Field Notes
Just Go!
By Michael Brooks (July 24, 2010)
As I looked through pictures of some of my mission trips recently, I began to list the various means of travel that I have used. Air travel obviously enables me to quickly and comfortably reach distant places.
Unseen Blessings
By Michael Brooks (July 17, 2010)
My recent travels have taken me into areas of the United States where I have rarely or never been before. Crossing the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma I was reminded of a segment from the novel "Rafe" by Weldon Hill which was set in this part of the country.
Close Shaves
By Michael Brooks (July 3, 2010)
I am fascinated by knives, swords, axes, and almost any type of sharp tool. I enjoy using them for their appropriate purpose, but even when I have no practical need for a particular implement, I can enjoy seeing, handling, or even sharpening and caring for it.
The Tests of Sound Doctrine
By Michael Brooks (June 26, 2010)
Occasionally when in mission areas I will learn of congregations or individuals who purport to be members or congregations of the Church of Christ. Unfortunately since that name may be used by people of various beliefs and practices, some inquiry is usually required to insure that the new acquaintance shares critical positions.
Worthless Leaders
By Michael Brooks (June 19, 2010)
On a recent trip to the northern districts of Bangladesh, several preachers, including myself, listened as members of a remote congregation accused us of neglecting them for an extended period of time.
Beg, Beg, and Beg Again
By Michael Brooks (June 12, 2010)
A friend of mine who operates a school, and also an evangelistic ministry, which is supported by funds from international sources, recently went three months without receiving the expected financial transfers.
Images and Authority
By Michael Brooks (June 5, 2010)
As I travel through many countries, I acquire a lot of different currencies. Though I am by no means a collector, I have kept representative samples of coins and bills in various denominations from most if not all of the lands I have visited.
What Is In a Name?
By Michael Brooks (May 29, 2010)
Once again, I have been asked to provide a name for a new baby in Bangladesh. I am always honored, yet also humbled by such requests.
Connectivity Problems
By Michael Brooks (May 22, 2010)
By Michael E. Brooks "Do not hide your face from me in the day of my trouble; incline your ear to me; in the day that I call, answer me speedily" (Psalm 102:2 NKJV). This morning as I booted up...
Justice
By Michael Brooks (May 8, 2010)
I had rarely worried about the accuracy of scales before beginning foreign mission campaigns. In the U.S., we have become so accustomed to federal standards and inspection that most consumers have pretty much developed a blind trust in the scales and other measuring devices used in merchandising.
Reflections on the Death of a Saint
By Michael Brooks (May 1, 2010)
This week while visiting the village of Kataltala in southern Bangladesh, I learned of the death last November of Sister Bouturani Halder. Sister Halder was about 85 years of age, the mother of one son and five daughters.
Wanting the Impossible
By Michael Brooks (April 24, 2010)
We had left very early one Sunday morning to drive to worship with a village congregation in southern Bangladesh, so when we were near our destination, and saw there was time, we stopped for breakfast at a roadside café.
Getting Along With Others
By Michael Brooks (April 17, 2010)
While visiting a congregation in Kishabpur sub-district (in Bangladesh) I was told of a local point of interest. Even though this is a heavily populated agricultural area, it is also the habitat of a rather large population of gray langurs, also known as the Hanuman langur.
Building Roads
By Michael Brooks (April 10, 2010)
This week some of us met with property owners in a village near Khulna to discuss the building of a road that would give access to several houses and the church building there.
Market Day Difficulties
By Michael Brooks (April 3, 2010)
Most villages and towns in Bangladesh have weekly market days. On those days the roads through the middle of town are usually choked with trucks, rickshaw vans, hand carts and other vehicles used to bring merchandise in for trading.
Digital?
By Michael Brooks (March 27, 2010)
On a recent trip to northern Bangladesh we fell in behind a bus and noticed an unusual description - "Digital bus". My companions in the van discussed what could be "digital" about an ordinary looking beat up Bangla bus.
Discipleship
By Michael Brooks (March 20, 2010)
Is there any of us who doesn't sometimes feel a rebellious urge? Rejection of authority seems to be a basic instinct, and I am not sure that it is not increasing in popular acceptance with every year.
Dependency
By Michael Brooks (March 13, 2010)
It is hard to describe lifestyle and cultural differences between the U.S. and Bangladesh. The people here have little or no comprehension of how people live in the U.S. We perhaps have even less idea of what it is like to be in a village of Bangladesh.
Mighty Men
By Michael Brooks (March 6, 2010)
Much of our work in foreign countries revolves around selecting and training leaders for the churches in their own lands. It is often said that no organization can surpass its leadership.
The Purpose of Religion
By Michael Brooks (February 27, 2010)
As one who was raised and lived nearly all his life in what many refer to as a "Christian Country", other religions remain strange to me in many ways.
Packing Heavy
By Michael Brooks (February 20, 2010)
Whenever I prepare to return to South Asia I have to deal again with the issue of packing. Why must I always have to take so much stuff? Why must every trip involve so many details, so much planning and advance work? Can't I just buy tickets, jump on the plane, and go?
Perspective
By Michael Brooks (February 13, 2010)
One of my all-time favorite sermons is entitled, "Making Our Duties Our Desires". The point is simple. When we learn to want to do what we ought to do, we have laid the foundation for success and happiness.
Some Things Are Always With Us
By Michael Brooks (January 30, 2010)
For the past few weeks the news has focused upon the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. Estimates of dead, injured, and homeless have continuously escalated until the total of all such damage exceeds one million victims.
Wandering
By Michael Brooks (January 16, 2010)
I had made several international campaigns in South America, Africa and Asia before I ever began going out on my own on a regular basis. I am still not comfortable traveling in many places without local companionship.
Control
By Michael Brooks (January 9, 2010)
Are you a control freak? Conventional wisdom says that most men tend to be, and I would agree with that, but with the added observation that the same thing applies to most women as well.
At Just the Right Time
By Michael Brooks (January 2, 2010)
In 1991, two Americans departed for Bangladesh to spend about two months preaching in that Islamic nation. During their flight Operation Desert Storm (also known as Persian Gulf War #1) was launched.
