’ve heard quite a few people say it: “I have the best job in the world.” I always like it when I hear that, because it makes me feel really happy for the person that says it. And I’m one of those people. I say it.…

A person wearing a patterned headscarf and wrapped in a green and white shawl stands outdoors, holding up a pamphlet titled "Yachunguzani Maangalio!" The background features a hilly landscape with lush greenery.

The Sabbath Safari

by Meiring Pretorius

We were entering a Tanzanian open market where a young Muslim woman was selling her produce. While waiting for customers, her attention was absorbed in a piece of literature from Light Bearers. The pastors and elders with me…

A close-up photo of a gray cat with closed eyes, sleeping peacefully on a soft white surface. The cat's ears, whiskers, and part of its head are visible. The background is blurred and bright, highlighting the relaxed posture of the sleeping cat.

Whatever Helps You Sleep at Night

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Don’t mess with my sleep. That’s just a fair warning. In truth though, when you hear about the increased airplane accidents associated with exhausted pilots or medical errors from sleep-deprived physicians, a warning…

A misty forest scene with tall trees shrouded in thick fog. The sunlight filters through the mist, creating a warm, ethereal glow. The trees stand in silhouette, giving the image a mysterious, tranquil atmosphere.

Strange, Secret Longings

by Ty Gibson

“What may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by…

A man wearing a white shirt, gray pants, and a tie speaks passionately to an audience from a stage in a large indoor venue. He uses expressive hand gestures, and the audience listens attentively. There is a podium and a large screen to his left.

You Are Invited… Back to the Beginning!

by Ty Gibson

In ancient times, the people of God considered it vital to their spiritual well-being to spend time in one another’s presence before the Lord. They saw themselves as many individuals that together composed one corporate…

A person with short hair stands near the shore, facing the sunrise or sunset with arms outstretched. The sun shines brightly behind, creating a warm glow around them. The sky is partially cloudy, and the ocean waves gently crash in the background.

Freedom from Bondage

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1). I love that! He set you at liberty for the sake of freedom, no strings attached. It is God’s design that all of His creation thrive in the context of…

A person stands on a rocky outcrop with arms outstretched, silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky. Vast desert plains stretch into the distance, with mountains on the horizon and scattered clouds adding depth to the scene.

It’s Alleluia Time

by James Rafferty

Nations had leagued together to war against Jerusalem. Fearful, King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord. Through a messenger God assured him of unconventional victory. How? Through praise. They “stood up to praise the Lord God of…

A group of people sitting in a line, including children and adults, wearing colorful traditional attire. The focus is on a young woman with nose rings, smiling slightly, and there are others in the background, also dressed vibrantly and looking at the camera.

Light in India

by Meiring Pretorius

When I walked into one of India’s many temples, it felt like I was entering the realm of darkness. Creepy to say the least. In one corner, six men (Hindu priests I presumed) were chanting and praying loudly to a…

Extreme close-up of a person's eye with a blue iris and hints of green and yellow around the pupil. The eye is surrounded by light skin, and a portion of the eyebrows and eyelashes is visible. The reflection of a window can be seen in the eye.

Comfortable in Your Own Skin

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

What does it mean to be comfortable in your own skin? What does that look like? I recently asked these questions to my youth Sabbath school class. We briefly remembered…

Close-up of multiple large rolls of light-colored fabric, some with frayed edges, tightly packed together. The texture and layers are prominent, with the fabric curling inward in a spiral pattern. The overall impression is one of softness and complexity.

The Remnant of What?

by James Rafferty

The last book of the Bible speaks of a group of people who will follow God to the very end. He identifies them as the “remnant” that “keep the commandments of God” (Revelation 12:17). …

A person is seated at a wooden table, leaning back with a hardcover book covering their face. The table has a small vase with flowers and a red coffee cup. To the left, there is a magazine rack with several publications. The background wall is plain and white.

B Sure, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

During a time of upheaval in our nation, Lou Gherig, America’s baseball iron horse, received a diagnosis that completely changed his life. In the face of his own uncertain future Lou Gherig stood before over 60,000 people…

A group of people seated closely together, attentively listening to something or someone off-camera. Some individuals are holding notebooks and pens. The setting appears to be an indoor event or gathering with dim lighting.

Abundant Life in South Africa

by James Rafferty

One of my favorite Bible verses of all time is John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and…

A person wearing a red jacket sits at the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast fjord surrounded by towering mountains under a cloudy sky. The dramatic natural landscape creates a sense of solitude and awe.

Better Than Norway

by David Asscherick

I don’t know about you, but I love a good road trip. There’s something really satisfying about covering large distances while listening to a great audiobook or inspiring music. I’ve always thought the point of a truly…

A close-up of a person holding an open Bible, with their right hand poised to turn the page. The text on the visible page includes a passage from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. The background is out of focus, drawing attention to the Bible.

Revolutionize Your Picture of God

by Ty Gibson

We live in a world in desperate need of a revolution. In cosmology, the word revolution refers to “the rotation of a celestial body on its axis.” From that…

A dense forest shrouded in thick fog. The trees, mostly evergreens, fade into the mist, creating a layered effect. The atmosphere appears quiet and mysterious, with the fog obscuring the depth of the forest and adding a sense of serene tranquility.

God, the Minor Prophets and You

by Light Bearers

Sandra Haynes, who attended this year’s Convocation, applied her poetry skills to encapsulate some of the keys points the speakers made from the writings of the minor prophets. For the poetry lovers out there, you will be richly blessed by this…

B Sure, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

The early 1930s was a time of great uncertainty. Prior to President Roosevelt, our nation was uncertain of its leadership. Investment uncertainty existed after economic collapse. Among the working class there was uncertain…

Two hands are positioned in a praying gesture against a dark background, with light subtly illuminating them, highlighting the serene and contemplative mood of the image.

Politics and Prayer

by James Rafferty

According to Scripture, what are our responsibilities to our governments? The answer is found in the Bible. Joseph and Mary set an example of complying with government census and taxes (Luke 2:1-5). Jesus affirmed their…

A wooden cross stands prominently in a field of tall, dry grass, bathed in soft sunlight against a clear sky. The grass sways gently in the breeze, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Fundamentals

by James Rafferty

There's a controversy astir in the evangelical world nowadays about one of the fundamental beliefs of my own denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It’s not the Sabbath or the investigative judgment. It’s not…

Five eggs of varying shades of brown are precariously balanced on top of each other against a light blue background. The eggs create a vertical stack, with the darkest egg at the bottom and the lightest at the top.

Protein Trivia

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Did you know that without the special protein albumin, your body would swell up with water like a balloon? Without the protein rhodopsin our eyes wouldn’t be able to see light. Without hemoglobin in our red blood cells,…

A vibrant fireworks display lights up the night sky with bursts of red, white, and pink colors, creating dazzling patterns and trails of light. The dark background emphasizes the brilliance and intensity of the fireworks.

Releasing Resolutions

by Anneliese Wahlman

It’s the New Year. Time to make plans to lose weight, learn a new language, become a new you. Just look on Instagram and you’ll find people who can teach you how to…

Close-up image of a pedestrian traffic signal with green lights showing a walking person symbol, indicating it's safe for pedestrians to cross. The signal is mounted on a metallic pole with a modern building facade in the background.

How to Get a Life

by Anneliese Wahlman

In case you didn’t catch the story, recently, a group of guys from a YouTube channel called Yes Theory, a channel created by four friends who spend their time doing crazy feats and documenting their experiences, challenged actor Will Smith to…

Testimonies from Zambia

by Meiring Pretorius

Sweeter Than Honey A young man with an impressive name, Ernest Mukwekwe, was not satisfied with how the truths of the Bible were being taught in his church. Ernest was earnest to know the Lord. Someone handed him a Bible lesson from Light…

A clear plastic water bottle with a black cap stands upright on a dark surface. The background is softly lit, creating a gentle glow around the bottle, which reflects some of the light. The scene is simple and minimalist.

The Purifier, Part 5: Deep Detox

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Medical residents regularly exposed to chronic stress were found to have elevated white blood cell counts. White blood cells are a crucial part of the body’s defense against invasion, sickness, and disease. They search out and destroy invading…

Blurred image of snowfall with evergreen trees in the background. Snowflakes are gently falling, creating a serene winter scene. The background trees are out of focus, giving prominence to the snowfall in the foreground.

Rooted and Grounded in Love

by James Rafferty

Paul prays, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17). Rooted and grounded are agricultural and building terms that describe Paul's desire for us to…

A snow-covered, forked path in a wintery forest. The ground is blanketed in snow, and the trees are bare, their branches frosted. The scene is quiet and serene, with two paths diverging, leading into the dense, snowy woods.

When You Need to Know God’s Will but You’re Scared of Making the Wrong Choice

by Anneliese Wahlman

For my eighteenth birthday, my mom gave me a card that read, “I used to live each day as though it were my last. But people got tired of hearing me scream, ‘I’M GONNA DIE!!! I’M GONNA DIE!!!’ Hope your birthday’s a scream.” Funnily…

A large group of people, mostly women and children, pose outdoors holding certificates. They are smiling and appear to be celebrating an achievement. Some people are standing, while others are kneeling or sitting on the ground. There are buildings and greenery in the background.

East-Central Africa Division report

by James Rafferty

Each year Light Bearers Ministry sends containers of literature to developing countries all over the world. Each container holds about 2 million tracts and often includes Bibles and other inspired books like The Great Controversy and The…

The Purifier, Part 4

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

I was 19, ignorant, and trusting. A woman who lived near the college I was attending convinced me that I needed to go on a "seawater cleanse." It lasted about 10 days. I don’t remember the particulars of the program, except that I fasted for many…

A close-up of a water droplet captured in mid-air as it splashes into a smooth water surface, creating concentric ripples. The image has a blue tint, giving a serene and calming effect.

To Be His

by David Asscherick

“David, I’m so judgmental. I’m just so judgmental of others. I need Jesus. I love Jesus. He can change my heart, because I’m very judgmental of those who are not like me.” And there were tears that ran down the cheeks into a beautiful…

The image shows the Australian flag fluttering against a light sky. The flag features the Union Jack in the upper left corner, a large white seven-pointed star below it, and the remaining four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation on a blue field.

My Battle Standard

by Karl Lindsay

If you were to walk into my office, one of the first things you would see as you enter is the large flag that hangs on my wall. My flag travels with me when I move to a new place or achieve something significant. I have a photo somewhere of me…

A person holding a sign that reads "FORGIVENESS" above their head. They are wearing a white t-shirt with the words "I'm sorry." The image is set in an urban environment, with a few other people around and construction barriers in the background.

Enmity in the Air

by Ty Gibson

One time when I was in the fifth grade a fight broke out during recess. All the kids were gathered around yelling as two boys were punching and kicking one another. What I remember most is feeling nervous and sick to my stomach. That’s what the…

The Purifier, Part 3

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

In 1984, Michael Jordan received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and an Olympic gold medal. It was a good year. He wore a pair of pinkish Converse tennis shoes at some point that year, supposedly even in the Los Angeles Olympic games. Decades…

A narrow path, flanked by tall hedges and vibrant autumn trees, stretches into the distance under a misty sky. The foliage showcases shades of orange, yellow, and brown, creating a picturesque, serene atmosphere typical of a peaceful, foggy autumn day.

Prone to Forget

by Fred Bischoff

Peter’s last recorded words (2 Peter 3) highlight the importance of memory and the danger of ignorance. A person can’t remember something he is ignorant of. But when a culture is “willingly… ignorant” (3:5), its new generations…

People sitting in a row, attending an event or meeting, with their focus on taking notes in open notebooks. The image captures a close-up of their laps and hands, highlighting notetaking and engagement.

What A.A. Taught Me About Church

by Anneliese Wahlman

Note: some names and minor details in this post have been changed to protect privacy. Lots of people complain about millennials: we’re shallow, entitled, lazy, we don’t know how to do anything useful. We’re pretty much the equivalent…

A couple is running hand in hand on a sandy beach toward the sea. The man is wearing a dark suit, and the woman is wearing a white dress. The sky is overcast, creating a soft, muted atmosphere. The couple's backs are turned to the camera.

Three More Keys to a Great Marriage

by Ty Gibson

Just yesterday a friend in his 30s said, “I went to a wedding last week and was blown away to find out that nearly all of my friends from college are already married and divorced.” Divorce has become so common, we basically expect it…

The Purifier, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Air and water purifiers operate off the concept that invisible contaminants are lurking in the atmosphere around us, in our aquifers and watersheds. Transforming and removing these contaminants is how we purify indoor air and drinking water. Last…

A large gathering of people is seated and standing in a spacious room with high ceilings and wooden beams. One person at the front, standing on a platform, is speaking and gesturing with their hands raised. The audience appears attentive and engaged.

Majoring in the Minors

by James Rafferty

They are called the Minor Prophets because of their size, not their spiritual depth. Hidden in these little books of the Old Testament are found sublime pictures of God’s unrelenting love. That’s why this year we plumbed their depths to mine…

A vibrant, star-filled night sky with the Milky Way galaxy prominently displayed above a dark, rugged mountain range. The sky features hues of purple, pink, and blue, creating a mesmerizing contrast with the silhouette of the mountains below.

3,500 Light Years Away

by Light Bearers

On June 15 of this year, Cambridge University scientist Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) was buried between Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. A physicist and cosmologist of the highest rank, Hawking is believed to be the greatest scientist of his…

The Purifier, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

The dictionary definition to purify is: 1. to make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates. 2. to free from foreign, extraneous, or objectionable elements. Detoxification is a modern word that represents this…

A group of people standing in a river, some in white clothing, appear to be participating in a religious or ritualistic ceremony. They are surrounded by onlookers on the riverbank, some of whom are dressed in dark clothing. The scene is outdoors with lush greenery in the background.

Every Piece a Bullet

by Meiring Pretorius

Rwanda is still busy healing from its deep and sensitive scar. The horror of the satanic killings that began on the morning of April 7, 1994 is still fresh in the minds of the survivors. More than one million victims, the survivors’ family and…

A blonde child dressed as a superhero, wearing a red mask and a yellow cape, faces the camera with a confident expression. They extend a clenched fist forward in a superhero pose. Another child similarly dressed in a yellow cape and red mask is partially visible on the right.

Honest Gabe

by Anneliese Wahlman

The best policy I’m not a parent, but from watching my sister Catie and her kids, it seems to me that it is a truth universally acknowledged that a mother trying to maintain a semblance of control is in want of a child who will keep…

Three Keys to a Great Marriage

by Ty Gibson

Someone has said, “Marriage is like flies on a windowsill. Those on the outside want in, and those on the inside want out.” Well, I've got better news. It's possible to be on the inside of marriage and want to be there. I've been on…

AGE-less

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

As I turn 50 this month, I have to admit, the concept of being ageless is rather appealing. I would love to know how to age less. One way of minimizing the impact of aging is by decreasing AGEs. Rather than referring to the lapse of time, AGEs are…

ARISE and the Youth Revival of Our Church

by David Asscherick

There is a genuine revival taking place among the youth and young adults of my local church. Read that first sentence again, please. And again. This is not a hyperbole or exaggeration; it’s the wonderful, God-glorifying truth. Let me tell you…

News Flash: Burkina Faso

by Meiring Pretorius

“At least 35 people have died and 90 more were injured after a series of attacks in Burkina Faso, believed to have been conducted by Islamic extremists. Seven soldiers were killed in the country’s capital Ouagadougou after gunmen open fired on…

Sour Wine

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

In the year following her CHIP attendance, Angie lost over 100 pounds. Recently, Angie shared her story with the current CHIP class. Gasps were heard around the room as she told of her weight loss journey. She was flooded with questions like,…

Climbing and Hiding

by David Asscherick

Lately, I’ve been taking my teenage sons, Landon and Jabel, to the climbing gym. I was introduced to rock climbing by two close friends, a young couple named Tim and Tanya, when I was a teenager. On my first day, I had to be essentially rescued by…

A Feast In July

by Ty Gibson

Light Bearers Convocation is right around the corner, July 3-7. If you’ve never attended, you’re missing out. "Convocation" is a big, old word. We don’t necessarily like big words, but we do like old words with big meaning. This word basically…

The CHIP Highway

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Carl had the typical cardio metabolic syndrome profile: diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. He approached me after a week into the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) that I was leading at the…

Rescued in Christ—Part 2

by James Rafferty

Has Jesus given eternal life to every person? What we can say with biblical clarity is that the life and death of Jesus purchased temporal life for everyone. This is Paul's argument to the Athenians in…

A Channel of Light

by James Rafferty

As I moved through our publishing house today, checking the inventory, I felt a sense of urgency to get literature out the door. Things are changing. The world is changing. The ability to send gospel-filled containers around the world is…

Detoxing the Lifestyle

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

A 24-year-old male teacher began to have deviant thoughts of doing harm to his students. He sought professional help and complained of depression, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and anxiety along with the thoughts of inflicting harm. The…

A stone crucifixion sculpture of Jesus Christ, attached to a brick wall under an arch. The letters "INRI" are placed above Jesus' head. The scene is dimly lit, casting shadows and highlighting the contours of the figure and the structural details.

The Foolishness of the Cross

by Fred Bischoff

Jesus’ words, “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63), explain the mess the world is in. Except for the human Jesus, we each are born “of the will of the flesh” (John 1:13). This is human nature left to its sinful condition. It gives to us…

Land of Fire and Warm Hearts

by Ty Gibson

One of the best experiences I’ve ever had as an evangelist was in Malawi. I preached from a wooden platform constructed of an odd mixture of wood, sheet metal, bricks, and colorful cloth. Speakers were hung in trees. There were a few chairs, but…

Close-up of a small evergreen sapling growing on a moss-covered forest floor. The soft, diffuse lighting creates a serene, natural atmosphere. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting the vibrant greens of the sapling and moss.

Rescued in Christ

by James Rafferty

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). Paul tells us that when the…

A person stands on the beach at sunset, silhouetted against the glowing horizon. Waves gently roll onto the shore, and the sky is painted with shades of pink, orange, and purple. The scene exudes tranquility and contemplation.

From Here, We Can Go Anywhere

by Anneliese Wahlman

We all have a moral compass that guides us. It keeps us from punching the people who upset us and lets us know we need to apologize for telling our sister she’s fat. But we also experience a sort of silly guilt for things that aren’t really…

A heart shape is drawn on a foggy window, with colorful bokeh lights in the background, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere. The bokeh lights are out-of-focus, ranging from yellow to red tones.

When the Wedding Is Over

by Anneliese Wahlman

To some of us, they were Aunty Carol and Uncle Dave. She was small like a bird and sweet as honey. He was tall, practical, and kept a hundred stories tucked away in his pockets to share with the students assigned to him during the work period. They…

A silhouette of a person is seen sitting in a dimly lit room, with a faintly visible face against the bright bokeh lights of a city street through a window in the background. The atmosphere appears moody and reflective, suggesting nighttime.

Invisible Possibilities

by Meiring Pretorius

The Eastern and Western Tanzania Conferences organized a series of public evangelistic meetings for June 2017. With 300 Seventh-day Adventist churches in the city of Dar es Salaam and every church hosting three separate sites, the effort was huge…

Silhouette of a person in mid-air running inside a modern building with a geometric-patterned wall. The highly polished floor reflects the running figure, creating a dynamic and energetic scene.

Energy

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Found within all human cells (with the exception of red blood cells) is the ability to produce energy—energy that enables action, maintenance, movement—and life in general. Microscopic structures called mitochondria are the key players in these…

A person with long brown hair stands facing the ocean, with a dark, sheer fabric wrapped around their head, obscuring their eyes. They are wearing a light-colored shirt. The background features a calm sea and an overcast sky.

Unbelievably Diabolical

by Ty Gibson

It's no secret that Christianity is dying in Western countries. There are a number of factors contributing to this trend, but maybe the biggest is the fact that mainstream Christianity is asking the world to believe two doctrines that together…

A clear bowl filled with cereal in milk, topped with an assortment of seeds and nuts, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. The bowl is placed on a white surface.

It’s the Oats

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Holidays are over. The time to excuse our excess is behind us. Now, with a few extra pounds and a sense of guilt, we are on to making enthusiastic compensatory resolutions. It's reported that the majority of resolutions pertain to weight and health.…

A grayscale close-up of a person in a suit, visibly emotional, with a tear rolling down their cheek. They are wiping their eyes with one hand, their face expressing sadness or distress.

When Jesus Makes Everything New

by Elise Harboldt

Cracker crumbs stuck to his tie and broccoli to his teeth as Dr. Taylor told me his story. “She grew up in Texas, so she’d never seen snow.” He grinned. “The first time she saw it, she started twirling and dancing and laughing like a…

A person holding a lit sparkler against a blurred, soft blue background. The sparkler is emitting bright, colorful sparks and small bursts of light, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere. The hand holding the sparkler is slightly out of focus.

Looking Back to the Future

by Ty Gibson

“Let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4, NKJV). There’s a reason why so many treadmills end up at the thrift store. New Year's Resolutions are a popular…

A crowded street filled with numerous rickshaws, cars, and pedestrians. Overhead, cables hang haphazardly. The street is lined with storefronts, signs, and buildings fading into the distance, suggesting a bustling urban environment.

Doors Open in India

by Ty Gibson

It was November of 2001—November 5 to be exact. Sixteen years ago! That was the last time and the only other time that Light Bearers managed to get a container of gospel literature into India. Now God has again prevailed, this time through a…

A person in a red jacket stands on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking a vast fjord surrounded by steep mountains. The sky is overcast, and the landscape is shrouded in mist, creating a dramatic and serene atmosphere.

Trumping Fear

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Grasping in the dark for my phone, my terrified mind sought to force my trembling fingers to dial 911. It took hours to calm my nerves even after the police arrived. Fear is not a foreign emotion. I have often felt fear in the form of butterflies…

Snow gently falling in front of a dark, blurred background of trees, creating a peaceful, wintry scene. A layer of snow is visible in the foreground, accumulating on a flat surface, possibly a fence or ledge.

Infinite Empathy

by Ty Gibson

Emotions are a mysterious phenomenon. Think about it. A person’s smile has the power to make you feel something pleasant inside. A person’s tears can throw you into tears with them even before you know why they’re crying. The mere fact that…

A person stands on grassy terrain, holding a tall ladder that reaches up into the sky. The background features a vast, mountainous landscape under a bright, cloudy sky with golden light, suggesting a sunrise or sunset.

Silly Me, I Thought I Was Good

by Anneliese Wahlman

Besides things like rolling my brother down a hill in a cardboard barrel and convincing my sister to ride our pet goat like a horse, a lot of my childhood memories are framed around stories. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad reading to me…

A black audio cassette tape with "XIM" written on the label sits on a reflective white surface. The cassette is marked with "90" indicating it holds 90 minutes of audio and "Super Precision Mechanism" text at the bottom. The background is plain and white.

The Secret of Success

by James Rafferty

I was a baby Christian, just a few weeks old, when asked why I still listened to rock 'n' roll music. My response was quick and defensive. I've given my heart to Jesus, I go to church instead of bars, so it really doesn't matter what music I listen…

A close-up of a person's hand holding a white measuring tape. The tape is loosely wrapped around the fingers, with visible measurements marked in both inches and centimeters. The background is blurred and neutral, highlighting the hand and the tape prominently.

Skinny Fat: The Dangerous Oxymoron

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Pretty ugly, deafeningly quiet, make haste slowly, and vegetarian meatballs are great examples of oxymorons that make you smile when you think about what the words by themselves mean in contrast to what is conveyed by the phrase. There is one…

A young man with a beard sits at a desk, reading a large open book and holding a pencil. He wears a gray t-shirt and a jacket. Around him are other students, one of whom is looking at a phone. A water bottle and notebook are on the desk in front of him.

God’s Own Grapes

by David Asscherick

Every ARISE class is a miracle. And not just a miracle, but miracles upon miracles. Like a cluster of delicious grapes, each one is amazing in itself and the cluster magnifies the miracle all the more. The 2017 class was no exception! One of…

A pair of black-framed eyeglasses is centered on a clean, blurred background. The glasses have round lenses and a simple, classic design. The image has a cool, monochromatic color tone.

Why Is Adventism So Weird?

by Marcos Torres

Adventism is Protestant. And yet there is something about us that makes us weird. Hardly anything Adventism believes…

A tranquil landscape at sunset featuring a calm lake surrounded by fields and hills. The sun is partially set, casting a warm glow across the sky, which transitions from blue to orange, with a few scattered clouds. The scene exudes peace and natural beauty.

A Day in the Life of Light Bearers

by Ty Gibson

It's 6 AM and already 17 new emails have appeared in my inbox. No, wait, four more just arrived, so make that 21. By 9 o'clock there will be 40 or more. Here’s one from Stephanie, who coordinates literature shipments from Light Bearers. She is…

A plate with crispy fried vegetables, including broccoli, garnished with fresh dill. A small bowl of coarse sea salt is placed in the center, alongside a lemon wedge. The background features a light blue, textured cloth.

Salt in Circulation

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

From dead seas to living ones, embedded in white veins in the depths of the earth to its surface, salt is one of the world’s most precious commodities. At one time, salt was traded ounce for ounce with gold. Salt coins were used as money. Salt was…

A majestic mountain with jagged, snow-covered peaks partially shrouded in clouds. The rugged terrain features steep cliffs and patches of exposed rock. The light creates dramatic shadows, enhancing the textures and contrasts of the mountain landscape.

Surprise Victory

by Fred Bischoff

Do you like winning? And do you like surprises? Have you heard that the only way you can win in life’s ultimate contest is through the unselfish giving of genuine love? The meek and lowly win, and the braggarts and proud lose! Surprise! The…

A group of people, dressed in historical and religious attire, gather in a large room with stained glass windows. A central figure, possibly a monk or religious figure, stands in the middle with arms crossed, while others observe or engage in discussion around him.

The Continuing Reformation

by Ty Gibson

“The Protestant Reformation was the 16th-century religious, political, intellectual and cultural upheaval that splintered Catholic Europe.” That’s how the History Channel website defines the Protestant Reformation—as an historical event…

A close-up of a person holding a half-eaten sandwich filled with crispy fried chicken, lettuce, and other toppings. The sandwich is in a sesame seed bun, and the background is blurred, focusing attention on the sandwich.

An Effort of Nature

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Throughout much of the 20th century, atherosclerosis was thought of as a disease of the inside space of arteries, the lumen. Most of us considered this hardening and thickening of the arteries to be the result of excess lipids in the…

A truck with a CMA CGM container is parked in front of a building marked "Seventh-day Adventist Church West Kenya Union Conference." Several people are unloading items from the container.

The Great Big Power of Teeny Tiny Things

by Anneliese Wahlman

In 2005, a fresh-out-of-prison graffiti artist was asked to paint some murals in the office of a small startup in Palo Alto, California. As payment, the artist was offered thousands of dollars in cash or company stock. Eight and half minutes of…

A group of people are standing in a line on a street, holding various flags including Confederate and Nazi flags. Many are wearing casual clothing, while some have shields and helmets. The scene is outside with a brick building and trees in the background.

A Brutal Wakeup Call

by Ty Gibson

It’s 2017. Not 1526.1 Not 1863.2 Not…

A person wearing a purple shirt and glasses is giving a presentation, standing next to a podium, and gesturing with their left hand. The background features an indoor space with metal beams and fluorescent lighting.

Convocation Report

by Anneliese Wahlman

There are certain times in life when it’s important to be committed, to not stop halfway. Like when you’re getting married or shaving your beard. Then there are other times when it’s important to have the freedom to change your mind, like when…

A man kneels on a sandy beach with his hands clasped in front of his face, appearing deep in thought or prayer. The calm ocean and a clear blue sky stretch out in the background. He is wearing a light-colored shirt and jeans.

Why We Do What We Do

by James Rafferty

When it comes to spiritual things, do you know why we do what we do? The reason is this: “The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do…

A historic painting depicts a man in a monk's robe nailing a document to a church door while several onlookers, also in period clothing, watch intently. The scene is rendered in a reddish-pink hue.

95 Theses for the Continuing Reformation

by Ty Gibson

Martin Luther and John Calvin changed the world by the power of their good theology in spite of their bad theology. The Dark Ages from which they were emerging were very dark, indeed, and some of that darkness clung to the great Protestant Reformers…

A modern, abstract heart shape formed by a web of blue geometric lines and dots, creating a network-like structure. The shades of blue gradually darken from left to right, giving a gradient effect. The heart appears to be floating against a light grey background.

Interconnected

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Suffering from pain, debility, loss of quality of life, destruction and/or malfunction of bodily processes and tissue characterizes disease. Medical science has devoted itself to the study of disease and in so doing has specialized in categorizing…

A group of people stands together outdoors, posing for a group photo. They are smiling and wearing matching shirts with a circular design. The background features tall trees and green grass, suggesting they are in a park or forested area.

Go Ye

by James Rafferty

ARISE Australia is five years old and each year has been a wonderful experience. The dedicated staff of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference and the workers directing the program make the impact of this 15-week Bible school…

Two men are seated at an outdoor table covered with papers, pens, and a cellphone. One man, in a red shirt, is looking through documents, while the other, in a striped shirt, is writing on a paper. They appear focused on their work. Branches and barrels are visible in the background.

There Is No Greater Power Than the Power of Testimony

by Ernest Chazya

At Riverside Farm Institute we feel that God has been working in many amazing ways, so we just must share some of them with you! Our Education Department now runs two classes of students each year. Towards the end of each program, before the…

A gray cat is peacefully sleeping on a soft, light-colored striped blanket. Its head is resting on the blanket with its eyes closed and ears relaxed, creating a serene and comfortable scene.

Sweet Sleep

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Time is central to planet Earth. Every facet of this globe is regulated to some degree or other with time. Creation was based on time segments. Separate and unique accomplishments were designed in each sequential day. Heavenly bodies were assigned…

A cozy library with long rows of bookshelves filled with various books. Hanging light bulbs illuminate the aisle, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The perspective extends into the distance, emphasizing the depth of the shelves.

Super Knowledge

by Ty Gibson

We are creatures of “knowledge.” Our entire existence is shaped by what we know and how we know. According to the Bible, there is a regular, run-of-the-mill knowledge, and then there is a kind of knowledge that operates at a deeper, wider,…

A hand reaches out toward a setting or rising sun over a calm body of water, with the sun's rays creating a serene reflection on the surface. The sky transitions from blue to soft orange hints, evoking a peaceful and contemplative mood.

My Prodigal Paradigm Shift

by Ethan Bird

My parents thought I was going to Ecuador to be a student missionary. I was really going so I could run away from God as I knew Him. I was drawn to the Latin surf scene, the gorgeous women, and the freedom to pursue my new pornography…

A young child with blonde hair, wearing a green hoodie, is seen from behind, holding a bouquet of red flowers extended towards a woman with long hair in a gray dress. The background is a bright, white brick wall.

I Wish I Could Tell Her "Happy Mother’s Day”

by Ty Gibson

My mom was a force of nature. As poet Barbara Kingsolver once said, “Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.” That was my mom. Fiercely independent, she left home at 15 and got a job as a waitress. The popular, cool…

Close-up of an open Bible showing the title page of "The Book of Ezekiel". Text appears black on white paper. The partial view of the page also includes some text about the theme and details of the book, but it's mostly unreadable.

Running Back and Forth

by Ty Gibson

Hello friends of Light Bearers! There are so many exciting things going on here at the ministry, I can hardly keep up. But I'd rather be busy than bored. I'm sure you feel the same. I recently read in Ezekiel the mind-blowing fact that we’re…

Freshly baked loaf of bread, partially sliced, sits on a wooden surface. The bread is dusted with flour, and the background is soft and neutral, highlighting the rustic appearance of the bread.

To Strengthen Man’s Heart

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Reportedly there are 195,000 species of plants which produce edible parts that could be consumed by humans. How many of those 195,000 species do we consume? Approximately 17 plant species provide 90 percent of our food supply. Grains constitute the…

Three cyclists, wearing helmets and colorful racing attire, speed down a road during a race. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing their rapid motion and focus on competing.

Draft Away, Part 2

by David Asscherick

I recently did the Rainbow Ride, a local 102.5-mile (165 km) race. It was my first large group ride, and it was awesome! The ride starts with a steep and winding climb, followed by a fast descent, and about 30 miles (50 km) of relatively flat…

A single green plant with vibrant leaves stands out amid a background of numerous dried, brown, curled leaves, creating a striking contrast between life and decay.

5 Types of Adventist Extremists and How to Avoid Being One

by Nelson Fernandez

I've been an Adventist all my life. While others adopted into it, I was born in it and molded by its culture (cue Batman-Bane meme reference). Because of this, I've seen all kinds of people literally come and go in our church. One of the hardest…

A small, fluffy bird stands alone on a sandy beach, surrounded by a few scattered seashells. The background is soft and muted, creating a serene and gentle atmosphere.

The Power of Vulnerability

by Jenny Gruzensky

That Thing We All Struggle With In her song If We’re Honest, singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli clearly articulates one of the biggest struggles of our culture: Truth is harder than a…

A black and white photo of a man with short hair, glasses, and a beard, smiling warmly. He is wearing a collared shirt and standing outdoors on a blurred background of trees and a pathway. The image conveys a positive and cheerful atmosphere.

God, Weed, and Greg: An ARISE Story

by Anneliese Wahlman

It’s the middle of August, 2015. Greg Fisher steps onto a Greyhound bus, takes a big whiff of recycled oxygen, and quickly scopes out his seating options. The plastic armrests feel like they’ve been painted with popsicle juice and the air is…

A close-up of a person's face, seen in partial shadow, peering intently through a small, irregularly shaped hole in a dark surface. Light shines through the hole, illuminating an eye and part of the face, creating a dramatic contrast.

When Jesus Put Shame to Shame

by Ty Gibson

If you know me at all, then you know that I am decidedly anti-coercion. And yet, if I could make every person on the planet listen to this audio message by my friend, Elise Harboldt, I would. Well, maybe I'm exaggerating for effect, but I'm hoping…

A small brown bird perched on a person's hand with green grass in the background. The bird's back is visible, and its wings are slightly spread. The scene appears peaceful and natural.

Fear Not

by Fred Bischoff

Fear is a tricky thing. In the biblical worldview it originated—of all places—in a garden named pleasure. It is the child of insecurity, the product of removing one's heart focus from the all-powerful, benevolent, pleasure-giving Creator…

A round ceramic baking dish holds six freshly baked muffins, each lined with white parchment paper. The muffins are golden brown with a slightly textured surface, suggesting they might be topped with nuts or seeds. The dish is placed on a light-colored surface.

The Migrating Motor Complex

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

The term migration, in the animal kingdom, refers to a phenomenon that portrays rhythmic cadence, routine, and structure. Whether of butterfly, bird, or fish, the intent of migration is typically to ansure healthy survival in response to…

A person with long sleeves is holding a large vintage globe in front of their face, obscuring their identity. The background is covered with numerous pages of newspapers or book pages, creating a textured, eclectic look.