Happy Holiday
By Michael Brooks (December 26, 2009)
by Michael E. Brooks "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" (Romans 14:5 NKJV). One result of spending several months each year in Bangladesh and Nepal...
Blinded and Maimed
By Michael Brooks (December 19, 2009)
The movie "Slumdog Millionaire" which is based in India depicts the lives of three children who grow up in the slums and garbage dumps of one of that nation's large cities. Much of its portrayal of the life of the poor is realistic, reflecting conditions that the visitor can easily observe.
Communication
By Michael Brooks (December 12, 2009)
When I began making overseas mission trips more than twenty years ago, communication with family left at home was difficult and expensive.
Trust
By Michael Brooks (December 5, 2009)
Buying meat, fish, seafood, or produce in South America, Africa or Asia almost always involves a visit to the markets and ultimately having one's purchase weighed on a balance. I have often wondered about the accuracy of the weights used in this process.
Thanksgiving
By Michael Brooks (November 28, 2009)
On Thursday, November 27, 2008 my wife Brenda and I were in Katmandu, Nepal. We were very aware that this was "Thanksgiving Day" in the U.S. which has always been one of our favorite holidays, and one that we celebrate with much pleasure and sincerity.
Flexibility
By Michael Brooks (November 21, 2009)
I believe it was on the fifth overseas mission trip I made that I finally made all my flights and connections as scheduled. On each previous trip I missed flights, had them canceled, was rescheduled, or rerouted.
The Transcendent Language
By Michael Brooks (November 7, 2009)
The sheer variety of music is rather astonishing. Here in Bangladesh I have relatively little in the way of entertainment. I do like to listen to music, however, and have accumulated a small selection of CDs that I play regularly.
A Celebration of Light
By Michael Brooks (October 31, 2009)
On our return from Bangladesh to the U.S. this fall, we flew through and stayed for a few days in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our arrival there coincided with one of the numerous Hindu holidays - the Festival of Lights.
Suffering
By Michael Brooks (October 24, 2009)
What is the very worst thing you have suffered as a result of your faith in God? That question is something of an embarrassment to most Christians, including I freely admit, myself.
Sing
By Michael Brooks (October 17, 2009)
Four of us were invited to eat dinner with friends who operate a children's home near our Bible College in Bangladesh. We arrived just in time to hear about fifty young people singing in their nightly devotional.
Abominations
By Michael Brooks (October 10, 2009)
by Michael E. Brooks "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains" (Matthew...
Translation Difficulties
By Michael Brooks (October 3, 2009)
by Michael E. Brooks "The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, 'Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed...
Meeting Expectations
By Michael Brooks (September 26, 2009)
People don't always act as we expect them to. This is especially true when we visit distant areas and different cultures. Emotions like enthusiasm, gratitude or welcome may not be expressed in familiar ways, and this may lead us to conclude erroneously that they are not felt. This in turn can lead to misunderstandings and offense.
Ready to Work
By Michael Brooks (September 19, 2009)
The lungi is a traditional item of clothing for Asian men. It is a simple piece of fabric wrapped around the waist to make what we in the west would consider a skirt. It is typically worn full length, waist to ankles, and is a popular lounging garment for the upper classes. The poor however often wear the lungi to work and as their normal everyday clothing.
A Little Thing
By Michael Brooks (September 12, 2009)
In the mission field, just like in congregations in the U.S., one must occasionally deal with accusations and rumors against preachers or other church leaders. Each one must be taken seriously and investigated, but many of these are quickly found to be false, based on some grudge or perceived potential gain for the accuser.
Anxiety
By Michael Brooks (September 5, 2009)
In Bangladesh, if you can't find something to worry about you are just not trying. Between swine flu (259 cases and counting), bird flu, anthrax (newly discovered), and the good old standbys of typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, tuberculosis, and cholera, the doctors don't have trouble staying busy.
Acquired Taste
By Michael Brooks (August 29, 2009)
When eating at a familiar restaurant I commented to one of my companions, "The food does not seem to be as hot (spicy) as it used to be. Have they changed the recipe?" He replied, "It is the same as it always was, your taste has changed."
As Little Children
By Michael Brooks (August 22, 2009)
Several days ago, I watched as three three-year-old boys played together on the Khulna Bible College campus. One was trying to peddle a bicycle with the other two riding on the seat behind him. I admired his willingness to work so hard on behalf of others.
Confusion
By Michael Brooks (August 15, 2009)
This week there was a tragic accident in Khulna in which three members of a family were killed. The motorcycle on which they were riding was struck by a speeding truck and none survived. One interesting aspect of this incident is that I have already heard four versions of the accident, all of them significantly different.
The Promise of the Hills
By Michael Brooks (August 8, 2009)
This week I made a brief trip to the Bandarban Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh. Most of Bangladesh is low-lying delta, situated on the northern shore of the Bay of Bengal. A narrow strip of hills runs along its eastern border however, which is divided into four different "Hill Tract" districts.
Exceeding Abundance
By Michael Brooks (August 1, 2009)
This week Dhaka, Bangladesh, was inundated by record amounts of rain. Almost one foot fell in a single six-hour period. City dwellers were left without shelter, transportation and other necessities, while insects, floating garbage and other attendant circumstances added to their problems.
Translated
By Michael Brooks (July 25, 2009)
After I finished a lesson on types of sermons intended for Nepali preachers and preacher students, the translator commented very favorably, indicating the material was relevant, needed, and not previously available to this particular audience.
Taken By the Lord
By Michael Brooks (July 18, 2009)
When I arrived at brother Hari's house in Chapagaon for a devotional and fellowship I was surprised to find that I was to preside in a baby naming, with me choosing the name. Hari and his young wife were blessed with a baby boy, now about 2 months old. He needed a name and his parents wanted a good Biblical name for him. I was elected to choose it.
Hopes and Plans
By Michael Brooks (July 11, 2009)
Changes of travel plans happen more frequently than we desire. Over more than twenty years of foreign missionary activity I have lost track of the numbers of cancelled stops, missed flights, and changed schedules which I have experienced. Some of those have been my decision; many others have been caused by unexpected events or airline schedule changes.