Literature Reports from the World Field

by Meiring Pretorius

The Seventh-day Adventist Church membership in Zambia has doubled in the past 10 years, growing from 500,000 members to more than a million. With a population of 15 million people, Zambia has the highest Adventist Church growth rate in Africa, and…

Daughters of Eve

by Ty Gibson

Today is International Women’s Day. As for me, I’m a “ladies man,” but not in the way you are familiar with the term. My happiest childhood memories are of one summer with my grandmother, Eleanor, fishing, trapping critters, hiking up…

A Banker Sees an Opportunity

by Meiring Pretorius

“Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach. Such will obtain a reward proportionate…

Spinach

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Spinach is an extremely nutrient-packed vegetable. Its tender leaves and mild flavor have made it a versatile food. Interestingly, the cooler the temperatures and the more stress the spinach experiences while growing, the denser the vitamins and…

Going Counterculture

by James Rafferty

My 19-year-old daughter recently shared for our family worship some insights from a book she is reading for her university Bible class. When she finished, my mind went to the following scripture: "As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had…

The Lost Art of Evangelism

by Anneliese Wahlman

What I Take from the Compost Bucket I’m one of those people who can eat whatever is on my plate even if it looks like it was scraped from the bottom of the compost bucket, and I’ll still enjoy it—as long as it tastes good. I figure…

How I Can Love the Gospel and the Investigative Judgment at the Same Time

by Marcos Torres

I have two theological confessions to make. The first is that I am madly in love with the gospel. Seriously, I am. As an Adventist, a father and a pastor, the gospel is my everything. Jesus-only is my motto, my passion and my standard. After…

A Reality Check for Valentine’s Day

by Anneliese Wahlman

His eyes were blue, like an October sky. His hair was the color of sand off the beach, the kind you put in a bottle and take home for memories. I won’t mention his name, but it rhymes with schmichael. When he and I talked, I literally felt…

Changed and Inspired by Literature

by Meiring Pretorius

As I drove into the country of Lesotho, I typed into my GPS the address of the Lesotho Conference headquarters and followed the directions into the central part of Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. With the GPS it should not be too difficult…

The Improbabilities of Probiotics

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

If we readily saw the microscopic organisms swimming in lake water the way Antonie van Leeuwenhoek did, we would probably never venture in again. If we could see what lives on our teeth as Leeuwenhoek observed, we might not be able to stomach a kiss…

What the War’s About

by Ty Gibson

“War broke out in heaven…” (Revelation 12:7). Satan launched his revolt against God not with bullets and bombs but with subtly spun lies. The Greek word for “war” in the above text is…

Authority

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

“Who of you respect authority?” questioned the professor to those of us sitting in her classroom. I immediately raised my hand. Awkwardly, I realized that mine was the only hand raised. I was surprised but unshaken in my response. I respect…

Draft Away, Part 1

by David Asscherick

Have you ever heard of drafting? Sure you have, but perhaps not the kind of drafting I’m thinking of. Drafting can refer to: Refining several preliminary versions of a piece of writing. Governmental enlistment of young men…

A person with long hair, wearing a gray sweater over a white shirt, holds a lit sparkler. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the sparkler’s bright light and sparks. The scene appears to be outdoors during twilight or evening.

Rethinking Resolutions

by Elise Harboldt

Do you have a New Years resolution? I have a track record of failed resolutions. In 2013, I vowed to learn Spanish. In 2014, I promised to stop interrupting people. 2017 has arrived, and I’m embarrassed to say that no hablo español,…

A person with short dark hair stands on a mountain peak, facing away, overlooking a scenic landscape at sunrise or sunset. The sky displays soft pastel hues, and a distant, snow-capped mountain rises above a layer of clouds.

Reclaiming Mindfulness

by Elise Harboldt

Hey, you. Yeah, the person staring at the screen. I’d like to invite you to think about your feet. They’ve done a lot for you, so take a few minutes to acknowledge your ten-toed reality. How far have your feet travelled today? Have you ever…

A wooden crate filled with straw sits in the middle of a dry, grassy field under a night sky. A white piece of cloth drapes over one side of the crate, and a beam of light illuminates the scene, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere.

God in the Hood

by Anneliese Wahlman

Have you ever had one of those Christmases where your entire pajama-clad family is gathered together, the tree is wrapped in lights that shine à la star of Bethlehem, and mugs are filled with hot chocolate and freckled with…

A lineup of antique books on a shelf. The books have worn, leather-bound covers in various shades of brown and gray, with titles stamped in gold and colored labels. The spines show signs of age and use, adding to their vintage charm.

Traditional Adventism or Adventist Traditionalism?

by Light Bearers

“Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.… It is traditionalism that gives tradition such a bad name.” – Jaroslav Pelikan True “Tradition”…

A historical black-and-white painting depicts a bustling scene of religious activity. A monk is hammering a paper onto a church door surrounded by clerics, children, and townsfolk. Some read the notice, while others pray or chat. The setting is medieval with ornate architecture.

Protestants—An Endangered Species

by James Rafferty

On October 31, 1517, a young Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This single bold act set off a religious reformation that shook Europe and the world. Luther was later excommunicated by…

Lessons From the Book of Job: Elihu—Friend or Foe?

by James Rafferty

Elihu exemplifies one of the major reasons why we might not listen to what someone has to say about God. Young and obscure, Elihu presents a testimony that carries little weight among many intellectual greats. This may be one reason why God has…

A view of Earth from space with the shadow of a cross cast across its surface. The sun is partially visible behind the Earth, illuminating part of the planet, with North America prominently in view. The background shows a vast expanse of space and clouds.

What God Has Wrought!

by James Rafferty

This year flew by, but not without heaven making a notable impact on our world through your generous support of Light Bearers Ministry. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” (Psalm 126:3). Here are a few joyful…

A white bowl filled with vibrant orange turmeric powder is placed next to a wooden spoon, which also contains a small amount of the powder. A few pieces of fresh turmeric root are positioned beside the bowl on a white background.

Turmeric—One Who Is Victorious Over Disease

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Did you know that an estimated 80% of the world’s inhabitants rely on traditional therapies that have been used for thousands of years? Anciently, turmeric was used in places like China and India to aid digestion, improve liver function, treat…

A person with tousled hair is shown from behind, leaning forward with their head bowed. The image has a soft, hazy pink light that creates an ethereal and contemplative atmosphere. The person's shoulders and neck are visible, suggesting a sense of introspection or tiredness.

Job’s Marriage

by James Rafferty

Job’s wife usually gets a bad rap. As we read through the story of suffering, we’re tempted to view her as an evil character, undermining the faith of her husband. Augustine even named her “the devil’s accomplice.” I wonder if this is a…

A pair of checkered white and gray shorts is hanging from a clothesline with two wooden clothespins against a light gray background.

God in His Underwear

by Anneliese Wahlman

When I tell people how many siblings I have, their eyes usually grow to unflattering proportions and they say something like, “Wow. That’s a lot of kids.” You don’t say. None of us is adopted and no, we’re not catholic. My mom…

A weathered white lifebuoy with rope handles floats on the surface of a vast, teal-colored ocean under a light sky. Gentle waves surround the lifebuoy, suggesting a calm sea.

Unity: His strength in Our Weakness

by Rachelle Drury

I am the weakest link. Yep, I’ve long since known that I’m the first man down, or woman to be precise. I’ve felt rejection so often that I’m more surprised when…

A person dressed in traditional attire stands in a field of tall grass, facing away, and gazing at a vast landscape with rolling hills and a dramatic, cloudy sky illuminated by the setting sun. The scene is serene and expansive, with mountains in the distance.

How Far into Africa?

by Meiring Pretorius

Have you ever wondered how the gospel message will reach every person on the globe? Well, this is God’s promise in His Word according to Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the…

Close-up image of a Monstera leaf, showcasing its distinctive deep green color and the natural holes and splits that give it a unique, perforated appearance. The leaf's texture and vein patterns are prominently visible.

The Plantrician

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

You will not find this word in Webster’s dictionary, in a telephone book, or a listing of careers. The word plantrician was created to identify health care practitioners, such as physicians or clinicians, who are empowered with knowledge…

A shirtless person is swimming underwater, with bubbles surrounding their head as they move. The deep blue water creates a serene, immersive environment. The swimmer's arms are outstretched, and their dark hair is visible in the foreground.

Sink or Swim

by James Rafferty

The first crisis I can remember experiencing came when I was four years old and fell backward into a swimming pool. I couldn't swim and my mom was in another country… it seemed. I was going down for sure, but after a heroic effort and what seemed…

Surprised by Gentleness

by Anneliese Wahlman

I find it quite paradoxical how, on a given day, I can clean my kitchen so well you’d think I was Cinderella, but then the next day it looks like the shared apartment of a couple phlegmatic bachelors. Something tells me this shouldn’t happen,…

Silhouetted children run along a dirt path surrounded by trees and overhead power lines, with a warm, golden sunset casting long shadows and bathing the scene in a soft, hazy light.

Share the Wealth: A Mission Update from Madagascar

by Anneliese Wahlman

The United Nations Development Programme’s most recent data ranked Madagascar 154 out of 188 countries on the Human Development Index.1 That’s basically a sterile way of saying that, as a country, Madagascar doesn’t seem to have…

A bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with cream sits on a wooden board. It is accompanied by toasted bread, lemon slices, a small bowl of honey, and some herbs. A brass spoon rests nearby, and a white cloth partially covers the bread.

Butyrate and the Bowel, Part 3

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Crosstalk is a term that can pertain to telecommunications, when distinguishable signals leak from one connection to another. In electronics, crosstalk is a phenomenon by which a signal on one circuit or channel of a transmission system creates an…

A close-up of an outstretched hand with fingers slightly spread against a bright, neutral-colored background. The lighting casts a soft shadow, highlighting the contours and lines on the palm and fingers.

Love Because… (Part 2)

by Fred Bischoff

God loves because He is love. Unselfish love describes the essence of His character and the relational joy of His existence. He asks us to love because He has designed us to enter into this joy. Even after sin’s removal of love…

A person standing inside a large, dimly lit cave, looking towards the entrance where bright sunlight is streaming in, illuminating parts of the rocky interior. The cave walls are rough and jagged, with a mix of shadows and light creating a dramatic effect.

With the Flip of a Switch

by Anneliese Wahlman

As a kid, I suffered from the quintessential childhood fear: I was scared of the dark. I could be in a room that I knew like the back of my hand, and if the lights turned off, my fear turned on. It didn’t help that my older brother would come into…

A large crowd of people, mostly holding up papers, gathers outside. The crowd appears animated and engaged, with many raising the documents above their heads. Trees and buildings are visible in the background, and a yellow bus is parked to the left.

Literature Evangelism in Tanzania

by Meiring Pretorius

Magomeni Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that the most rapid and cost-effective way of placing the gospel in the hands of humanity’s hungering masses is through spreading truth-filled literature and publications. It is because of this…

Butyrate and the Bowel, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Last month we began understanding one of the ways the community of microbes residing within impacts the health of its host organ, the colon, as well as other facets of human health. This community is composed of many members in various…

A person wearing glasses and a headband is holding a small flower towards the camera, with the background softly blurred, creating a bokeh effect with lights and greenery. The focus is on the flower, which stands out against the blurred background.

Love Because… (Part 1)

by Fred Bischoff

Why does God love us? Simply put, because that is what and who He is (1 John 4:8, 16), just as what you are directs your actions. What He does in loving us can be measured by its "breadth, and length, and depth, and height" (Ephesians…

A black and white photograph depicts a young person walking on a sidewalk in front of a brick wall, holding a large bunch of balloons. The person is wearing a plaid shirt and jeans, looking downwards as they walk.

Great Expectations

by Elise Harboldt

“This quote is exploding my mind.” That’s the text I received this morning from my friend Janessa, whose birthday just happens to be today. Jesus sent Janessa a beautiful birthday sunrise and a quote so epic it’s exploding my mind…

A shadowy mask floats in the center of an image with a gradient background transitioning from deep purple at the bottom to a warm, light glow at the top. The mask, with eye cutouts, appears to be translucent, blending into the background.

The Parable of the True (Un)Believer

by Ty Gibson

The kingdom of heaven is like unto two men, one who believed in God and one who did not. The first man engaged in prejudice and hatred and various other forms of ugliness…

Three people sitting at a wooden table with drinks in front of them. One person in the middle is drinking from a glass. The table has coffee mugs, a glass of water, and a glass pitcher. The background features an exposed brick wall.

It Takes Time

by David Asscherick

Discipleship is a bit of a buzzword right now, and that’s a good thing. As the church, and as followers of Jesus, we should be talking about discipleship. More than this, we should be doing discipleship. But right there is the…

Butyrate and the Bowel, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Modern man has a problem with his colon, the large intestine, one’s bowels, the gut, the last processing plant in the digestive tract. Yep, whether it's diverticulosis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel…

A narrow dirt trail winds through lush green vegetation, leading towards the horizon under a bright hazy sky. Sunlight filters through trees, casting a serene glow over the landscape, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Redemption from Deception

by James Rafferty

Revelation 12, the centerpiece of the book, uncovers a central issue for Planet Earth—redemption from deception. Deception began in heaven, not earth, with the dragon who hoodwinked the third part of the angels from heaven with his tail or…

A perspective view of a brick pavement extending towards the horizon, meeting a bright, foggy sky. The bricks are uniformly laid out in a grid pattern, creating a sense of depth and infinity as they disappear into the distance.

A Wall Against Sexual Assault

by Anneliese Wahlman

If righteous indignation were a tub of gasoline, then the recent Stanford sexual assault case has been the match. There’s nothing more infuriating than seeing someone suffer unfairly and justice go unserved, and this particular story has caused…

A muscular man with a shaved head is performing a push-up. He has a focused expression and is positioned against a plain white background. His arms and chest are tense, displaying clear muscle definition.

Overloaded

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Skeletal muscle has this amazing ability to adapt to being overloaded. When weight bearing loads are repeatedly placed upon them, muscle responds by increasing in size and strength. Exercise is the most powerful stimuli for inducing reorganization…

A man in a checkered shirt and tie is standing on a stage with a microphone headset, gesturing with both hands. Behind him is a screen displaying text and a graphic of a network diagram. The background is dimly lit.

Something to Say at Princeton University

by Ty Gibson

Ministry needs to happen everywhere—even among the educated elite. Evangelists recognize that the highly educated are the most difficult class to reach with the gospel, generally speaking. Recently, feeling the weight of this fact, I delivered six…

Overhead view of a small green plant with multiple leaves in a terracotta pot. The pot is placed inside a slightly larger pot with a white and green rim, set against a white background.

Prostate Cancer—Caught in the Headlights

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

It’s nighttime. You are driving a country road when a deer leaps onto the pavement in front of you, stops in the middle of the road, seemingly looks straight at you and freezes. If the deer kept his eyes focused on the direction he was originally…

A close-up image of flashing red and blue police lights in the dark. The bright lights create a strong contrast against the night background, with some blurred white lights visible in the distance.

Go and Speed No More

by David Asscherick

Let me tell you about one of my least favorite Australian realities: speed cameras. Ugh, just saying those two words makes me feel ill. You see, in the US, where I’m from, you receive a speeding ticket by being pulled over by an actual officer and…

A child stands on a large fallen tree trunk in a forest. The background is filled with lush greenery and is enveloped in mist, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. The child is looking towards the mist, wearing casual clothes and appears lost in thought.

The Theological Identity of the Remnant

by Ty Gibson

When the “remnant” is brought to view in Revelation, our attention is directed to God’s intent that the movement be defined by a specific theological construct: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the…

The Solidarity Project

by Esther Hardy

The Solidarity Project took place on the University of Oregon’s campus from April 18th - 22nd, 2016. From the beginning of the ARISE internship, we intentionally set the goal to plan an event that would minister to the U of O…

Close-up of a baby's hand resting on an adult's arm, with the adult supporting the baby. The scene is softly lit, and the background is a plain, light color. The baby's small fingers contrast with the adult's hand, highlighting a sense of protection and care.

Remember Your Mom

by James Rafferty

My wife was often asked what she did while mothering our two children. “I am a mother,” was her natural response. “Yes,” was the reply, “but what do you do for work; what are you”? (As if being a mother were not a full-time…

A man with a shaved head and beard smiles warmly while extending his hand forward. He is wearing a black t-shirt, and the background features a pale sky with soft clouds.

In Contact with Others

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

We are a society that admires independence. The methodology of our educational system is established on this premise Parenting is conducted in such a way as to develop independence in our children. We even construct our theology around ‘me,…

A hand holding a silver stopwatch with a white face. The stopwatch shows detailed measurements, including seconds, minutes, and smaller inner dials. The background is a blurred, speckled grey surface.

How Long?

by Fred Bischoff

"How long?" is the ultimate time query in the great controversy between good and evil—how long will it last? From eternity past to eternity future the principle of selfless, self-giving love has been the law of life for the universe. It flows…

In a detailed, classical-style illustration, a bearded man holding a knife is about to sacrifice a young boy on an altar. An angel intervenes, grasping the man's arm. A ram is caught in a thicket nearby. The background shows a landscape with distant structures.

Abraham—A Friend of God

by James Rafferty

Dear Abraham, Kill your only son. God. Let's face it—that's a tough Bible story to swallow. At face value, it assaults the very idea that God is love. Or does it? New Testament scripture offers insight into this Old Testament…

Two adult hands gently cradle the tiny feet of a newborn baby, resting on a soft, fluffy blanket. The baby appears to be lying in a woven basket. The image portrays tenderness and care.

What If the Good News Is Better Than You Think?

by Ty Gibson

After explaining that Christ is “the Word” and “the Light” to every person in the world (John 1:1-9), John makes an enormous, encompassing, extravagant claim: “Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (John…

A close-up of a white bowl filled with fresh blueberries resting on a plain, dark surface. The blueberries are plump and have a rich blue color with a slight white frosty coating, indicating freshness.

Metabolic Syndrome

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Nearly 35% of adults in America and 50% of those 60 years of age or older are estimated to have metabolic syndrome, also called syndrome X and insulin resistance syndrome. These are staggering statistics. Potentially 3 of 10 adults in America are…

A child sits on a bed, holding and reading a large, worn copy of the Holy Bible. The child's face is partially obscured by the book, with only the top of their head visible. The background consists of wooden panels.

Twelve

by David Asscherick

On February 8, ARISE Australia’s fourth three-month session began enthusiastically here in Kingscliff, Australia with students from all around the world. Norway, Germany, Finland, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, in addition to…

A person with long hair stands on a large rock near the edge of a calm body of water, wearing a dark coat and looking off to the side. The water is deep blue and the sky is overcast, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Too Dark for Me

by Elise Harboldt

“Do you cut yourself?” I ask. “No,” she whispers. “I burn myself.” She pulls up her sleeves to show me dark red lines all the way up her arms. “I use a curling iron.” “I took the whole bottle of…

Several brown, elongated apple seeds are scattered across a white background. The seeds are smooth and slightly tapered at one end. Their surface texture and varying orientations are clearly visible.

Precious Seed

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

One of my favorite flowers possesses delicate blue petals that drop off before evening, only to open a new bouquet every morning. The flower is delicate, yet tenacious, resilient, and beautiful. Science has found that of even greater significance in…

Minimalistic illustration of a church perched on top of a tall, rocky outcrop with mountains in the background. The scene is depicted against a soft, pastel green and yellow gradient sky, reminiscent of either sunrise or sunset.

Ellen White and Religious Bigotry

by Light Bearers

A Hard Time to Be A Catholic If there was ever a bad time to be a Catholic in America, it was during the nineteenth century. A massive wave of European immigration flooded the United States with over 3.5 million newcomers, many of whom were…

A person in a blue shirt leans forward with their head resting on their folded arms in prayer. A Bible with a black cover and red edges lies on a wooden bench in the foreground. The background shows a blurred interior of a church with another person standing.

Light Bearers’ Materials Lead to Booming Bible Schools in Malawi

by Meiring Pretorius

My recent trip to Malawi was very fruitful. The Voice of Prophecy Bible School Director, Pastor Moffat Botolo, went out of his way to make my visit meaningful. His department of the Malawi Union Conference is very active in using Light Bearers’…

A person pours a small container of dressing over a fresh salad, which contains greens, beets, cheese, and walnuts, on a white plate. Two slices of bread are on the side. The scene is set on a wooden table.

What Oil Should I Use?

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Do you remember what goals and aspirations you had for yourself when you were a senior in high school? Do you remember how challenging it was to answer the question on everyone’s lips, “So, what are you going to do with your life?”…

A person is captured mid-air while jumping, wearing red athletic shoes with white accents and black pants. The background is a blurred, dark, outdoor setting.

Just Do It

by James Rafferty

Coined in an advertising agency meeting for Nike, the "Just Do It" campaign launched in 1988. It was highly successful, as one of the top two taglines of the 20th century, being both "universal and intensely personal." Nike presented this…

A faded portrait of a woman from the late 19th or early 20th century. She has her hair tied back and is looking slightly to the left. Her attire includes a high-collared, formal dress. The image has a soft, pastel tone.

The Ellen White You Thought You Knew

by Light Bearers

“Ellen White said…” Those are three apparently innocent words that have been used and abused with much zest and confidence. They have been known to strike dread and incite rebellion in the hearts of some. But why? Is it in reaction to Ellen…

A green apple with a small leaf attached to its stem sits on the edge of a sleek, black curved surface against a plain white background.

Detox

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

It is estimated that the average American woman is exposed to some 200 chemicals before she even leaves her home in the morning. While men do not use the lotions and potions that women do, they are still exposed to potentially thousands of other…

Two people, one elderly and one younger, are playing chess on a concrete table in an outdoor urban setting. Both are focused on the game. Other people and buildings are visible in the background, with one person bundled up taking a phone call near a tree.

Three Reasons to be a Relational Risk Taker

by Ty Gibson

There are definitely moments in which you ought to be careful, calculated, and cautious. And there are moments in which you ought to cast caution to the wind and be a big-time risk taker. Yeah, be cautious as a driver. Relax—please. Being late…

A grayscale image of a hand with droplets of water splashing into the palm. The background is blurred, drawing attention to the intricate details of the water droplets and the hand. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

The Latter Rain in Practical Terms

by Ty Gibson

The Bible is filled with agricultural symbolism as a means of depicting God’s grand and glorious purpose for humanity (Matthew 13). God is in the business of growing things—a new crop of humans, to be exact (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). Human…

A young boy looks up in wonder at a decorated Christmas tree glowing with white lights. The dimly lit room creates a warm, festive atmosphere, highlighting the joy and magic of the holiday season.

May Your Soul Feel Its Worth

by Elise Harboldt

I sink down in my pew, cringing to the core. “It’s coming,” I think. "There’s no way she’s gonna make it.” “Oh night divine. Oh night when Christ was born." My palms are sweating. My face is turning red. "Why am I embarrassed?…

A rundown, empty room with peeling paint on the walls and ceiling. The wooden floor is damaged and partially covered in debris. Two open doors are visible, one on the left and one on the right. A window is present in the left corner of the room.

The Apocalypse of Human Sexuality

by Ty Gibson

Sex is in the news. Big time! Bruce Jenner’s transgender process has prompted nearly everyone on the planet to ponder the nature of human sexuality. To the delight of some and to the horror of others, Caitlyn, formerly Bruce, was named…

A man wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie is speaking, with his hands clasped and a slight smile on his face. The background is blurred, showing large, indistinct letters.

Ben Carson, the Media, and the Mocking of Adventism

by Light Bearers

Clearly, these are very interesting times for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At a rally in Florida, Donald Trump assured his audience of his mainstream religious affiliations with the Presbyterian denomination. Alluding to Ben Carson, he added,…

The Joy in Anna

by David Sherwood

Expecting our second child, Luke, Jeannie and I ignorantly prayed that God would manipulate our circumstances to give us an easier child than our first. Life with a healthy, rambunctious two-year-old seemed so challenging to us, and we…

A person holds a red apple in their outstretched palm against a blurred, greenish background. The hand and the apple are sharply in focus, highlighting the fruit's smooth surface and the slight gradient of its color.

Fight

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Breaking news from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization (WHO), reports that processed meats are carcinogenic to humans. Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, salami, corned beef, beef…

A lone fisherman, illuminated by a lantern, stands on a small traditional boat in the middle of a misty, calm lake at night. The surrounding scenery is dark and tranquil with a ghostly, blue-grey hue. The lantern's warm light reflects softly on the still water.

Light for a Dark Area

by Barry Mosier

Oh, how sweet it was when the barge finally arrived bearing the precious Bible lessons from Light Bearers Ministry! It had been a long journey! Several months before, the container packed with Bible studies in French, Lingala and Swahili had left…

We’re all Special Needs

by David Asscherick

In 2014, Michael and Lisa Gungor, who together form the band Gungor, had a child with Down Syndrome. They named her Lucette, meaning “light." Also in 2014 a woman tweeted…

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The Little We Know

by Ty Gibson

A rational appeal to the atheist: Intending no disrespect at all to the scientific achievements of mankind, I want to call our attention to the fact that the human data bank of knowledge is minuscule compared to all there is to know.…

A man wearing a striped uniform holds up pamphlets in a crowded area with other men, also in striped uniforms. Some men are leaning over to read or look at similar pamphlets while others gather and interact in the background. The scene appears to be outdoors.

Captives Set Free in Kenya

by Meiring Pretorius

Prison Ministry What message does one give to a prison full of inmates who committed capital offences? Most are sentenced 20 years or more. Others are on death row. As we approached the high-walled Naivasha maximum security prison, my eye…

Close-up black and white photo of a human eye. The image captures the fine details of the iris, eyelashes, and skin texture around the eye, highlighting the contrast and intensity of the gaze. The surrounding area fades into a dark background.

Insulin Insufficiency in the Brain

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

In Toronto, Canada, 1922, Leonard, a 14-year-old young man, weighing a mere 65 pounds, lay dying of type 1 diabetes in a hospital ward. At that time hospitals had dedicated wards where 50 children could be congregated, suffering the trauma and…

A tranquil scene of a calm body of water at sunset. The horizon shows a faint outline of distant mountains beneath a clear sky transitioning from soft pastel hues to pale blue. The water gently ripples under the soft evening light.

Entering the Glorious Land

by James Rafferty

"He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown…"(Daniel 11:41). James White believed this power, spoken of in the final verses of Daniel 11, to be the papacy supported by the United States.…

A silhouette of an open birdcage with two birds flying freely against a gradient background of light blue and green. The scene is set against a hazy sky, with soft sunlight illuminating the birds and the grass at the bottom.

Obedience vs Legalism

by Ty Gibson

A man once came to me and said, “My marriage is falling apart. My wife says she doesn’t have feelings for me anymore, and my feelings for her are pretty much dead too. I guess it’s over, huh?” He was startled by my immediate…

Overhead view of a black taxi cab with an orange "TAXI" sign, parked on a road. The cab has various stickers on its windshield and a teddy bear visible on the dashboard. The road has partial white lettering, red lines along the edge, and street bollards nearby.

Enlargement vs. Shrinkage

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Before the age of GPS or iPhone Maps, London taxi drivers relied on their memories. They developed what was coined “the knowledge.” Developed over centuries, the winding, crooked streets of London resemble a maze more than neat perpendicular…

A person wearing a brown shirt holds a globe with both hands in an outdoor setting. The background is blurred, featuring tall grass and a distant horizon under a softly lit sky.

Global Impact

by Ty Gibson

In 1985, a few of us new converts—James Rafferty, Sue Gibson, and myself—received what we knew to be specific direction from the God of the universe. We were young and on fire for the Lord (now we're older but still on fire for the Lord). James…

A person, seen from behind, wears a white skullcap and a white robe, standing under a cloudy sky. The image highlights their head and shoulders, with only the back of the figure visible against the light blue background.

So What About the Pope?

by Ty Gibson

Pope Francis definitely has our attention. Bible prophecy said that would be the case (Revelation 13:3). But why? What is the significance of his influence and why does he have such massive influence in the first place? Even avowed…

Silhouette of a person wearing a hooded coat, standing near a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. The background has bright city lights and a purple sky, creating a moody atmosphere.

Freedom of Conscience Threatened

by Nathan Egbert

Written by Nathan Egbert 9/5/15 in response to current news events. In the arena of social contention, two topics reign supreme: religion and politics. While subject matters do change over time, fodder for controversy is never lacking.…

A group of people are working together to unload a large, white box from a shipping container. Some are inside the container, some are outside, and they all appear to be collaborating to move the box efficiently. Sunlight creates a bright, warm ambiance.

The Golden Tracts

by Wendy Harris

The calls started coming in as fast as I could keep up. “I heard about your Bible study guides, I’m a district pastor in Mindoro, I have 13 churches with small groups in each. May I have four boxes? I’ll be there tomorrow.” “I’m…

A variety of fruits are arranged together, including dark purple grapes, green grapes, melons, apples, kiwis, and oranges. The background has a soft, natural light cast on the fruits, creating a vibrant and fresh display.

Diverticulosis

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Dr. Denis Burkitt, a well-known Irish missionary surgeon made an interesting observation of America. His comment was this: “America is a constipated nation…. If you pass small stools, you have to have large hospitals.”1…

A stunning view of the night sky filled with numerous stars and distant galaxies. The image showcases a mix of colors, including shades of blue, purple, and pink, creating a mesmerizing cosmic tapestry.

Join the Witness

by Fred Bischoff

During that secret interview at Jesus' place of retirement on the Mount of Olives, when the city was hushed in slumber, it wasn't the flickering lamp or torchlight, or the pale light of the moon, that shown into the heart of Nicodemus, that "master…

A man with a beard, wearing glasses, a vest, and a tie, stands behind a wooden podium speaking into a microphone. The setting appears to be indoors with a simple background, possibly during a speech or presentation.

Nate

by David Asscherick

Here’s a miracle story. Fifteen years ago, I was preaching an evangelistic series in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The series was a joint venture with Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industries…

Splenda

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Splenda is the most popular sugar substitute on the market. It is easily identifiable in the large yellow box or little yellow packets filled with sweet white crystals. The key ingredient in Splenda is sucralose, a non-nutritive artificial…

A young girl with long brown hair and blue eyes smiles gently at the camera. She is wearing a pink shirt and is illuminated by soft lighting that highlights her hair and face, with a blurred, natural background.

This Is the Life

by Charis Huenergardt

I’ve made a habit of listening when children speak. Charis is a little friend of mine who happens to be an aspiring writer. She’s nine years old and she’s a thinker. When she shared her first writing project with me, she wondered if anyone…

A somber, elderly man with a beard rests his forehead on his hand in a pensive pose. His robe is dark with red sleeves. The background is dark and shadowy, adding to the reflective mood. The painting evokes a sense of contemplation and introspection.

A New Hermeneutic?

by Steven Grabiner

In just two days, the gathered delegates for the Seventh-day Adventist church will be making a decision regarding ordaining women to the pastoral ministry. I doubt that…

A diverse group of people, consisting of men and women of various ages, pose for a photo outdoors. They hold up documents, smiling proudly. There are various buildings in the background, and some individuals are seated while others stand. The weather is sunny.

Light Bearers Literature Supports Ted Wilson’s Meetings

by Meiring Pretorius

"Hope for the Cities," a mission to reach the cities of the world for Christ, launched by the General Conference of the Seventh-day…

A mesmerizing swirl of vibrant yellow and orange hues blend into deep purples and dark blues, creating an abstract, cosmic explosion of color resembling a celestial phenomenon or an energetic nebula in space. Small gold specks are scattered throughout the image.

Vanishing Perplexities

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

In the hospital it is not uncommon to see doctor’s orders for C. diff testing in patient charts. C. diff is an abbreviation for Clostridium difficile. If C. diff + is charted it means the patient has Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). C.…

Um Olhar Atento Sobre A Ordenação de Mulheres

by Ty Gibson

english | …

A monochromatic image of a bird in mid-flight against a blank background. The bird's wings are fully extended upwards, showing fine details of the feathers. The composition is minimalist, with the bird slightly off-center to the left.

Women’s Ordination: Is the Church Free To Act?

by Ty Gibson

The God of the Bible is a delegator, not a micromanager. He entrusts His children with decision-making power. God is not a control freak, but rather a freedom lover. Adam and Eve were given “dominion” over the world God had made for them…

ЕСЛИ ВЗГЛЯНУТЬ НА ОРДИНАЦИЮ ЖЕНЩИН ПОБЛИЖЕ

by Ty Gibson

english | español | русский | …

Una Mirada Más Profunda a la Ordenación de la Mujer

by Ty Gibson

english | español | русский | …

A teal-colored image featuring two gender symbols: a circle with a cross underneath representing female, and a circle with an arrow pointing diagonally upward to the right representing male.

Gender: From Creation Through Ordination

by Fred Bischoff

Background In September of 2012, I was asked to serve on the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) "Theology of Ordination Study Committee." This group met four times during 2013 and 2014, and considered voluminous amounts of…

A detailed black and white illustration depicts a chaotic scene of angels equipped with shields and swords battling against dark, winged demons with weapons. The intense struggle fills the scene, showcasing dramatic expressions and dynamic movement.

Women’s Ordination: Shall Angels or Demons Guide Us?

by Ty Gibson

Adventism is heating up as we approach the GC Session in Texas, during which a vote will be taken on women’s ordination. In all my years as a member of this church I…

A Closer Look At Women’s Ordination

by Ty Gibson

english | …

A group of approximately 30 young adults stands on a stage, smiling and posing for a photo in formal and semi-formal attire. Behind them is a screen displaying the word "ARISE." Green plants are at the front of the stage, and dark curtains drape in the background.

Bouncing Students

by David Asscherick

A pastor. A physical therapist. A builder. An investment banker. Since its inception, ARISE has attracted diverse groups of people, and this year’s class was no different.…

A beautiful, serene view of a cloudy sky taken from above, with a gradient of blue fading into a light horizon. The fluffy clouds below form a seemingly endless, soft, white carpet. The scene exudes calmness and tranquility.

Obstinate Prayer

by James Rafferty

The word obstinate has a bad rap. The dictionary definition is: Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately Refusing to give up or let go. Persevering. Insistently repetitive or…

A serene mountain lake is surrounded by dense evergreen forests. Mountains in the background are shrouded in mist. The lake's glassy surface reflects the trees and sky, creating a mirror-like effect. Soft sunlight filters through, illuminating the tranquil scene.

Adaptability

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change,” said Albert Einstein. Others of comparable IQ have defined intelligence similarly, as the ability to adapt to change. I find this an interesting way of looking at something we try so hard…

Two people are shaking hands, but their fingers are interlocked in a way that resembles an arm-wrestling grip rather than a traditional handshake. One person is wearing a light-colored suit, and the other is in a dark-colored suit, both against a plain white background.

Conservative or Liberal?

by Ty Gibson

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). Apparently, God sees in us an inclination to veer off course to the…

A painting depicting two people sitting on a ledge at dusk. The person on the left appears to be draped in dark clothing, while the person on the right is illuminated with a halo-like glow. The background features a serene, blue-toned cityscape.

The Nicodemus Society

by David Kim

I was heart-converted in November 2008 after 36 years growing up “in the church.” With this heart-conversion came a deep longing to share Christ, yet I felt powerless and tongue-tied when it came to speaking up among my peers in the corporate…

A figure shrouded in flowing bandages emerges from a dimly lit cave into a brilliant, blinding light, creating a dramatic and ethereal scene. The surroundings suggest ancient, mystical, or resurrection themes. Dust and debris are illuminated by the glowing light.