God Bless America
By Michael Brooks (July 4, 2009)
Today we once again celebrate Independence Day in the United States. Many give thanks to God for establishing, prospering and preserving this nation. Many prayers are also raised that God will continue to do so in the future. There is great apprehension about the destiny of our country with its resources and freedoms.
It's In the Name
By Michael Brooks (June 27, 2009)
Most converts to the Gospel in South Asia come out of Islamic, Hindu or Buddhist backgrounds. Many are young adults, who will bear children into their now Christian families. Frequently I am asked to suggest "Christian" names for the newborn child.
Distinctive Dress
By Michael Brooks (June 20, 2009)
I continue to be fascinated by unique customs of dress in different locales, and among various ethnic peoples. In the Himalayas of Nepal there are several distinct groups, each with its own customary dress, especially for women and girls.
Diligence
By Michael Brooks (June 13, 2009)
From reading Proverbs one might get the idea that Solomon was much in favor of hard work, and that he had little use for the lazy person. I think that would be a very accurate observation. Nor was Solomon alone in those attitudes.
Life is Fair
By Michael Brooks (June 6, 2009)
Nepal and Bangladesh are two of the poorest nations on earth. Their citizens are hungry, with little medical treatment, inadequate shelter and little material opportunity in life. Conversely much of the developed west has a high standard of living with an abundance of all those things for the majority of their people.
Permitted Is not Always Required
By Michael Brooks (May 30, 2009)
Our party arrived at the mountain village of Ling Ling, in Nepal's Rasuwa district just before dusk. As is customary there we were greeted warmly, invited to rest, and offered tea. However in this case I was surprised when I took my first sip of the warm brew.
Brenda's Bird
By Michael Brooks (May 23, 2009)
South Asia is home to many beautiful birds, including several species in the family known as kingfishers. At Khulna Bible College in Bangladesh we frequently see two of these, one very small and the other large. Both are bright and multi-colored and have the characteristic large beak and crested head.
Sifted Like Wheat
By Michael Brooks (May 16, 2009)
Over years of missionary travels I have gained much enjoyment from photography. One of my all-time favorite pictures is of an adolescent girl sifting wheat by tossing it into the air from a shallow woven basket (tray) in the mountains of Nepal.
Observe the Day
By Michael Brooks (May 9, 2009)
Each culture has its own special days. We are currently preparing to celebrate Mother's Day in the United States. One of the things to which I have had to adjust when traveling in other countries is the fact that I don't always have opportunity to enjoy all the holidays traditionally recognized here in my home country.
What A Difference a Minute Makes
By Michael Brooks (May 2, 2009)
"So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; so his name was called Jacob" (Genesis 25:24-26).
Much Water
By Michael Brooks (April 25, 2009)
Having enough water nearby to make baptism convenient is not usually a problem in Bangladesh. This country not only has more than 100 navigable streams spread throughout its borders, but is situated barely above sea level and contains tens of thousands of lakes and ponds, not to mention overflow waters filling its low lying areas each spring and summer during annual floods.
The Things That Are Caesar's
By Michael Brooks (April 18, 2009)
It happens every trip. Several times in fact. When we apply for visas, there is a tax (fee) to be paid. When we go to the airport in Nepal or Bangladesh to return to the U.S., we first go to the departure tax counter. Taxes, taxes, taxes!
Seekers
By Michael Brooks (April 11, 2009)
On my very first foreign mission campaign I was walking down the street of a town in Guyana when I heard someone calling out to me. Looking around I saw a young man running down a side road, trying to catch up for me. He said, "I have been looking for you; please tell me about Jesus and the Bible."
Responsibility
By Michael Brooks (April 4, 2009)
On one trip into the mountains of Nepal I was invited to attend and conduct the wedding of two young Tamang Christians. The local preachers wanted to witness a "Christian" wedding, since none of them had previously done so. I agreed so that I could teach and also be of assistance to the young couple and their families.
Where Do You Sleep?
By Michael Brooks (March 28, 2009)
I have never yet been forced to sleep with only a stone for a pillow, but I have slept on pillows almost as hard. I have also slept (or tried to) on boards, floors, beds much too short for my height, the ground, and many other less than ideal beds.
The Old Paths
By Michael Brooks (March 21, 2009)
Spiritually speaking we often seek for the easier, more comfortable way. A gentle slope attracts us, as do smooth surfaces and wide borders. These features of physical roads may translate religiously into more modern and attractive facilities in which to worship.
Crossing Bridges
By Michael Brooks (March 14, 2009)
I like bridges. My father was a contractor who spent much of his life building bridges and culverts in Alabama. I loved to go with him to his job sites while I was a child, and as an adult still enjoy crossing bridges which his company built.
Responding to Enemies
By Michael Brooks (March 7, 2009)
In more than twenty years of mission work, I have occasionally been forced to disassociate myself from a coworker because of persistent sin for which he was impenitent. One such worker asked to meet with me and I agreed. After more than an hour of unproductive discussion he finally threatened me with physical harm if I did not restore him to his former position of trust and service.
One More Cast
By Michael Brooks (February 28, 2009)
On my first mission trip to the continent of Africa, as we drove from Swaziland back into South Africa for me to catch my flight back to the U.S., we stopped for a day of fishing at a lake where American black bass had been introduced. . . on the third cast I caught a 4 pound largemouth.
Expressions of Love
By Michael Brooks (February 21, 2009)
One of the impressions that I as a westerner have as I travel in South Asia, is the basic lack of emotional demonstrations between members of the opposite sex. I have worshiped in congregations many times, and still not been able to identify husband - wife pairings.
The Ordinances of the Heavens
By Michael Brooks (February 14, 2009)
"Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the belt of Orion? Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season? Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs? Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?" (Job 38:31-33)
Equality
By Michael Brooks (January 31, 2009)
2008 in Nepal was a year of shortages and insufficiency. Taxi drivers told of waiting in petrol lines for 24 to 48 hours and then receiving only the rationed ten liters of fuel. Electricity blackouts, planned to ration the limited supply of power, averaged 8 hours per day throughout the country.
Is The House Worthy?
By Michael Brooks (January 24, 2009)
I received an email recently from someone planning to visit Nepal, asking for recommendations for "a cheap, clean hotel" where they might stay. Lodging is a major expense in any travel, and safety and sanitation are legitimate concerns, especially in a strange and distant location. Any traveler is wise to investigate dwellings to assure the best possible accommodations.
That Big Serpent
By Michael Brooks (January 10, 2009)
As we drove towards Khulna from the Khulna Bible College campus we saw a very large snake crossing the road ahead of us. It was unusual in both size and coloration, well over six feet long and very thick, with alternating black and bright yellow stripes. I have often wished I had asked our driver to stop and let us take a closer look, and maybe some pictures. Its unusual and beautiful appearance gave it much appeal.
Motives
By Michael Brooks (January 3, 2009)
During the holiday season I was asked several times, "Do the people in Bangladesh and Nepal celebrate Christmas?" The answer is "yes", but with an interesting twist.
Self-Reliance
By Michael Brooks (December 20, 2008)
Austin is 3 years old. I recently received the following news in an email from his father in Khulna, Bangladesh: "We had an accident. Austin burned the right side of his belly, his left hand and his right leg ...
Sufficient for the Day
By Michael Brooks (December 13, 2008)
We were quite concerned about our return flight through Bangkok, Thailand because of anti-government protesters' occupation of the airports there and the consequent shut down of all flights for about one week. We did not know if our flights would be affected, nor how we might be able to adjust if they were.
Choices
By Michael Brooks (December 6, 2008)
We have spent the last week in limbo, not knowing whether our flight home would be on schedule or whether we would have to make other arrangements. The airports in Bangkok have been closed due to protesters and all Thai Air flights were stopped. Since our departure is only a few days away, there has been much concern regarding arrangements.
Misdiagnosis
By Michael Brooks (November 28, 2008)
I arrived at the village of Tikabhairab in Katmandu valley one morning, with several Nepali co-workers, to receive the news that an elderly member of the congregation had just died. Sympathy was extended and the brothers began helping the family make arrangements for her body to be brought from the hospital to her home, and then for burial.
Stereotype, or Typical?
By Michael Brooks (November 22, 2008)
It is often difficult to avoid falling into the trap of stereotyping people. As one travels to different places he observes physical similarities among the inhabitants, as well as mannerisms, common interests, accents, attitudes and customs.
All Kinds of Evil
By Michael Brooks (November 15, 2008)
"We had a reminder of some of the worst aspects of the human condition this week. A friend's mother-in-law was badly burned. Apparently her brother put kerosene on her clothing and set her on fire because he was not willing to share their parents' inheritance (land) with her. She was entitled by law, but he did not accept that.
What Would You Feed Jesus?
By Michael Brooks (November 8, 2008)
If Jesus were to sit at our table what would we need to change? How much differently would we talk, decorate, or serve? Would we eat as much? Would the food be more carefully prepared? What other differences might we make?
Where is the Taste?
By Michael Brooks (November 1, 2008)
All cultures have their style of cooking and favorite foods. Some prefer light seasoning, others like it hot and spicy. Some use rice as their staple, others eat potatoes, and still others casaba or yams. But some seasonings and ingredients are staples, used by virtually everyone. Perhaps none is more universal than salt.
Understanding the Signs
By Michael Brooks (October 25, 2008)
Today, it has rained all day here in Bangladesh. That is not uncommon in the summer monsoon season, but it is now late fall. Earlier today I wrote friends and told them, "Our monsoon season is over", then later in the same letter I mentioned that it was raining and had been for several hours.
With a Kiss?
By Michael Brooks (October 11, 2008)
Our newspaper in Bangladesh reports pollution of the banana crop through spraying the trees and young fruits with illegal, disease causing hormones. Thousands of tons of bananas are produced in three districts, and the practice of spraying with these chemicals to enhance growth and ripening is evidently widespread in those regions.
Fever
By Michael Brooks (September 20, 2008)
I had just come back down to Katmandu after 12 days trekking in the Himalayas. I enjoyed a good night's rest, then on Saturday morning met with some of the local Christians about their work. As we met I began to develop aches and fever. By noon I was suffering with flu like illness and was forced to go to bed and begin medication.
Chosen
By Michael Brooks (September 6, 2008)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, . . ." (Ephesians 1:3-4).
Tools of Choice
By Michael Brooks (August 30, 2008)
A frequent frustration I experience in my travels is to seek to do something, only to find there is no tool available with which I am familiar to help me do the work efficiently. Sometimes it is that technology has simply not caught up and they do not yet have those tools where I am.
Greater Than The Temple
By Michael Brooks (August 23, 2008)
"Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:6-8).
Living Water
By Michael Brooks (August 16, 2008)
Bangladesh is the world’s largest delta, situated at the confluence of two great South Asian Rivers, the Brama Putra and the Ganges. Hundreds of navigable streams criss-cross this nation, producing extremely fertile soil plus abundant water for crops and human use. Ironically however, one of Bangladesh’s many needs is pure safe water for consumption.
Hoist On One’s Own Petard
By Michael Brooks (August 9, 2008)
Though the people in other nations with whom I am associated include many fine Christians who serve tirelessly and unselfishly, unfortunately there are sometimes others who criticize, accuse and complain against their brothers and sisters.
No Divisions
By Michael Brooks (August 2, 2008)
The Abbas Hotel reminds me of a lot of church divisions. One individual or group in a congregation has a quarrel with another person or group, and when it is not resolved promptly it escalates to the point that eventually one of the parties leaves to start another congregation
Surprises
By Michael Brooks (July 26, 2008)
An elder with whom I once worked often said, “I don’t like surprises”. In other words, he and the other elders wanted to be informed of any events which might affect the congregation, especially those which might result in unfortunate results if they were unaware of them.
Highways
By Michael Brooks (July 19, 2008)
Just outside Katmandu, Nepal, the rented room in which the Thankot church meets overlooks a narrow, twisting road, the first built in the nation, about the middle of the past century. It connected Katmandu with the Indian border, and opened this tiny mountain kingdom to the outside world for the first time in history. To a visitor the road does not look very impressive.