Resurrection Remix

by Ty Gibson

The resurrection of Jesus was not an arbitrary act of God. Rather, it was the definitive conquest of other-centered love over the death-dealing principle of self-centeredness inherent in all sin. According to Paul, “the law of the Spirit of…

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The Love Factor

by James Rafferty

When I first came to Christ I knew very little about the Bible. I said a simple sinner’s prayer, experienced God’s boundless forgiveness and fell madly in love with Jesus. When I was confronted with the Bible evidence for the seventh-day…

An abstract image featuring swirling patterns in various shades of blue and white. The circular design resembles a whirlpool or galaxy, with darker blue accents and light speckles dispersed throughout. The overall effect is ethereal and calming.

Moldy Mary

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Mary Hunt worked for the Department of Agriculture’s Northern Regional Research Laboratory (NRRL) in Peoria, Illinois in the early 1940s. She had been assigned the task of grocery shopping for the lab with a shopping list that probably surprised…

A lone sheep stands on a grassy hill under a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds. The foreground is blurred, focusing on the sheep as it looks into the distance.

Who Am I?

by Fred Bischoff

It's a loaded question, one that probes my very existence. Jesus faced it (John 8:24-25, 28). When I face it, I usually answer with the name from my earthly family. But we each have an identity from a larger family that draws its identity from the…

A person with long hair flipping dramatically is in a room with books suspended in mid-air around them. They are standing in front of a window with closed blinds, conveying a feeling of motion and chaotic energy.

Stressed-out Kinds

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

It takes all kinds, or so the saying goes. While the it in this statement has the potential of referring to options too numerous to count, according to Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, the all kinds is limited to…

A group of individuals in striped uniforms is seated outdoors, engaging with a man in a suit who appears to be distributing papers. More people in similar uniforms are gathered in the background, sitting in front of a hedge with colorful fabrics draped overhead.

Setting Prisoners Free

by James Rafferty

In 2014 God blessed Light Bearers Ministry in a number of ways, one of which was the ability to send out an extra container of literature above our budgeted 11. Each container is filled with millions of tracts that make a huge impact in the world…

A person in a purple dress holds a worn, vintage suitcase with both hands. The suitcase is large, showing signs of age with scratches and faded spots. The background is blurred, suggesting a public or transit area.

Evange-Baggage

by Elise Harboldt

“I hate evangelism!” my friend Edward said as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. “No you don’t,” I said. “You just don’t know what it is yet.” To be honest, I used to think I hated evangelism. To be extra honest, I have a…

A vibrant display of assorted fresh vegetables at a market. Visible items include green beans in a basket, cucumbers, leafy greens, red chard, and various herbs. The vegetables are neatly arranged in a colorful, appealing manner.

Anti-Nutrients

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

If you are like me, you like to get the most bang for your buck, the best results from your effort, the greatest number of items on the to-do list accomplished for the time invested. When it comes to supplying the body with nutrition, we often hear…

A breathtaking sunset over a mountain range, with the sun partially visible below the horizon. The sky is painted in warm hues of orange, red, and pink, transitioning to softer shades near the top. Silhouette of the mountains adds to the serene atmosphere.

Hand in Hand

by Fred Bischoff

"And they walked hand in hand off into the sunset…." There's something about an ending like that which intrigues the imaginative soul. All's well that ends well. Together… into the future… Could God's ending in the great…

A silhouetted tightrope walker balances on a wire high in the sky, with a long pole in hand. The sky is bright and partly cloudy, creating a dramatic background for the daring act.

The Philosophy of Fear

by James Rafferty

My granny was very protective of spiders. Whenever she found one in our house she would gently pick it up, give it a kiss, and toss it out the nearest open window. As a little boy I was afraid of creepy, crawly spiders along with other things like…

A young boy wearing a white jacket smiles as he writes on a piece of paper with a blue pen at a wooden desk. A yellow notebook rests nearby. The background features a red-colored wall.

The Power of the Printed Page

by Ty Gibson

Plain and simple: words of truth on paper are extremely powerful. Allow me to break this down for us. First, are need to understand that the words of God are a creative, life-giving force: “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they…

A horse-drawn buggy with a black cover and a red triangular sign on the back travels down a rural road. The scene includes grassy fields, a few trees, and a distant white barn under a clear, blue sky.

When You Don’t Have All the Facts

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Baby Sara was born into the Glick family in the summer of 1999. Having seven older brothers, she was the cherished little girl the family had hoped for. Samuel and Elizabeth Glick were Amish dairy farmers in rural Pennsylvania. Four months later…

A straight, desolate road stretches into the distant horizon, splitting a vast, empty landscape under a cloudless, overcast sky. The absence of any visible landmarks or vegetation conveys a sense of solitude and isolation. The image is in black and white.

Telos Love

by James Rafferty

From year to year certain Bible verses speak to me, becoming favorites. This year it’s John 13:1: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved…

A newborn baby lies on its back on a soft, white blanket, illuminated softly against a dark background. The baby is looking to the side with its fist near its mouth, wrapped comfortably in fabric, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

The Deeper Meaning of Christmas

by Ty Gibson

When we speak of the birth of Christ, we are speaking of the most sublime and astounding event in all of eternal history. God literally became a human being. “Without controversy,” Paul exclaims with wonder, “great is the mystery of godliness:…

A person with long hair and glasses is lying on a ground covered with vibrant yellow leaves. They are smiling and appear relaxed, surrounded by the colorful fall foliage.

My Experience as an ARISE Student

by Nicole Stalligs

Being home has made me realize what a privilege attending ARISE was for my life. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was undoubtedly there! I did not know much about the instructors, but before I came I prayed that they would speak the truth of the…

A carved wooden heart rests on a light-colored wooden surface, surrounded by scattered wood shavings. The image focuses on the intricately carved heart, highlighting its texture and craftsmanship.

First Law

by Fred Bischoff

It was crucifixion week. Matthew and Mark recorded the story (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34). A Pharisee (lawyer and scribe) asked Jesus a profound question that could be referred to as the first law. "Which is the greatest commandment in the law?…

A single bird with outstretched wings soars high above snow-covered mountains against a moody, cloud-filled sky. The blue-gray tones of the atmosphere blend with the white of the snowy landscape, creating a serene and majestic scene.

Foie Gras

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Foie gras is French for fatty liver. Though considered a delicacy of French cuisine, its production dates back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians discovered that migratory geese overfed themselves in preparation for their long flights, which produced…

The Old Covenant Brood

by Ty Gibson

The current tensions and polemics within the Seventh-day Adventist Church are not occurring in a vacuum. We have history behind us that has created the trajectory within which we are now living. To a significant degree the spirit and content of our…

A close-up of a variety of smooth, colorful pebbles and stones. The pebbles are in different shapes and sizes, featuring hues of brown, gray, blue, red, and green, creating a visually rich and textured pattern.

Sometimes I Forget

by James Rafferty

Sometimes I forget the words of Christ in Matthew 25:40. I judge, I disdain, and I criticize my brethren in my heart (and with my actions). When I do this to the least of these my brethren I do it unto Him. During such times of stark spiritual…

A man in a black suit stands with his back to the camera, looking out of a large window at a cityscape with tall skyscrapers and office buildings. Natural light illuminates the scene, creating a bright, airy atmosphere.

All in your Head? Impossible! Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

When symptoms of disease and sickness are said to be all in one’s head, there is an implication made that questions the legitimacy of physical ailment. When we hear this description we understand that something is thought of as reality, but is…

A sleek black road bike is partially visible against a dark background, with focus on the handlebars and front part of the frame. The minimal lighting highlights the texture and contours of the bike.

Truth, Love, and Lance

by David Asscherick

“What Lance couldn’t handle was the truth.” So said Betsy Andreu at the close of Alex Holmes’s difficult-to-watch documentary on the rise and fall of Lance Armstrong, Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story. Lance is not…

A woman is seated and reading a book with a smile, wearing a black and white striped shirt. Other people in the background are also engaged in reading or discussing, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly a living room.

My Thoughts on the Present Conversation Regarding the Ordination of Women

by David Asscherick

I am admittedly surprised to hear over and over again that the current conversation and study the Seventh-day Adventist Church is having regarding the theology of ordination, generally, and of the ordination of women to pastoral ministry,…

A white mortar and pestle are placed centrally with some fresh herbs and a couple of garlic cloves surrounding it. The background is minimalistic and white, highlighting the simplicity and cleanliness of the setup.

The Bowels, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Linguistically, the term bowel has been used to express the inner workings, the depths of man emotionally as well as physically. It is where input is broken down, digested, absorbed, sorted, reacted to, and transformed into us. Interestingly…

A mesmerizing view of the Milky Way galaxy stretching across the night sky, surrounded by a multitude of sparkling stars. The galaxy's core glows brightly at the bottom, transitioning into a soft haze against the deep blue and black background.

Cosmic Atonement

by Ty Gibson

God is up to something bigger than our eternal salvation. Certainly, from our individual standpoint it is hard to imagine anything bigger. To be saved from sin and given the assurance of eternal life is a truly marvelous thing. But notice the…

Two men are in a river, surrounded by lush greenery. One man, in a white shirt, has his arms raised joyfully as water droplets fly around. The other man, in a blue shirt, smiles and touches the first man's arm. The scene suggests a celebratory moment, likely a baptism.

Faith to Faith

by James Rafferty

This year marked the 30th Annual Light Bearers Convocation. Our theme was “Faith to Faith,” based on Romans 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to…

The Bowels, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Physiologically, the bowel is synonymous with the gut, the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach and the intestines. In this context, the association made between the bowel and the brain in the following statements is quite intriguing. “The…

A man with long hair and a beard, wearing a robe in red and blue, is sitting and pointing upwards with his right hand. The background is a clear, light sky. His expression is serene and contemplative.

Jesus, the Timeless Truth Teller

by Light Bearers

Some historians and philosophers have pointed out that much of our scientific and medical literature is updated often because new discoveries and new knowledge render previously accepted knowledge obsolete. No one in their right mind would ever be…

Five Pennies

by Light Bearers

It only takes five pennies for Light Bearers to print, ship and distribute one piece of gospel-filled literature. By the grace of God and with your help, we can put millions of gospel literature into circulation. …

A person is adorned in traditional, intricate tribal attire with a tall, beaded headdress adorned with feathers. Their face is painted and decorated with elaborate ornaments, including a large circular white ornament covering their nose and mouth area. The background is dark.

Worlds Apart (Not Anymore)

by Ty Gibson

Sutherlin, Oregon and Papua New Guinea are worlds apart. Separated by 6,518 miles and the vast Pacific Ocean. Sutherlin is in the Northern Hemisphere and Papua New Guinea is in the Southern. But the two places and their people are separated by more…

Abstract painting featuring a vivid mix of red and dark blue hues. The design is fluid and organic, with swirling patterns, bubbles, and cells creating a dynamic, textured appearance, evoking a sense of movement and intensity.

It’s In The Blood

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

At the age of 45, the lifetime risk of heart disease is 60.3 percent for men and 55.6 percent for women. In other words, three out of five men without heart disease at age 45 will develop the condition at some point in their lives. Being a woman,…

A close-up of a shattered glass window with multiple cracks forming complex patterns. Blurred, out-of-focus lights in various colors can be seen in the background, creating a bokeh effect. The scene has a night-time ambiance.

Leaving the Best Behind

by David Asscherick

Recently we had our car broken into. Between the damage to the car and the stolen goods, it set us back several thousand dollars. Not the nicest “Welcome to Australia” moment one could imagine. I can still recall the almost nauseating feeling in…

A person sits at a desk, typing on a typewriter, with a focused expression, illuminated by a single overhead light source against a dark, black background. Various papers are scattered on the desk around the typewriter.

Bestseller | The Clifford Goldstein Story

by Light Bearers

Clifford Goldstein didn’t believe in much, but one thing he did believe in was Truth. He just didn't know what it was or where to find it. As the fiery writer traveled Europe and Israel in search of his novel's soul, his quest for the meaning of…

A serene lake with crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush forest. The sky above is partly cloudy with sunlight breaking through, creating a tranquil and picturesque landscape.

I Can See with New Eyes

by Elaine Thompson

There I was two years ago, praying, “God I want to know truth. Can you please reveal Yourself to me? I don’t want to learn culture or traditions. I just want to know YOU.” So starting with the Bible, I set out to challenge the beliefs, culture…

A wooden cutting board filled with various sliced citrus fruits including oranges, grapefruits, limes, and mandarins. The vibrant colors of the fruit slices contrast with the dark wooden surface below. Green leaves and whole citrus fruits surround the board.

The Weapons of Our Warfare

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

It would be overly simplistic to say that one food or food component is capable of causing, preventing, or curing cancer. However, it would be completely ignorant to intimate that food and food components are not factors in the development of many…

Black and white photo of two people. The person in the foreground is wearing a plaid blindfold and a hooded sweatshirt, concentrating intently. The second person, to the right and slightly out of focus, is also blindfolded. The background is blurry, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Faith Sight

by Fred Bischoff

When you read words that are effective in describing something, you can picture it in your imagination. “See ye the word of the LORD” (Jeremiah 2:31). This “seeing” is not simply letters on a page. God is asking us to see the story—His…

A dimly lit close-up of a cluttered desk featuring scattered papers and a vintage typewriter. The focus is on the papers in the foreground, while the typewriter sits blurred in the background, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

Bestseller | Official Trailer

by Light Bearers

As a secular American Jew, Clifford Goldstein was driven by one consuming obsession: to write a bestselling novel. God was nowhere on his radar. And yet, Cliff was on God’s radar. Here is the trailer for the video, Bestseller, to be…

A silhouette of a person with long hair captured against a dark background. The lighting highlights the outline of their hair and head, creating a dramatic, mysterious effect. The figure is turned slightly to the side, looking downward.

Redeeming Shame

by Jennifer Jill Schwirzer

By far the most traumatic event of my adolescence was Sue Cook’s house fire. I recall the suburban home ringed with a crowd of people, spewing fire and black smoke out of its windows. I stood there watching solemnly with Sue, who whispered,…

An old, weathered Bible lies on a rough wooden surface, bound tightly by a heavy, metal chain forming a cross shape on its cover.

The End of Protestantism?

by Alan J. Reinach

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, under intense public pressure, vetoed Senate Bill 1062, a religious freedom bill that had been “egregiously misrepresented,” according to a coalition of law professors who wrote in defense of the bill. The bill…

A black-and-white close-up image of a person wearing a sleeveless top, with their hands clasped together in front of their chest. Only the lower part of their face, neck, and upper chest are visible. The image conveys a contemplative or prayerful mood.

God Groans

by James Rafferty

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). The word “groaning” in this…

A dimly lit dining room with a rustic wooden table set for a meal. The table features vintage ceramic dishes, cups, a patterned teapot, a clear glass pitcher, and a small floral centerpiece. Sunlight streams in through the old-fashioned windows in the background.

A Place at the Table—the Poverty-Obesity Paradox

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

When I think of hunger, I picture an emaciated man with defined ribs, and perhaps a slightly protruding, enlarged abdomen, signaling malnutrition. Associating the enlarged abdomen of an overweight person with hunger has never seriously entered my…

A classroom setting with students seated at tables facing a whiteboard. The students are using laptops, notebooks, and other learning materials. A teacher stands at the front of the room, engaging with the students. The image is blurry.

Twelve

by David Asscherick

Yeehaw! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Amen! Yes, I know I’m geographically Down Under, but, wow, am I flying high right now! It’s the Monday after the final weekend of the ARISE Australia…

A street sign positioned at the corner of Church Street and State Avenue in an urban setting with tall buildings, including one with a classical architectural style, and reflective glass windows in the background.

Protestant America

by James Rafferty

Where is the United States in the End-Time Scenario? “When I look at Bible prophecy, one thing that is of great interest to me, and of great concern, is the absence of the United States. It is interesting to note that a number of nations are…

A lone bird with outstretched wings is silhouetted against a gradient sky that transitions from a dark teal on the left to a pale blue on the right. The image evokes a sense of freedom and solitude.

How to Be Free from Guilt

by Ty Gibson

The Bible knows what’s going on inside of you. It understands the complexity of the human being and penetrates into the deep mental, emotional and moral issues we all deal with. Notice, for example, this insightful passage from King…

A person washing their hands under a faucet with water running over their soapy hands, creating bubbles. A white cloth and bowl are blurred in the background.

The Semmelweis Reflex

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician who lived in the mid-1800s before the germ theory was born. Years after his death he was referred to as the “savior of mothers.” His new-fangled notion of washing hands between touching cadavers and…

A historical scene depicts a grand gathering of men in medieval attire, with one central figure seated on a throne-like chair, surrounded by others standing and sitting. The background shows arched architecture and a large group of onlookers, creating a sense of importance and solemnity.

Liberty of Conscience: The Core Principle of Protestantism

by James Rafferty

The Origin of Protestantism “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me…

A monochromatic double exposure image of a man's face superimposed on a city skyline. The man has a neutral expression, and the city appears ghostly and semi-transparent, blending seamlessly with his facial features. The atmosphere is ethereal and surreal.

Heavenly Minded Or Earthly Good?

by Light Bearers

It’s been said that Christians are “so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good.” That’s a tragic indictment. It infers that with all the injustices and pressing needs of this world, what good is it to be fixated on a future,…

A healthcare professional measuring a patient's blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. The patient is seated with their arm outstretched, while the stethoscope and medical report are placed on the table nearby.