Watermelons and Other Good Stuff
By Michael Brooks (July 12, 2008)
My wife loves watermelon. This spring in Bangladesh she started asking the cook staff at Khulna Bible College “Did you see any watermelons at the market today?” at least a month early.
The Mark of Our Status
By Michael Brooks (July 5, 2008)
Christians are not instructed in the New Testament to wear any physical or outward symbol of their faith. One cannot assume righteousness or salvation based upon a piece of jewelry, a kind of clothing, or any other physical emblem.
Spiritual Contractors
By Michael Brooks (June 28, 2008)
Traveling through many different parts of the world has exposed me to a wide variety of methods of work and living. One area where there is much more choice than I might have earlier supposed is in that of building materials.
Choose
By Michael Brooks (June 21, 2008)
A friend of mine is fond of the phrase, “one can choose his choices, but he cannot choose their consequences”. He correctly reminds us that every decision we make has ramifications, and we dare not ignore them.
Called to His Purpose
By Michael Brooks (June 7, 2008)
There is no question that the Bible specifically teaches that Christians are called of God. This clearly means that we respond to God’s invitation when we trust in him and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is, to be called is to be urged by the preaching of the message of salvation to accept God’s grace.
God’s Ministers
By Michael Brooks (May 31, 2008)
The fact is that all human conditions and institutions are temporary. “Nothing is constant except change” is a historic fact. We have no certainty regarding security or stability. But that does not mean that we must be fearful, pessimistic, or paranoid about our future.
Opportunities to Serve
By Michael Brooks (May 17, 2008)
The recent tragedies in Myanmar (cyclone) and China (earthquake) have killed, injured and severely distressed millions of people. Coming only a few months after the devastation of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, and fresh on the memories of the tsunami of 2005 and Hurricane Katrina, these are reminders of the fragility and brevity of human life.
Attitude
By Michael Brooks (May 3, 2008)
Several years ago the accident report on an aircraft crash in the United States read something like, “The airplane crashed due to an incorrect attitude in its approach to the runway.” In this context, attitude means the angle of an aircraft relative to the horizon.
A Little Sleep
By Michael Brooks (April 26, 2008)
The Dhaka newspaper had a front page headline this week, “17 killed as train rams bus in Tangail”. The accident occurred at a level crossing where there is no automatic signal or crossing barriers. Rather, as in most Bangladeshi crossings, the crossing is watched by human crossing guards and the barriers are lowered manually. In explanation of the cause of the accident the newspaper article stated, “The on-duty gateman ... was asleep when the accident took place." ...
While the Earth Remains
By Michael Brooks (April 19, 2008)
By Michael E. Brooks “And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in his heart, â€I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor...
A Little of This, A Little of That
By Michael Brooks (April 12, 2008)
By Michael E. Brooks “So they feared the Lord, and from every class they appointed for themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places. They feared the Lord, yet served their...
“Cutting One’s Liabilities”
By Michael Brooks (April 5, 2008)
By Michael E. Brooks “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be...
Nothing But Manna
By Michael Brooks (March 29, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: 'Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate...
The Spirit Was In the Wheels
By Michael Brooks (March 22, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces ... When the living creatures went the wheels went beside them; and when...
Treating Symptoms
By Michael Brooks (March 15, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also,...
Good Work
By Michael Brooks (March 8, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need" (Ephesians 4:28 NKJV). This past week...
Vengeance is Mine
By Michael Brooks (March 1, 2008)
By Michael E. Brooks “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, â€Vengeance is mine, I will repay’ says the Lord (Romans 12:19). During a campaign in east Nepal we were to travel...
“No Night There”
By Michael Brooks (February 23, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved...
Good News
By Michael Brooks (February 2, 2008)
By Michael E. Brooks “As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25). My telephone rang early one morning in Alabama. When I answered I soon recognized the caller as a preacher...
The Shortest Distance
By Michael Brooks (January 26, 2008)
A basic geometric principle is: “A straight line is the shortest distance between two points.” However, experienced travelers have learned that this does not always mean that it is the quickest or best route to a destination. ...
Fellow Workers
By Michael Brooks (January 19, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles" (Romans 16:3,4). I...
Knowing the Time
By Michael Brooks (January 5, 2008)
by Michael E. Brooks "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is...
The Lord Has Need Of It
By Michael Brooks (December 22, 2007)
By Michael E. Brooks "Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, 'Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as...
Getting That Look
By Michael Brooks (December 1, 2007)
One experience that an American often faces in Bangladesh is to be the focus of stares from the local people. It may happen anywhere, but is especially frequent in rural areas. I remember being left in the van in southern Bangladesh some time ago while our local guides arranged for tickets on a river boat. It seemed it was no more than a few seconds before the car was completely surrounded by more than 50 villagers, all staring intently at me. Some were pressed up against the windows, their noses flattened on the glass, as they peered at this strange person. ...
Content in Any Circumstance
By Michael Brooks (November 24, 2007)
You have probably seen the headlines. “CYCLONE DEVASTATES DENSELY POPULATED BANGLADESH: THOUSANDS DEAD.” In addition to the dead, there was hundreds of million dollars worth of property damage. Victims lost their homes, their crops and all personal property. The suffering is already incredible and will only worsen in the immediate future. ...
What Jesus Says About Possessions
By Michael Brooks (November 17, 2007)
By Michael E. Brooks “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and...
Scattered, But Serving
By Michael Brooks (November 10, 2007)
Bharat from Surunga, Nepal, emailed me this week. He was on his way to a Gulf state for two years. This has become a very common thing in Nepal. There is so little work in the country that many of the young men, and even a lot of ladies, go abroad for two or three years at a time so they can provide for their families. ...
We Have Choices
By Michael Brooks (October 20, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord. And if...
Better Than Cold Water
By Michael Brooks (October 13, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country" (Proverbs 25:25). Today I stood in the Katmandu airport waiting for the arrival of a co-worker. We had never met but...
Double Blessing
By Michael Brooks (September 29, 2007)
Good works always bless at least two parties -- the receiver and the giver.
Time and Opportunity
By Michael Brooks (September 22, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV). I often ask George, the head cook at Khulna Bible College, for a particular fruit or vegetable only to hear...
Getting It Done
By Michael Brooks (September 15, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they...
Take These Things Away
By Michael Brooks (September 8, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And he found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When...
"Where You Do Not Wish"
By Michael Brooks (September 1, 2007)
Bangladesh has been under curfew for the past week or more. This is not unusual, but always irritating and troublesome. We have been planning a trip to visit churches in the southeastern part of the country, and we have not known whether we would be able to go or not. As the trip is to address some real needs, and as there is opportunity for some successful work, it is rather important that we go. But it is not up to us, others will determine the conditions which will make it possible or not. Tomorrow is the day of our departure, and the news this morning is that the curfew is lifted. We may go. ...
Nothing to Eat
By Michael Brooks (August 25, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them, 'I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with me...
Starting Over, In a Different Direction
By Michael Brooks (August 18, 2007)
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). Shohag Halder, who preaches in 2 villages of Jessore District in Bangladesh, visited...
Great Things from Small Beginnings
By Michael Brooks (August 4, 2007)
"Another parable He put to them, saying: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it...
Self-Judgment
By Michael Brooks (July 28, 2007)
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your...
“Eat What You Find”
By Michael Brooks (July 21, 2007)
“And a voice came to him, â€Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, â€Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.’ And a voice spoke to him again the second time, â€What God has cleansed...
Reputation Versus Reality
By Michael Brooks (July 7, 2007)
By Michael E. Brooks “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes….And you,...
Walking and Talking
By Michael Brooks (June 30, 2007)
By Michael E. Brooks “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened” (Luke 24:13-14). Working among...
Seeing and Knowing
By Michael Brooks (June 23, 2007)
It is a frequent occurrence to have an email, a letter, or a telephone call from someone whose name may be faintly familiar, but cannot really be placed. The immediate question is, “Do I know this person?” Obviously I don’t know them very well, if at all. We may have met at some point, or they may have written or called before, but no real personal relationship yet exists. I may eventually discover that I recognize them in the sense of placing them with an identity, or in a particular location, but this hardly qualifies as “knowing” them. ...
Do You Wear a Hat?
By Michael Brooks (June 16, 2007)
"And take the helmet of salvation ..." (Ephesians 5:17a NKJV). Bangladesh is hot! At least, it is most of the time. There are a couple of months where daytime temperatures are better described as "warm" or "nice," but other than...
When at First You Don't Succeed ...
By J. Randal Matheny (June 11, 2007)
Oops! We goofed. Go here for the article....
Barnabas' Treasure
By Michael Brooks (June 9, 2007)
It surprised me when I first priced land in Bangladesh. I was accustomed to low prices for most goods, particularly those made locally, and assumed that property values would reflect the poverty and economic circumstances of the nation. That was a false assumption. I should have considered that Bangladesh is the most densely populated nation on Earth, with a huge number of landless people. ...
Respecting Those Who Rule
By Michael Brooks (June 2, 2007)
It was a very good idea. Two fine Christian young men want to attend Bible College in another country. The school is able to receive them, and happy to reach out to candidates from a neighboring nation. The invitation was extended, and visas were sought. That is where problems arose. ...
Connections and Effects
By Michael Brooks (May 19, 2007)
Once again the political situation in Nepal was troublesome this spring. Our work in the Terrai was disrupted by strikes and violence. But this time it was not the Maoist insurgents who were responsible. Rather it was ethnic minorities agitating for their “rights” in the new government which is being formed. Some charged the monarchy of fomenting this latest unrest in an effort to build support for the continuation of its role in the nation.
Profitable Imitation
By Michael Brooks (April 28, 2007)
Khulna Bible College has a beautiful Myna bird named Tutu who has a pretty good vocabulary of Bengali words and common sounds. He can mimic the telephone on the wall above him, or any of several mobile phone ring tones that he hears frequently. He answers the phone (“Hello”), calls for rice (“Bhat”), and says he wants to eat (“Kabbo"). He even makes the sound of an ambulance’s siren. But there is one thing Tutu cannot do. He cannot tell when it is appropriate to say a particular word or make a certain sound. He does not understand what he is saying. He is merely imitating. Unfortunately some people are like Tutu.
Ancient Landmarks
By Michael Brooks (April 21, 2007)
We have added land to our Khulna Bible College property in Bangladesh on two separate occasions. In both cases we brought in official government surveyors to set corners and mark lines so as to ensure that our neighbors’ borders were honored, and also that we actually received the land for which we were paying.
Free
By Michael Brooks (April 7, 2007)
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). I recently went with friends to the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Security, of...
From One Blood
By Michael Brooks (March 31, 2007)
"And he has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in...
Time to Be Alone
By Michael Brooks (March 24, 2007)
"And he said to them, 'Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat" (Mark 6:31). One of the most difficult...
What A Difference a Minute Makes
By Michael Brooks (March 17, 2007)
"So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his...
Sorting the Good from the Bad
By Michael Brooks (March 10, 2007)
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels,...
Thank You, Jesus
By Michael Brooks (March 3, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "...pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). My favorite Nepali song is a simple chorus called "Dhanyabhad, Iaysu," or "Thank you,...
The Narrow Way
By Michael Brooks (February 24, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is...
The Path to Understanding
By Michael Brooks (February 10, 2007)
"The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever" (Psalm 111:10). While watching television this morning far from home, a commercial came on in a...
Educated in Prayer
By Michael Brooks (February 3, 2007)
by Michael E. Brooks "Now it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, that one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples'" (Luke...
Radical Leadership
By Michael Brooks (January 27, 2007)
"But Jesus called them to himself and said to them, 'You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among...
Dangerous Tolerance
By Michael Brooks (January 20, 2007)
"Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9b). "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness" (1 Timothy 6:11). The people of Bangladesh have a very simple attitude...
Thick Skin
By Michael Brooks (January 13, 2007)
"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense towards God and men" (Acts 24:16). "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and...
Eating Meat or Helping Our Brother?
By Michael Brooks (December 30, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks “Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13). In South Asia there are many different cultures, each with...