Hidden, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

The heart has always been thought to be responsible for pumping some eight thousand liters of blood per day at rest and much more during activity. This has been compared to the lifting of approximately 100 pounds one mile high! Blood is five times…

View from underwater looking up towards the surface, with clusters of air bubbles rising through the water. Sunlight pierces through the water, creating shimmering and radiant effects. The water appears blue and clear, giving a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Water for Life International in Guatemala

by James Rafferty

In February of 2012, I traveled to Guatemala to conduct a series of evangelistic meetings in connection with a shipment of over 1.3 million pieces of literature. When I arrived, the container that had…

Close-up view of rippling ocean waves under a bright sky. Sunlight reflects off the surface of the water, creating spots of shimmering light. The horizon is faintly visible in the background. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

Revelation 13: An Annotated Reading

by Ty Gibson

The book of Revelation is highly symbolic. Its prophecies are written in a kind of code language that must be interpreted to make sense. A casual reading will blur the eyes and befuddle the mind. One must take the time to define each symbol by…

A simple maroon-colored graphic displaying a solid maroon bishop's mitre with a cross in the center. The background is a matching maroon shade, and the mitre has a slight shadow effect underneath.

The Romanism Within

by Ty Gibson

The new Pope, Mr. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has caused quite a stir recently. So much so, in fact, that an ardent Protestant friend said to me the other day, “Wow, this new pope seems like a really good guy and he’s saying some good things. Maybe…

A densely packed crowd of people, showing a vast congregation with individuals wearing various colors of clothing. The image is taken from a high vantage point, capturing the sheer number of attendees in the area.

A Nameless Mass?

by Ty Gibson

Six million people. It’s a big number. When I hear it, I don’t see faces. But God does. To me, it’s a number that represents a nameless mass. But not for God. He sees faces, behind which are personal histories and heartaches,…

Hidden, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

It was March 1, 1945, during his fourth term, that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt [FDR] delivered a speech to inform Congress and the American people via national radio of the decisions made at the recent Yalta Conference with British Prime…

A minimalistic illustration features a dark brown silhouette of a garden shovel centered on a bright yellow background. The shovel has a D-shaped handle and a pointed blade.

Happy Digging

by David Asscherick

Paul the Apostle said some strange things, things hard to understand. Even Peter agreed (2 Peter 3:15). And if some of his writings were admittedly puzzling back then, how much more so would that be the case today, nearly two millennia later? I…

A large tree stands alone on a green field with the sun setting or rising behind it, creating a halo of golden light. The sky above displays a mix of soft clouds and hues of purple, pink, and orange. The scene exudes tranquility and natural beauty.

Harnessing the Brain: Nutritional Neuroscience, Part 2

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

The dental student examined her inflamed, bleeding gums and loose teeth. From all appearances it looked as though her teeth would have to be pulled. A supervising dentist with an experienced eye asked the woman what she ate. Her diet consisted…

A black-and-white image shows a young boy and an adult man, possibly his father, both shirtless and standing in front of a mirror, applying shaving cream to their faces. The boy is mimicking the man's actions, suggesting a bonding moment.

The Identity-Shaping Power of Fatherhood

by Ty Gibson

“The Father Himself loves you” (John 16:27). Fatherhood is an identity-shaping vocation. Whether he does so consciously or not, a dad tells his child who and what to become. The child is significantly defined by the father’s manner of…

A black-and-white image shows a group of people in a narrow alley lined with rustic buildings. Two men are seated by a wall, one with crutches beside him. Others stand or bend over nearby, and a woman can be seen in the background carrying objects. The scene is bustling.

China Light: Leprosy Ministry

by Light Bearers

As a student of the ARISE program, I was blessed with a rich experience of meaningful Bible studies, priceless interactions with classmates, staff, and community, and most importantly, a clearer…

A football player with long dreadlocks and a beard is standing on a field. He is wearing a white jersey and pink gloves and appears to be speaking to a cameraman. The background is blurred, focusing on the player.

The Richard Sherman In All of Us

by Shawn Brace

First, let’s make something clear: Richard Sherman is not a thug (ie., “a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer”). By now, even if you’re a nominal sports fan,…

A metallic, silver-colored helium balloon shaped like the number 7 against a plain white background.

Seven Habits Worth Cultivating

by Ty Gibson

Every time you perform an action it contributes to shaping your fundamental identity. When life is done, you are the sum total of your repeated actions. Here are seven actions worth repeating over and over again this year until they become habits…

A night sky is filled with vibrant fireworks in various colors including red, white, and gold. The fireworks burst create a dazzling display with sparkling trails and bright, exploding patterns.

Present Stage: A New Year Prayer

by Ty Gibson

Lord God Almighty, ineffably holy, Great in weakness, immeasurably lowly, From the corner of my eye, I see Your glory, Through prophets of old who breathed Your story. But sweep me into the narrative now, Resisting no longer, Your will to…

Harnessing the Brain: Nutritional Neuroscience, Part 1

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

One of the most exciting fields in nutrition is nutritional neuroscience. It is the study of how components of the diet impact the central nervous system, specifically cognitive function and mental health. The idea that food impacts brain function…

A small green plant with a few leaves sprouts through a crack in dark, dry soil against a stark, white background, symbolizing growth and resilience.

Just Like Acts

by David Asscherick

A really cool thing happened recently, and I can’t wait to tell you about it. Here goes… It started at the Light Bearers Convocation earlier this year. The theme was Jesus Only, and was a…

A grayscale close-up photograph of a man with short hair, facing left. He rests his chin on his hands, which are pressed together as if in prayer or deep thought. The background is dark, emphasizing the contemplative expression on his face.

Desperate Prayer

by James Rafferty

We are living in desperate times—desperate, meaning a feeling showing, or involving a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with, like national debt, life-destroying typhoons, earthquakes, tsunami’s, war,…

A blurred image with a gradient of colors including soft shades of yellow, green, blue, and purple, merging into each other and giving a dreamy, abstract atmosphere. No distinct objects or shapes are identifiable.

Four Incredible Lyrics from Advent Songs

by Ty Gibson

I’m one of those weirdos who could listen to Christmas music year-round. But I don’t, because I love the special sense of awareness of the incarnation that dawns upon my heart every year in December as advent songs begin to play. Some of these…

A group of rolled cinnamon sticks and broken cinnamon pieces are arranged on a white surface. In front of the pieces, there is a small pile of ground cinnamon. The background is plain white, highlighting the cinnamon's brown hues.

True Cinnamon

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Cinnamon is one of those flavors and smells that can’t be substituted, especially around the holidays. I have cooked with coriander and cardamom and they can be quite good—but they are not cinnamon. I find it very interesting though (because I…

A small black nail is centered on a light grey background, casting a faint shadow behind it. The image has a minimalist feel with ample negative space.

Stop Tinkering!

by Ty Gibson

Is there somebody in your family or in your church who is doing something you think they ought not to be doing? Of course there is! Are there people around you with defects of character that you can’t help but notice? Yep! Do you find…

One person hands out copies of a publication titled "DISCOVER" to another person in front of a blurred, warm-toned background. The exchange captures a moment of sharing information or news.

Amazing Things Happen

by Ty Gibson

The mission field is an exciting place to be. Special and unique experiences occur as human agents make themselves available as ambassadors for Christ. The truth of the gospel maneuvers its way into out-of-the-way places and reaches hearts in…

A hand holding a waffle cone with two scoops of chocolate ice cream. The background is blurred, making the ice cream the main focus of the image.

2-Bites

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

There is evidence that, as far back as 5000 BC, the Egyptians were making tooth powder of ashes of ox hooves, myrrh, burnt eggshells, and pumice. The chewing sticks of 3500 BC Babylonia could be the origin of our modern toothbrush. Toothpicks were…

A 3D-rendered image of a human brain floating against a smooth gradient background of blue, pink, and purple hues. The brain appears illuminated, with subtle light reflections highlighting its intricate details. The colorful backdrop gives the image a futuristic feel.

Psychic Civil War

by Ty Gibson

No doubt you’ve heard someone say, “I am my own worst enemy.” Maybe you’ve said it yourself. We intuitively understand that there is some sense in which the I stands against the me. Part of me wants to be something other than…

A close-up of a hand holding a burger filled with lettuce, tomato, and cheese above a white plate with potato wedges and a small container of ketchup. Another person's hands are partially visible in the background, also holding a burger. The scene is set on a wooden table.

In Control

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Duncan Ryan was only 42 and weighed 508 pounds. At five feet eleven inches, he was considered morbidly obese. At that weight it doesn’t matter how tall one is, more fat than anything else is being carried around. Duncan is not alone. One out of…

A black and white photo showing a large crowd of people gathered closely together. Most individuals are dressed in mid-20th-century attire, including suits and coats. The mood appears serious, and the density of the crowd suggests a significant event or gathering.

An Opportunity of a Lifetime

by David Asscherick

It’s hard to believe, really. It happened to me, and I’m still trying to grasp it, to take it in. What happened? Well, I just preached to representatives from more than 110 countries during two globally-significant, Seventh-day Adventist…

A young child is sitting at a table, looking intently into a white bowl and holding a spoon. The background is an airy, sunlit room with wooden walls and large windows.

Stored Energy, Part 2: Fat

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Have you ever noticed the invisible sentimental tags we have attached to certain foods? These tags do not read with typical scientific style: “high in vitamin C,” “beneficial to the heart,” “180 calories,” etc. We do not merely receive a…

A minimalist design featuring a light gray silhouette of a tree with branches and leaves against a white background. The tree has a simple, stylized appearance, creating a subtle and elegant decorative motif.

How Jesus Was Like Us

by James Rafferty

Recently we published a small book on the humanity of Jesus Christ entitled, How Jesus Was Like Us. This book was written to both identify how Jesus Christ in His humanity is…

Dark, billowing storm clouds fill the sky, leaving only a small, bright spot of light in the center, suggesting a break in the clouds. The scene is dramatic and contrasts the dense, textured clouds with the piercing brightness above.

God’s Secret

by Ty Gibson

Apparently God has a secret to tell us. And it’s the best secret imaginable. If we lean in close to Him through Bible study and prayer, we’ll hear Him whispering the confidential mystery into our hearts. Be still and listen: “The secret of…

Silhouette of a person in mid-air, leaping between two rocky ledges against a twilight sky. The horizon features a gradient from purple to pink, with distant mountain outlines visible in the background.

Stored Energy, Part 1: Glycogen

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

When building our home, I told the carpenter that I wanted a large walk-in pantry. He showed it to me sometime later and I commented that it seemed small. He assured me that I did not understand how things look before they are sheet rocked and that…

A speaker presents to an audience in a large room with "JESUS ONLY" displayed prominently in a speech bubble on the wall behind them. A projection screen lists four points of "Confession & Identification." The audience sits in rows of white chairs, listening attentively.

Jesus Only: Convocation Report

by James Rafferty

The 2013 Light Bearers Convocation is over, but the ripple effects are just beginning. The event was a huge blessing thanks in part to the hard work of various staff and volunteers behind the scenes and primarily to God for the outpouring of His…

Four men are having a serious discussion around a table with open books and colorful toy blocks. The background is dark with only the men and the table illuminated. One man uses hand gestures while speaking; the others are listening attentively.

Introducing Table Talk

by Ty Gibson

Four guys at a table. A list of provocative and sublime topics. All they’re told in advance is, “Bring your Bible and your brain.” No rules. No script. Just straight from the heart, conversation about the things that matter…

A person in a suit sits in a thoughtful pose on a couch. They have their hands clasped together near their face and are wearing glasses and a wristwatch. A stack of books is visible near the arm of the couch. The image is in black and white.

What Is the Meaning of Life?

by David Asscherick

A consequential question, to be sure. But, first, another: what is meaning? What does meaning mean? Who’s to say what the answer is to either of these queries? Or, for that matter, to any query of consequence? Who decides what meaning…

A person wearing traditional clothing stands outdoors in front of a lush, green landscape, holding a booklet with a picture of another person on the cover. The background features mountains and leafy vegetation.

God Bless Africa!

by Light Bearers

Mungu ibariki Afrika! [God Bless Africa!] Here at Kibidula Farm in Tanzania, we were very happy to receive a container of Bible studies from Light Bearers in October of last year. Since then, we have been working hard to distribute them…

A person is silhouetted in a warrior pose on rocky terrain, situated at the entrance of a cave. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the landscape, with a vast expanse of land and distant mountains visible.

For Strength

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Who would have watched food television programs 50 years ago? Would Americans have gravitated to Iron Chef America, watching Bobby Flay and Cat Cora hurriedly trounce around kitchens in an effort to out-impress gustatory judging? Would we have…

A group of 18 people posing outdoors on a grassy area by a river. The group includes a mix of men, women, and a child, all smiling towards the camera. Trees and a riverbank can be seen in the background, and the group appears to be enjoying a casual gathering.

CROSStraining 2013

by David Asscherick

Short of making the sun stand still, it is no easy thing to make room for four months of instruction in just nine days. Nevertheless, we here at Light Bearers are trying anyway! ARISE has, for the last decade, been a four-month endeavor. We have…

A vibrant yellow bird with subtle brown streaks on its chest and wings is perched on a branch against a blurred green background. The bird is facing slightly to the left, showcasing its bright plumage and delicate features.

Listen for the Beauty

by David Asscherick

Just the other day, while on my morning run, I had a rather sublime revelation. I get these “running revelations” quite a bit actually. Maybe it’s the increased blood flow, or the quiet time, or the aloneness of it all, I really don’t know.…

A vibrant smoothie bowl with blackberries, kiwi slices, pomegranate seeds, granola, and green smoothie base sits on a wooden table. A golden spoon, scattered blackberries, pomegranate half, and green leaves are placed around the bowl for decoration.

The Hal

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

As a young college student I became quite attracted to the concept of health. Something clicked internally and I was into it. In class, I learned that the vast majority of what an individual might encounter in the hospital was lifestyle related. My…

I Saw Jesus—ARISE Australia Class Tribute

by Sandra Entermenn

I saw Jesus Wednesday morning, the week before last. He was sitting quietly at the same breakfast table with a few others, little Riley, and myself. When Riley indicated that he wanted more avocado (of which there was a limited supply), He,…

Jesus Only.

by Light Bearers

From July 2-6 several hundred people will arrive on the Light Bearers campus for our 2013 Convocation to study through the book of Acts, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, story by story. And this will be the theme of our study: Jesus…

Close-up image of a single, intricate snowflake resting on a soft, white surface. The background is blurred, featuring shades of light blue and white, highlighting the delicate and detailed structure of the snowflake.

The Snowball Effect

by Andy Hausted

It was a crisp winter day, and snow blanketed the quaint landscape surrounding me. Bright rays of light sparkled off the fresh snow that had fallen the previous night. Tall evergreens could be seen just about wherever one looked, and the rich smell…

A rock with a round, rolled-away stone lies at the entrance of a cave, illuminated by a warm, ethereal light. The rough terrain and sparse vegetation enhance the mystical atmosphere, suggesting a scene of significance and historical or religious context.

Just Like the Cross

by David Asscherick

I get admittedly nervous when I hear these words: “Pastor Asscherick, you changed my life.” You see, I’m not in the life-changing business; I’m just a messenger, a mail carrier. The biblical term is evangelist, one who carries a…

A bunch of fresh, unwashed carrots with vibrant green tops rests on a dark surface. The carrots are arranged with their tapered, pointed ends facing outward, highlighting their bright orange color and natural, rustic appearance.

Overcooked and Rawed Out

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

In politics, are you Republican or Democrat? In terms of religion, are you liberal or conservative? When it comes to your personality, are you sanguine or melancholy? In diet, are you vegan or vegetarian? Are you for or against…, in or out,…

A low-angle view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, capturing its intricate architecture with a dramatic, cloudy sky in the background. The dome features columns and detailed stonework.

Why a New Pope is Good News

by James Rafferty

In 1929, the Italian Parliament ratified the Lateran Treaty settling the Roman Question and setting the stage for what some have since described as the healing of the deadly wound. Somewhere between that time and today, an idea developed that…

A young child with light brown hair and a striped shirt smiles at the camera while sitting on an airplane. The airplane window is visible in the background, letting in bright light. The child appears happy and excited.

Not Letter, But Spirit

by Ty Gibson

As I took my seat on the plane, an energetic little boy came up the aisle with his dad. In my mind I thought, “I sure hope he’s not gonna be in the seat behind me.” As a frequent flyer, I know short legs tend to kick seatbacks. As he walked…

Abstract image featuring a swirling pattern in varying shades of blue and white. The center suggests a liquid-like texture, with fine lines and subtle speckles radiating outward, creating a dynamic and ethereal visual effect.

Enzymes in the Raw

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

I despise sloths. The continuous ritardando of their existence is not to my liking. They sleep for 20 hours a day. When they are awake they barely move. They are so slow and sluggish that algae will actually grow on their fur! Can you imagine if…

Three green apples are aligned in a row on a wooden surface. The background is completely black, making the apples stand out prominently in the foreground. The lighting emphasizes the smooth texture and vibrant color of the apples.

A Double Work

by James Rafferty

Traveling all over the world from place to place to share the gospel as part of the Light Bearers Ministry team is especially rewarding when hearts are healed and lives transformed by the power of God. Many of you are reading these words because you…

A heavy black ball and chain shackle lying on a plain white surface. The ball is attached to a broken metal chain, indicating it has been severed from its original position. The image is well lit, with shadows cast on the surface.

Setting the Captives Free

by Ty Gibson

A powerful ministry to prison inmates is under way in Kenya. A group called the King’s Messengers, sponsored by the East- Central Africa Division, recently paid a series of visits to a prison in Nairobi housing 3,500 men. Rather than merely…

A minimalist white desk against a white wall has a single gray chair in front of it. On the desk are simple decorative items: a small plant in a pot, a framed artwork, and a branch in a vase. The scene is uncluttered and serene.