The Testimony of Faith
By Michael Brooks (December 16, 2006)
"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jepthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped...
Caretakers
By Michael Brooks (December 9, 2006)
"Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:1,2). In October the elected government of Bangladesh completed their...
His Name
By Michael Brooks (December 2, 2006)
"In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel" (Psalm 76:1). As one travels in the Hindu countries of Nepal and India, he is continuously reminded of the identities of their gods. Temples and shrines abound in honor...
Give Thanks
By Michael Brooks (November 25, 2006)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The giving of thanks is habitual in American culture. Children are taught (though perhaps less diligently...
“Riding the Video Bus”
By Michael Brooks (November 18, 2006)
"Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of...
Seasoned with Salt
By Michael Brooks (November 4, 2006)
"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6). Languages are difficult and frustrating to me. I don't learn other languages easily, and since I travel...
Where Do I Belong?
By Michael Brooks (October 28, 2006)
"And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country" (Hebrews 11:15). This last time that...
Newer Is Not Always Better
By Michael Brooks (October 21, 2006)
"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9). On the trail from Tipling to Linju in the Nepal Himalayas there is an...
Just Do It
By Michael Brooks (October 14, 2006)
"His mother said to the servants, 'Whatever he says to you, do it'" (John 2:5). A group of about 20 campaigners were flying by charter airplanes into the back country of Guyana. The crew of the planes were weighing each...
Don’t Drink the Water
By Michael Brooks (October 7, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). One of the frequent questions I am asked about traveling in developing nations is, “Do...
This Old House
By Michael Brooks (September 30, 2006)
On my first trip to Kalmegha, Bangladesh, several years ago, I visited in the home of "Andrew," a newly-baptized former Hindu. He mentioned at that time that the previous evening they had prayed in his house to the Hindu gods, but "tonight we have prayed in this house to the real God." Andrew and his wife are gone, but their daughter-in-law and her two children still live in their house. It is old, much damaged with rot and termites, and in sore need of replacement.
The Hazards of Fishing
By Michael Brooks (September 23, 2006)
"And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. Then he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you...
Honorable Conduct
By Michael Brooks (September 16, 2006)
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they...
Where is the Flavor?
By Michael Brooks (September 2, 2006)
"But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet live, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you" (1 Thessalonians 4:10b,11). South...
Fruit Salad
By Michael Brooks (August 26, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Fruit salad is a favorite dish in South Asia, and we often...
Stop Everything! Let’s Eat
By Michael Brooks (August 20, 2006)
During the month-long fast of Ramadan, devout Muslims are not allowed to take anything by mouth between sunrise and sunset. No food, water, gum, tobacco -- nothing. But, between sunset and sunrise one may eat, and all do. The custom...
Watch and Pray
By Michael Brooks (August 5, 2006)
"Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and...
Draw Near With Confidence
By Michael Brooks (July 29, 2006)
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but...
Separating Wheat from Chaff
By Michael Brooks (July 22, 2006)
"His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor, and gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire" (Luke 3:17). I have a vivid memory from...
GO!
By Michael Brooks (July 8, 2006)
My latest travel arrangements to Nepal and Bangladesh were the most efficient I have yet had. I had only two stops between Nashville, Tennessee, and Katmandu, Nepal, with a total elapsed time of about 32 hours, 24 of which were actually in the air. This compares very favorably with previous itineraries which averaged 42 total hours and 28-30 in flight. Wear and tear from travel was definitely lessened and the trip more enjoyable.
One-Talent Servants
By Michael Brooks (July 1, 2006)
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to...
Sharing Burdens
By Michael Brooks (June 24, 2006)
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing...
Learning How to Walk
By Michael Brooks (June 17, 2006)
"Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God" (1 Thessalonians 4:1). On my first preaching...
Masks
By Michael Brooks (June 10, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Phillip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the...
A Building from God
By Michael Brooks (June 3, 2006)
"For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1). Kajoli is a widow with two children, living in...
King of Kings
By Michael Brooks (May 27, 2006)
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth'" (Matthew 28:18). On Thursday, May 18, 2006, the Nepali House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a law curtailing the power of...
Precious Passings
By Michael Brooks (May 13, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15). Having frequently revisited the same countries, cities, and regions over a period of almost fifteen years, it is not surprising that...
Where Do You Sleep?
By Michael Brooks (May 6, 2006)
"And Jesus said to him, 'The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head'" (Luke 9:58). In listing my "qualifications" as a missionary, I sometimes have...
Doubly Clean
By Michael Brooks (April 29, 2006)
"There is also an antitype which now saves us -– baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). Baptisms are...
Militant Christianity
By Michael Brooks (April 22, 2006)
"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9,10). Radical, fundamentalist, and militant religions have gotten a lot of bad...
Prerequisites to Building and Planting
By Michael Brooks (April 15, 2006)
"Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms,...
Bundhs, Hartals, and Power Politics
By Michael Brooks (April 8, 2006)
by Michael E. Brooks "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians 2:3). Nepal is in the midst of an extended "bundh" (strike) called by the...
Triumph Over Enemies
By Michael Brooks (April 1, 2006)
"O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme your name forever?" (Psalm 74:10). The big news in Bangladesh just before I left this last time was the capture of the two top leaders of the most...
From the Same Mouth
By Michael Brooks (March 25, 2006)
by Michael E. Brooks "But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in...
Going Home
By Michael Brooks (March 11, 2006)
"Then God said to Jacob, 'Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.' And Jacob said to his household...
Free In Christ
By Michael Brooks (March 4, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away form the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, ... men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which...
What Sights We Will See
By Michael Brooks (February 25, 2006)
"And he said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power'" (Mark 9:1). Have you ever wondered just what will...
A Boiling Pot
By Michael Brooks (February 11, 2006)
"And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, 'What do you see?' And I said, 'I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north.' Then the Lord said to me: 'Out...
The Will of the Lord Be Done
By Michael Brooks (February 4, 2006)
By Michael E. Brooks And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the...
Providence
By Michael Brooks (January 28, 2006)
"And Abraham said, 'My son, God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering.' So the two of them went together" (Genesis 22:8). Several years ago a Christian brother in Guyana told the story of how he acquired...