Creatures of Habit

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

Benjamin Franklin said, “Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones.” The implication is that habits control much of what life is made up of. We’ve heard the…

A large cargo ship labeled "Grimaldi Lines" is docked at a port under a clear blue sky. The ship's deck is stacked with multiple colored shipping containers. In the background, there's a cityscape with modern buildings and a prominent concert hall. The calm water reflects the scene.

2013 Publishing Projects

by Light Bearers

This year we plan to print, package, ship and distribute over 22.5 million pieces of paper gold—the gospel of Christ in printed form. That's twelve 20 foot containers packed with truth-filled literature that will make their way to Kenya, Zambia,…

A small wooden heart sits on a wooden surface surrounded by wood shavings. The heart has a textured, rustic appearance, and the background is softly blurred, emphasizing the heart as the focal point. The lighting is warm and soft, creating a cozy atmosphere.

God’s Masterpiece

by Ty Gibson

The human mind is creativity in motion. Each moment of each day we see things, take in a plethora of sensory data, intersect with people, and experience life—and all the while, with every encounter, we are incrementally changing, becoming…

A person submerged underwater, reaching out with one hand and creating bubbles, which distort the reflection on the water's surface. The scene is bathed in a deep, bluish light, creating a serene and dreamlike atmosphere.

Swimming Blind

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

For Michael Phelps, the morning was like many others. Though a race-day, he fell into a routine that had become automatic. He ate the same breakfast he always ate, did the same stretching routine he always did. He swam his typical sequence of…

A black and white photograph of a forest trail. The path is narrow and winds between tall, slender trees. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, creating a dramatic and mystical atmosphere. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and solitude.

The Valley of the Shadow

by Doug Mielke

The sign read: DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially May to September. But that was for normal people. The Hermit Trail spanned only nine miles from the canyon's rim down to the…

A black and white photo of nine children sitting around a table at a birthday party. They are wearing party hats and smiling. Plates, cups, and a cake are visible on the table. The children are dressed in casual clothing, and the room looks bright with windows in the background.

Ten

by David Asscherick

Family My youngest son, Jabel, just turned ten. In the absence of a miraculous intervention, I will never again have the joy and privilege of parenting a less-than-double-digit aged child. Life moves on. Time does its thing. “The past…

Close-up image of typebars in an old-fashioned typewriter. The metal arms, each with a letter or symbol, are arranged in an arched pattern against a background of evenly spaced vertical rods. The image has a sepia tone, giving it a vintage feel.

Looking Back Over 2012

by Light Bearers

As 2012 ends, we here at Light Bearers are rejoicing at how God has led. Here’s a recap of the year: ARISE Internship Program In January we launched the ARISE…

A solitary, leafless tree stands in a foggy, snow-covered landscape. The dark silhouette of the tree contrasts starkly against the soft, white snow and the gradient sky that fades from deep blue to pale gray. The scene evokes a sense of solitude and tranquility.

Alone Together

by Doug Mielke

Danny Fitzgerald was the king of our neighborhood. It wasn't because he was an admirable person, nor was it because he was a great athlete, or one of the more popular guys at our school. He was the neighborhood king because we feared him. Danny…

A painting depicting the Nativity scene where Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, and animals gather inside a stable. Mary and Joseph are at the center, admiring the newborn Jesus in a manger with gentle light illuminating the setting.

Finding Jesus in Christmas

by James Rafferty

A group of people was sitting in the waiting area of a popular restaurant. They were hungry, eager for a table, and silently stealing glances at each other. Then in came yet another family with a small child. As the man went to register his name,…

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair covers her face with her hands, appearing upset or distressed. She is wearing a dark green jacket, and one of her hands features two rings. The background is blurred, putting emphasis on her emotions.

When Evil Strikes

by Ty Gibson

On Friday as I walked into my wife’s office to say hi, smiling and eager to interrupt her work with a flirtatious moment or two, she swiveled around toward me in her chair and said, “Have you heard about what happened in Connecticut?” There…

A white door with the number 5 displayed near the top is set in a dark green wall. The door has a simple rectangular design with a white frame and features two locks—a doorknob lock and a deadbolt.

This Is Ministry: Victor and Lindsay’s Story

by Light Bearers

There’s a white door. There’s a ‘5’ on it. Two ARISE students, Victor Carreiro and Lindsay White, stand beside the apartment door and knock. There’s a post beside Victor that he leans upon, his hand plays with a…

A blurred world map shows clusters of variously sized circles concentrated in certain areas, with the largest circle displaying the number "913" in southern Africa. Faded text and lines connect to some clusters, denoting specific locations and descriptions.

Territory: Light Bearers 2012 Yearend Report

by Light Bearers

Here's the Light Bearers 2012 Yearend Report. We are proud of this report, not in a carnal way, but because of the work and ministry it represents. The report is filled with frontline reports and theological insights that are sure to inspire you as…

Close-up of autumn leaves scattered on the ground, bathed in warm, golden sunlight. The leaves are in shades of yellow and brown, creating a cozy, seasonal atmosphere. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the vibrant, sunlit foliage in the foreground.

Leaves of Hope, Healing, and Home

by David Asscherick

Emily Bronte, in her poem Fall, Leaves, Fall, writes: Every leaf speaks bliss to meFluttering from the autumn tree. Here in Oregon, as I write this, autumn has come and (nearly) gone. Leaves are aground wherever one…

A rustic wooden chair is placed in front of a large window with white curtains. The window reflects a blurred forest and sky during sunset. The scene offers a peaceful, serene ambiance.

This Is Ministry: Andy and Karla’s Story

by Light Bearers

No one is answering. Andy Hausted and Karla Martinez stand before a door refusing to open up. As Andy looks around, he notices two people in the backyard sitting on couches in a sort of outside porch area. The current ARISE…

Three white plates stacked on top of each other with three sets of utensils wrapped in white napkins placed on top. The wrapped utensils include forks and knives. The plates and utensils are on a dark wooden surface.

How Thanksgiving Can Change the World

by Justin Kim

At the core of the Old Testament is what theologians call the biblical covenant. In other words, it’s a relationship, fellowship time, or… chill-time, or hanging out. It’s in the foundation of every sanctuary offering, every patriarch’s…

A weathered, stuffed animal lies abandoned on a corrugated metal roof, partially obscured by a nearby strand of barbed wire in the foreground. The image conveys a sense of neglect and isolation.

Dirty Teddy and Me

by Dustin Hall

I ascended the dark stairway at my childhood home to retrieve a toy I knew was in the upstairs closet for one of my children. As the creak of the steps sounded beneath my weight, memories from my childhood came rushing back. I reached the summit of…

Close-up of a fountain pen tip writing cursive text on lined paper. The metal nib glints under light, casting a shadow on the paper. The handwriting is in black ink, partially blurred, and the paper has a yellowish tint.

Dear Light Bearers Guys…

by Light Bearers

As many of you know, we have a group of ARISE graduates that are part of a yearlong internship program. They are actively engaged in frontline ministry. They are serving in local churches, giving Bible…

$Aerial view of intricate branching patterns on a landscape, resembling trees or veins. The patterns are formed by dark, winding lines on a lighter, textured background, evocative of natural fractal designs.$

Initial Conditions: When Small Isn’t

by Victor Carreiro

[ABOVE: Photo of a fractal riverbed. Fractals are naturally occurring, self-similar patterns that are very complex and incalculably detailed. While they may appear to be random and chaotic at their initial formation, they exhibit an array of…

A small, dilapidated church with a tilted steeple stands in a wintry landscape. Light beams through the empty windows and cracks, casting dramatic rays. Bare trees surround the church, and the ground is covered in snow, creating an eerie yet serene scene.

And In My World…

by Ty Gibson

Wow, I was so blessed by David's “world” that I’d like to expand the vision to the church. In my world, the church would be a place in which Jesus is the one Truth that gives meaning and heart and…

A black-and-white photo shows a man on the left aiming a gun at another man standing to his right. Other individuals are visible in the background while the scene unfolds on a street with buildings. The expressions and stances convey a moment of intense confrontation.

In My World…

by David Asscherick

In my world, there would be no sexual slave trade, because there would be no customers. In my world, there would be no promising politicians, because people would be too informed and intelligent to believe them. In my world, there would be no…

A child dressed in winter clothing walks through a snowy forest at night, holding a stick and leaving footprints in the snow. A bird flies nearby, and the scene is lit by a mystical light from above, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Teetering On The Edge

by Ty Gibson

Here’s some raw data that ought to blow your mind, make you want to cry, and arouse your suspicions all at once: “According to the UN Environment Program, the earth is in the midst of a mass extinction of life. Scientists estimate that…

A person with gray hair and a mustache is sitting, wearing a dark sweater. Their hands are clasped together, resting near their face, and they are looking slightly upwards with a contemplative expression against a plain dark background.

The Hidden Things, That I Don’t Know

by Paulo Torres

I distinctively remember my General Relativity classes. Every one of them was a joyful experience, and yet I often came home frustrated because I hadn't understood a particular equation, mathematical reasoning or structure that day. Even so, the…

A vintage television set with a wooden frame, displaying static on the screen. Two large dials for adjusting channels and volume are found on the right side, and two antenna rods extend from the top of the TV. The background is plain white.

Look Mom! I’m a Televangelist!

by David Asscherick

Quick: what do Jim Bakker, Ted Haggard, and Jimmy Swaggart all have in common? Answer: they’ve all made my life harder. At various times, and in various ways, they all succeeded in sullying my profession, my faith, and, worst of all, my Savior.…

A hand holding a piece of chalk draws a football play on a chalkboard. The diagram includes X's, O's, and arrows, depicting a strategic play arrangement.

What is ARISE Trying to Accomplish?

by David Asscherick

Someone told me that someone had a friend who was told by someone else that, “ARISE Bible workers don’t get results.” Sure, a rumor is a rumor, but the alleged statement does actually raise an important question, one that I’ve been asking…

A digital camera on a tripod is focused on two blurred individuals sitting at a table, conversing or conducting an interview. The camera's screen displays a clear, sharp image of the scene, emphasizing the recording taking place.

Now Available: 4th Quarter Sabbath School Commentaries by David Asscherick & Ty Gibson

by Light Bearers

The final Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly for 2012 was a great one indeed: Growing in Christ. What could be more important than that? Nothing! The Quarterly Lesson took a look at several distinctive doctrines of Scripture against the…

Black and white image of a large crowd gathered inside a spacious indoor venue. They are facing a stage with bright lights and musical instruments. A group of people stand arm-in-arm in front of the crowd. The scene suggests a concert or communal event.

The Hour Has Come

by David Asscherick

It was, without doubt, one of the highlights of my life: more than a thousand young people standing arm in arm, committing themselves to God and to making a difference in Europe. Even now as I write, my heart thrills within me as I remember that…

A large crane operates at night, lifting a shipping container marked "CMACGM" at the Port of Oakland. Stacks of containers in various colors are seen below. The scene is illuminated by bright lights against a clear, dark blue sky.

Paper Missionaries

by Light Bearers

We just loaded one of three containers going to the East Central African Division (ECD): one for the Division office, one for the Tanzania Union Mission in Arusha, Tanzania, and the third for the West Congo Union Mission in Kinshasa in the…

A close-up of a boxer's fist wrapped in bandages, extended towards the camera in a punching motion. The background is dark and slightly blurred, with visible particles around his fist, emphasizing the force and intensity of the action.

Fight or Flight?

by Dee Casper

The “Fight or Flight” response is defined as the response of the body to a perceived threat. When faced with danger, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones give us a burst of energy…

A person wearing glasses is holding a glowing, sparkly light in their hands, creating an enchanting aura around them. The background is dim and slightly blurred, focusing attention on the illuminated hands.

What to Do with Anger

by James Rafferty

I watched two cars almost collide as one turned into the other’s lane without seeing the car occupying it. The violated driver went ballistic—honking, yelling, and using inappropriate hand signals. Driving has to be one of the great…

Three dried roses on a single stem are placed in a minimalistic white vase against a plain white background. The petals have faded to a muted pink, giving the flowers a delicate, vintage appearance. The overall aesthetic is simple, delicate, and understated.

Roundup

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

You would think that a company who: came up with saccharin to produce diet Coca Cola; contributed to research on uranium which led to the atomic bomb; has been a leading manufacturer of plastics, PCBs and DDTs; sold Agent…

A young child wearing a hat and shorts stands at the base of wide steps, looking up. The steps are illuminated by sunlight, creating a stark contrast with the shaded area where the child stands. The background consists of a large stone wall.

I Can’t…

by Chad Stuart

"I can't." Those are the words my dad spoke two-and-a-half years ago. It was his response to a question I had put to him: "Dad will you do a Bible study with one of our contacts?" "I can't." Let me tell you a little bit about my dad. Almost all…

An array of numerous identical gray human icons arranged in rows and columns on a light gray background. Among them, a single human icon is highlighted in orange at the center of the image.

Why You Matter So Much

by Ty Gibson

Today in a little Australian town called Byron Bay I noticed a sign that says, “I saw the universe change today.” Whoever wrote those words was paying attention. According to “chaos theory,” the single movement of a butterfly’s wing may…

A vibrant plate of gourmet food featuring a variety of colorful vegetables, slices of figs, and garnished with pomegranate seeds. The dish is artistically arranged and appears to be served in a dimly lit, elegant restaurant setting.

Food Synergy

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

It was a strange turn of events that left researchers wondering. Proponents of the therapeutic value of food were sure that this study would be an arrow in their quiver. But it wasn’t. Instead the Alpha-Tocopherol,…

A dark globe with Africa highlighted, featuring a collage of various images of people engaging in different activities, suggesting a portrayal of diverse cultures and communities within the continent. The rest of the globe remains muted and primarily dark.

A Light in Zambia

by Light Bearers

In our new documentary, A Light in Zambia, you'll hear firsthand accounts of changed lives and trace the spiritual journeys of five special Zambians who have been powerfully impacted by the gospel. …

Boston

by David Asscherick

My family and I recently had the privilege of spending some time touring around Boston following a speaking appointment. Not being a city person, I had but mild anticipation. The primary goals were to expose my boys to some American history, and to…

A person with a ponytail wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, patterned leggings, and red running shoes is jogging outside on a sunny day. There is a chain-link fence in the background with trees and a clear sky.

Evangemom: A Tribute to Mothers

by Angelo Grasso

It was a spring morning like any other for my wife, Kathy and then two-year old son Eliah: playtime at the local park. Our son was enjoying himself in the sandbox, when another little boy showed up with his mom. As the boys got busy playing, the…

A young musician plays the violin, deeply focused. The image features a torn photograph effect, with soft, glowing lights in the blurred background, suggesting a performance on stage. The scene evokes a sense of concentration and artistic expression.

Digging in with Digma: A Teacher’s Testimony

by David Sherwood

Have you seen the new Digma videos? If you haven’t, go watch them immediately at digma.com, then share them with your social network. I’m serious. Stop reading this blog because someone on…

A bonsai tree with a twisted trunk and dense, lush green foliage positioned against a plain white background. The trunk twists in an elegant, flowing manner, culminating in two main branches that spread the green leaves out in an aesthetically pleasing, balanced formation.

A Crippled Arm, Doubts and Something Better

by Bryant Rodriguez

His right arm struck his right thigh whenever he made a good point. As Matt Parra preached on Acts 17, biblical balance, and the logical fallacies of traditional definitions of balance, one thought streamed through my mind: I’m supposed to be…

A serene mountain stream flows through a rocky terrain under a partly cloudy sky. Snow-capped mountains rise in the background, while the foreground features moss-covered rocks and clear, flowing water. The area exudes a peaceful and natural ambiance.

New Zealand: My Glory and Joy!

by David Asscherick

It is no secret to those who know me that I regard New Zealand as “the best country on earth.” I’ve been there four years in a row, and have no plans or desire to stop my annual visits. My most recent visit, which I’ve just returned from,…

A black bicycle with a wicker basket attached to the handlebars is parked against a brick wall and concrete base, secured to a pole with a lock. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the bike’s features and the texture of the wall.

Reaching the world… On a Schwinn

by Dee Casper

If you had told me eight years ago, when I graduated from high school, that I would be hanging out with people from all over the world and be afforded the opportunity to share the gospel with them, I would have laughed at…

Food Not Bombs

by Light Bearers

After completing the four month Cornerstone Program this past December, eight of us graduates were asked to be a part of the new …

A man with dark hair and glasses, dressed in a light shirt and pants, smiles while giving two thumbs up. The image is shot from above, with a fisheye lens effect, making him appear exaggeratedly disproportional. The background is plain white.

How Not To Be Weird

by Ty Gibson

Placing an order in a café recently, the server said, “You don’t eat meat? That’s weird.” I responded, with a smile of course, “Yeah, it’s way less weird to catch a beautiful creature, look into its frightened eyes, cut its throat as it…

A group of eight young adults stands spaced out on a two-lane road surrounded by trees. They are evenly distributed along the road's centerline and wear casual outfits. The photo has a black-and-white filter, and the sky is clear with light clouds.

The ARISE Internship Program

by Light Bearers

For almost a decade now we’ve had the privilege of training over 800 people through our ARISE training programs. It’s been a powerful and beautiful experience! But we’ve always dreamed of having…

A man in a blue plaid shirt stands in front of a group of seated people. He gestures with one hand while speaking. Behind him is a projector screen, and to the left is a whiteboard with writing on it. The audience appears attentive and engaged.

Young Adults Launch Bible Boot Camp

by Sandra Entermenn

As a direct result of attending the ARISE Bible Boot Camp at Kingscliff Church, six young adults from Ipswich Church recently took up the challenge to…

A group of people sitting on a grassy area near the water having a picnic as the sun sets behind tall city buildings. The skyline includes modern skyscrapers, and the group appears relaxed while enjoying their time outdoors.

5 Ways to Be a Successful Student on a Public College Campus

by Israel Ramos

If you are a Seventh-day Adventist student studying on a non-Adventist university campus, you have a unique opportunity. Far more than merely graduating with an expensive piece of paper in your hands, you can be used by God to impact a group of…

A whimsical illustration of a staircase ascending a hill, surrounded by trees, musical notes, clouds, and birds perched on branches. The background is a textured gradient from light teal to dark blue, creating a serene and imaginative atmosphere.

2012 Songs of Ascent Tour

by Light Bearers

Over the years we have become associated with a number of talented musicians and songwriters. We’ve often daydreamed about a music tour that would be biblically grounded, of the highest musical quality, and evangelistically savvy. Those dreams…

Two men stand in waist-deep water surrounded by tall grasses. The man on the left holds a large white crate on his shoulder while the man on the right, wearing a hat, raises a stack of papers in one hand. Both men appear to be smiling.

Light Bearers Mission Video

by Light Bearers

A large part of Light Bearers' history is publishing literature to send around the world. This video provides a small glimpse of how this work has impacted us and the lives of those abroad. …

To Use Or Be Used?

by Light Bearers

Sometimes we hear people say things like, “I need more of the Holy Spirit in my life” or “I want the fullness of the Spirit.” There is nothing direly wrong with this language, and yet it may evince a subtle danger in our…

A group of six children stand in front of a building, smiling and waving. The children are dressed casual clothes. The child on the left holds a stick, and the child on the right holds a green ball. The background features a stone wall and a metal door.

God Was Good in Guatemala

by James Rafferty

It was my last night of cafeteria food. The next morning I would be leaving ICAP (ECAP) and saying “adios” to the hundreds of young people who had listened to me preach for the last 18 nights. A table of students motioned me over. I recognized…

Blurry underwater photograph showing a hand reaching towards the surface, with light scattering and creating bokeh effects. The scene has a dreamlike quality, with a mix of dark and light areas. A submerged figure is partially visible in the background.

Remember to Breathe

by Stein Vegard Halvorsen

God exists, and He loves you. How long will it take before we open our eyes and dare to answer His tender voice? In this world where we are living there is so much stress and pressure all around us every single day. The time…

A surreal scene of an open book with pages swirling into a powerful tornado. The tornado emits a blue glow and extends skyward, blending with stormy clouds. A lighthouse emerges from the pages, surrounded by churning waves, symbolizing a story coming to life.

Natural Disasters–An Act of God?

by James Rafferty

Someone sent me a recent article by John Piper, Reformed Baptist preacher and best selling author, titled, Fierce Tornados and the Fingers of…

Benzu & Irene

by Light Bearers

The world is filled with human beings, nearly seven billion of them. But we are not a nameless mass of humanity. We are, rather, a community of totally distinct individuals who are each one intimately by God. Each one has a name, a history, and a…

Close-up of delicate lavender flowers in bloom with a soft-focus background, featuring warm, glowing bokeh lights that create a dreamy, tranquil atmosphere. The image captures the essence of gentle nature and serene beauty.

Healing Leaves

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

James Cook was one of the greatest sea navigators in history. In the late 1700s, he sailed from England around South Africa, to Tahiti, Australia and beyond. His eyes saw what very few had in his time. He and his men were…

Number seven is prominently displayed in blue with gradient shading, while the numbers four, five, six, eight, and nine appear faintly in the background on a white backdrop.

Why it Matters

by Cindy Tutsch

Several of my young adult friends have messaged me recently with comments like, "I consider myself a Creationist because I believe that God created the earth. Why does it matter if He created it in seven literal contiguous 24-hour periods, or over…

The Parable of Luke, Part 2

by David Sherwood

Rushing out of the revolving door, we made our way home to Tennessee after staying two days in our hotel to be sure Luke was well enough to travel. The next five months was a game of wait and see; waiting to see if he would meet his normal…

A young child wearing green swim trunks swims underwater in a pool, bubbles rising above their head. The child is striking a playful pose, balancing on one leg with arms extended forward, fingers pointing as if imitating a superhero.

Three Simple Steps For Overcoming Any Sin

by Ty Gibson

"We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). Whoever you are, whatever your struggles and temptations may be, sweet victory is yours for the taking. Right now! All you need do is appreciate, appropriate and act upon what…

A cheerful baby with blonde hair and blue eyes is lying on their stomach, smiling widely with excitement. The baby is wearing a white outfit, and soft light illuminates their face, highlighting their joyful expression. The background is softly blurred.

The Parable of Luke, Part 1

by David Sherwood

The great Hellen Keller is noted as having said, "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." A little over two years ago my wife and I had…

Three men are seated in a dimly lit room, engaged in a discussion. One man on the left is gesturing with his hands while speaking. The man in the middle is listening attentively, with his hands clasped. The man on the right is also listening, facing the other two.

Light Bearers + ARISE: A Conversation About the Merger

by Light Bearers

Listen to Ty Gibson, James Rafferty and David Asscherick discuss the details and events leading up to the merger between Light Bearers and ARISE. …

A person stands on a reflective wet surface, facing a vibrant, dramatic sunset with clouds casting brilliant hues of orange, purple, and blue across the sky and water. The person wears a hooded jacket and shorts, gazing towards the horizon.

Four Surefire Ways to Maintain High Energy

by Ty Gibson

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV). In their excellent book, The Power of Full…

A vivid depiction of a cosmic scene illustrates a colorful nebula with hues of blue, purple, and golden-orange. The radiant light and intricate cloud formations contrast against the dark background, creating a mesmerizing celestial landscape.

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out

by Paulo Torres

As a child I remember looking once at the clear night sky and feeling the deep awe it inspires. It wasn’t just a sense that the Universe is big that gripped me, though it certainly is. It was the whole experience of being in the dark with my…

A twisted bonsai tree with intricate, gnarled branches displayed in a pot. The tree has striking white, weathered wood contrasted by dark green foliage. In the background, there is a garden with a building, partially visible through the tree's branches.

The Straight Truth

by Risë Rafferty, RDN

A large, diverse group of people stand together outdoors on a grassy field. They are smiling and casually dressed, with trees and a road in the background. A pile of blankets and a stroller are on the right side of the image. The atmosphere appears friendly and relaxed.

A Class of Their Own

by David Asscherick

The ninth four-month ARISE class has come and gone. It’s hard to believe we’ve been at this for nearly a decade! Every class is special, I’ll be the first…

An open scrapbook displaying a black and white photo of three surfers walking along the beach with their surfboards. The scrapbook is on a wooden table alongside a vintage camera, a small framed picture, and a miniature Christmas tree.

Leaving But Staying; Changing But Staying the Same

by Matt Parra

Matt, David, and Sherise surfing just South of Brisbaine, Australia Moving can be dramatic. Yet change is a normal part of the human experience. Accordingly, the…

A close-up of a traffic light showing a green signal. The traffic light is mounted on a metal pole against a blurred background of a building facade.

Here We Are!

by David Asscherick

Even though it’s happened, I still can hardly believe it. We merged. We moved. We’re here. After months of conversing, praying, thinking, and planning, it happened. And, again, I still can hardly believe it. But here’s the good news, no…

Close-up of a skateboard wheel resting on a wooden floor. The image captures the underside of the skateboard, focusing on the wheel and its attachment to the board, with a shallow depth of field that blurs the background. The lighting is warm and soft.

Here They Are!

by James Rafferty

July 1, 2011 was a day of new beginnings for Light Bearers and ARISE. It was the end of two separate ministries and the beginning of one. And from that day to this, we have experienced unrelenting unity, fellowship, and synergy. One of the things…

Two men stand in a river during a baptism ceremony. The man on the left, dressed in black, holds the arm of the man on the right, who is wearing a white shirt. The surrounding area is grassy and sunlit.

Fifteen Lessons From Fifteen Years, Part 3

by David Asscherick

A lot has happened since Part Two was written and posted, not the least of which is that ARISE has moved to Jasper, Oregon to …

A diverse group of about 50 people stands close together outdoors on a dirt ground with trees in the background. They are casually dressed and face the camera, smiling. The group includes adults and a few children, showing a range of styles and expressions.

My ARISE Experience

by Amanda Pérez

My experience at ARISE can be simply described: God-planned. It is such a jaw-dropping feeling to look back at my life and see how God planned every step of the way. He even turns our mistakes into stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks. That…

A person stands on a rocky peak, overlooking a vast landscape of mountains, valleys, and a town below. The sky is clear and the panoramic view extends far into the horizon, offering a sense of tranquility and exhilaration.

Asscherick Sermon Featured in Adventist Review

by David Asscherick

What a privilege it was to conduct the Week of Spiritual Emphasis at the General Conference World Headquarters earlier this year! Blessings continue to flow from that…

Fifteen Lessons From Fifteen Years, Part 2

by David Asscherick

The original plan was one post with all fifteen points. Plan B was fifteen points in two blog posts. Now we’re on Plan C: fifteen points in, you guessed it, three posts. Life has a way of suddenly rearranging our otherwise perfect and precise…

Close-up of an aircraft engine's turbine blades and intake. The image showcases the intricate design and metallic textures of the turbine, highlighting the engineering details in a circular pattern. Natural light emphasizes the silver and dark gray colors.

The Handbook

by Samuel Riemersma

One of the great things about working in ministry is the privilege of meeting so many people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Over time, weekly Bible studies grow into close friendships which is probably the most rewarding…

Fifteen Lessons From Fifteen Years, Part 1

by David Asscherick

Pastor Torres, complete with wetsuit, baptizing me in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Best day of my life. It was June 6, 1996. Five days ago was June 6,…

A massive ocean wave curls and crashes, its translucent blue-green water forming a perfect barrel. Sunlight filters through the wave, casting a bright glow. The sky above is clear and blue.

The Broken Nose

by Matt Parra

Matt: “Hey Sherise, paddle out. Paddle. Paddle out!” Sherise: Puzzled, frightened, and confused. Doing her best impersonation of a deer in the headlights. Unidentified Surfer:…

A person with short dark hair is using a coin-operated binocular viewer to look at a tall, iconic skyscraper in the distance. The person is wearing a long-sleeve dark shirt and is viewed from behind. The background is clear, and the sky is light blue.

My Search for Truth and God’s Search for Me

by Kevin Dice

Grace. What a fantastic and wonderful word! The free, unmerited favor of God. When my carnal heart first came to the realization of what was offered to me through Christ, I was a heathen. No, worse than a heathen; I was a Christian who knew all…

A young child with blonde hair, wearing a dark blue and black jacket, is standing outdoors and looking at a large map. The background is a blurred, open landscape with a muted, overcast sky.

Modern-Day Explorers

by Light Bearers

It is amazing to look at history and see how it often repeats itself. Amber and I live in beautiful New Zealand. We have been fascinated by the history of this region - particularly its discovery by the Europeans. New Zealand was first…

Two hands in black and white, positioned against a light grey background, each holding a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. The two puzzle pieces are not yet connected but appear to be moving towards each other, suggesting an attempt to fit them together.

ARISE is… Both

by David Asscherick

ARISE is thoroughly Gospel-centered. ARISE is authentically Adventist. Let’s be unmistakably clear: there exists no tension whatsoever between these affirmations. Both can be affirmed concurrently, absolutely, enthusiastically and…

A historical painting depicting a regal procession through a castle gate. The central figures, dressed in elaborate period attire, are surrounded by guards. In the foreground, wounded and lifeless figures lie on the ground, suggesting a scene of recent conflict.

A French Counter-Revolution

by Matt Parra

The image is a depiction of Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, who approved the extermination of the Protestants, coming out to see the carnage of St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre…

Two vintage yellow lanterns with glass encasings hang side by side against a dark wooden wall backdrop. The wood is textured with visible grain patterns, adding a rustic and nostalgic feel to the image.

Twice the Light: ARISE & Light Bearers Join Forces!

by Light Bearers

Yesterday, May 12th, something amazing happened. Something providential and miraculous. Two ministries became one. This did not happen overnight, as you might imagine. We do, after all, live in a Newtonian world, and when two things come together…

Monochromatic image of a classical statue depicting Jesus Christ with a crown of thorns and flowing hair. The figure is draped in a garment over one shoulder, with the face cast in shadow, creating a solemn and contemplative expression against a dark background.

Goodness, Suffering and God

by Nathan Renner

Recently, a friend of mine struck up a conversation with a local philosophy professor while exercising at the gym. Before long, the conversation turned to the most important subject of our time (and of all time): the character of God.…

Two men seated at a table, both deeply focused on writing. The man in the foreground has a shaved head, tattoos, and is wearing a black t-shirt, while the man behind him, with dark hair, is wearing a light-colored shirt. Both are using pens.

ARISE Down Under

by Light Bearers

When ARISE confirmed that we would be doing a two-week Bible Boot Camp in Australia, we knew that the Lord would have great things in store. However, God has done above and beyond anything we could have ever expected. We had no idea how many people…

A person with an arm prosthesis is holding crutches. The prosthesis is mechanical and attached to the upper part of the arm and shoulder. The person is wearing a black shirt, and the wooden crutches have a tan color. The background is a textured gray wall.

God and Mark

by David Asscherick

Recently, I met Mark. Mark was scared. Mark had spent the last week cutting people’s limbs off. I’m not kidding. February 22nd saw Christchurch, New Zealand rocked by a deadly earthquake. At present nearly 200 have lost their lives.…

A collapsed house with significant structural damage and debris scattered around. Walls and roofs are broken, exposing interior rooms and furniture. Piles of bricks and rubble are evident, implying an extensive destructive event. Trees are visible in the background.

Frontline Report: February 22 Christchurch Earthquake

by David Asscherick

David Asscherick shares his eyewitness account of the 6.3 quake. A deadly earthquake (6.3 magnitude) struck Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday at 12:51 p.m. Reports are that the Central Business…

A person is running up a large, sloped, sandstone hill under an overcast sky. The surroundings are minimal, highlighting the runner's silhouette against the open, pale sky and the textured surface of the rock.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

by David Asscherick

Twenty-six point two miles. 138,435 feet. 1,661,220 inches. There are many permutations, but the distance remains the same: long. For reasons not perfectly clear to me, running a marathon seemed like a good idea. That was six months…

A large congregation stands together in a church with a high ceiling and bright stained-glass windows. The diverse group faces a stage where speakers are present. The atmosphere appears solemn and focused. The church interior is brightly lit with red carpeting.

Pastor Asscherick at Oakwood University

by Light Bearers

Pastor David Asscherick had the privilege of preaching a week of revival sermons at the campus of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. The meetings were held from April 13 to 17. Assistant Chaplain Marquis Johns enthusiastically remarked, "The…

A large audience raises their hands inside a dimly lit auditorium. The crowd is lively and engaged, with beams of light illuminating parts of the room. Rows of seats and vertical wooden panels on the walls are visible in the background.

Australia Youth Conference 2010

by Light Bearers

AYC (Australian Youth Conference) 2010 was the third installment of a youth conference that began because of a desire among the Adventist youth of Australia to fulfill the gospel commission. Matt Parra was invited as a plenary and workshop presenter…

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Impacting Lives: Shady’s Story

by Ty Gibson

Global Connections, Lasting Impact: the Light Bearers Live Sessions

by Ty Gibson

THE SIN OF UNENJOYMENT

by Ty Gibson

Michael the Archangel: A Response to Pastor Eric Mason’s Allegations that Adventism Is a Cult

by Ty Gibson

ADVENTISM AS WORLDVIEW

by Ty Gibson

If I Were the Devil

by Anneliese Wahlman

By the Grace of God, I Can, Part 2

by Alyssa Johnston

Experiments of Mercy

by Ty Gibson

How Ellen Went from Fearful to Faithful

by Anneliese Wahlman

The Unexpected Cure for Loneliness

by Anneliese Wahlman

ARISE Discipleship Program Transforms Lives

by Ty Gibson

By the Grace of God, I Can, Part 1

by Alyssa Johnston

Now You’re Speaking My Language

by Anneliese Wahlman

From Verbal to Visible: Sharing God’s Love

by Shawn Brace

Bridging the Gap: Reconnecting Youth with the Gospel

by Anneliese Wahlman

Preaching the Gospel to Those in Power

by Alyssa Johnston

From Skeptic to Believer: My Instantaneous Conversion Story

by Ty Gibson

How to Succeed in Ministry

by Ty Gibson

Love in a Time of War

by Angelo Grasso

The Key to Passing on Your Faith

by Angelo Grasso

How Jared Found His Deep Gladness

by Anneliese Wahlman

The Best Way to Answer for Your Faith

by Anneliese Wahlman

There Is Hope in Your Dark Night

by David Asscherick

No More Holy Water

by Alyssa Johnston

Don’t Look Where You Want to Go

by Anneliese Wahlman

Crisis After Crisis: What Can We Hold Onto?

by Ty Gibson

We Are Them

by David Asscherick

The Most Un-Boring Thing Ever

by Ty Gibson

No, You Don’t Study God’s Love Enough

by Anneliese Wahlman

God Didn’t Show Up, You Did

by Anneliese Wahlman

The Language of Love

by David Asscherick

John’s Communion

by Nathan McKee

John 14:15—Command or Prediction?

by Nathan McKee

Freedom From Uncontrolled Chaos

by Anneliese Wahlman

Words

by Ty Gibson

Be A Spring

by Nathan McKee

A Battle for Jesus

by Alyssa Johnston

Why Your Struggle Is a Good Sign

by Anneliese Wahlman

Of Perils and Tyrants

by David Asscherick