Jots and Tittles
By Michael Brooks (January 23, 2006)
"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and...
God’s Covenant With the Earth
By Michael Brooks (January 14, 2006)
"The Lord smelled the soothing aroma; and the Lord said to himself, 'I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy...
How High's the Water?
By Michael Brooks (December 17, 2005)
"Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying, 'And as for me, behold I establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you; the birds,...
The Highway of Holiness
By Michael Brooks (December 10, 2005)
"A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go...
Higher Ground
By Michael Brooks (December 3, 2005)
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up on a mountain, and when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he opened his mouth and taught them ..." (Matthew 5:1,2). We have a fascination with height. Mount Everest is...
With Thanksgiving
By Michael Brooks (November 26, 2005)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). The word "Dhonobhad" appears in a number of related South Asian languages, such as Nepali and Bengali....
A Small World
By Michael Brooks (November 19, 2005)
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, you are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there" (Psalms 139:7,8). I was in Crabwood...
The Best Policy
By Michael Brooks (November 12, 2005)
"Therefore, putting away lying, 'let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25). The old proverb "Honesty is the best policy" seems to be without much credence in today's "me...
His Sheep Know His Voice
By Michael Brooks (November 5, 2005)
"But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings...
Letters of Recommendation
By Michael Brooks (October 29, 2005)
"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly...
Pilgrims and Strangers
By Michael Brooks (October 22, 2005)
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they...
Stereotypes, Prejudice and Other Judgments
By Michael Brooks (October 15, 2005)
"Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Matthew 7:1,2). The late afternoons are a favorite time for...
Death and Judgment
By Michael Brooks (October 8, 2005)
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment ..." (Hebrews 9:27. "The Days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is...
Contentment
By Michael Brooks (October 1, 2005)
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8). My son, Scott,...
Into the Same Image
By Michael Brooks (September 24, 2005)
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness" (Genesis 1:26a). "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from...
Trade-Offs
By Michael Brooks (September 17, 2005)
"Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to him, 'Lord, I will follow you wherever you go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son...
Buffer Zones
By Michael Brooks (September 9, 2005)
But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men" (Matthew 16:23). The villagers who live on the...
On the Anthill
By Michael Brooks (September 4, 2005)
"Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who...
Pure Religion
By Michael Brooks (August 27, 2005)
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). At the beginning of the semester I interviewed the incoming...
Comfort from the Psalms
By Michael Brooks (August 20, 2005)
"O Lord my God, in you I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me, lest they tear me like a lion, rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver. Behold, the...
Detours
By Michael Brooks (August 13, 2005)
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel...
Better Water
By Michael Brooks (August 6, 2005)
But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, "Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place,...
A Rooster Crowed
By Michael Brooks (July 30, 2005)
Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times. So he went out and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:74,75). A small group of us...
Falling Under the Charm
By Michael Brooks (July 23, 2005)
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that...
Emerging from the Grave
By Michael Brooks (July 16, 2005)
"The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works" (Revelation 20:13). One of my most memorable experiences...
Two for a Penny
By Michael Brooks (July 9, 2005)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of...
Treasures, Thieves and Rust
By Michael Brooks (July 2, 2005)
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not...
Bear-proof Camps
By Michael Brooks (June 25, 2005)
by Michael E. Brooks "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith ..." (1 Peter 5:8-9a). In the course of my work...
"When In Rome…"
By Michael Brooks (June 11, 2005)
"To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). Throughout the world people are basically the same....
Transitions
By Michael Brooks (June 4, 2005)
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven ...A time to gain, and a time to lose" (Ecclesiastes 3:1,6). I was recently privileged to be the commencement speaker at the graduation exercises of two Bible...
Hospitality
By Michael Brooks (May 28, 2005)
"Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:1,2). The practice of hospitality is, in my estimation, an under-appreciated virtue in the modern world. Most of us are...
Be Ye Transformed
By Michael Brooks (May 21, 2005)
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17). One of the most humbling experiences I have had in over fifteen years...
The Gift of Communication
By Michael Brooks (May 14, 2005)
"And the lord said, 'indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them;'…Therefore its name is called Babel,...
Establishing A Baseline
By Michael Brooks (May 7, 2005)
"In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God" (John 1:1). I have always perceived surveying as an interesting and significant exercise. There is an element of exploration in it, as one...
Each One Shall Bear His Own Load
By Michael Brooks (April 30, 2005)
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). Traveling on Asian roads is...
Borders
By Michael Brooks (April 23, 2005)
"And he has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings" (Acts 17:26). I have a picture of three...
Different Gifts
By Michael Brooks (April 16, 2005)
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in...
The V.I.P. Treatment
By Michael Brooks (April 9, 2005)
By Michael E. Brooks “But Jesus called them to himself and said to them, 'You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall...
Choices
By Michael Brooks (March 19, 2005)
“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to...
Things Past and Things Present
By Michael Brooks (March 12, 2005)
"That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, 'See, this is new'? It has...
Keeping Clean
By Michael Brooks (February 26, 2005)
"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). A common sight outside a Bangladeshi home is a pile of shoes and...
A Certain Beggar
By Michael Brooks (February 19, 2005)
"But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores" (Luke...
Avoid Temptation
By Michael Brooks (February 12, 2005)
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). We were driving through rural Bangladesh when suddenly our driver stopped the van perhaps a quarter of a mile from...
The Hope of Creation
By Michael Brooks (January 29, 2005)
"For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19). One of the great disappointments I have experienced over the years is the frequent desecration of wonderful places I have been...
Today
By Michael Brooks (January 22, 2005)
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called 'Today' ... Today, if you will hear his voice ..." (Hebrews 3:13,15). I am currently in the process of purchasing tickets and confirming schedules for yet another trip to South Asia....
Distractions
By Michael Brooks (January 15, 2005)
"Now it happened…that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.' But they thought to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I...
Neither to the Right nor to the Left
By Michael Brooks (January 8, 2005)
"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper...
Precious
By Michael Brooks (January 1, 2005)
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15). Two major news stories in the United States during the last week of December, 2004, involved death. One, of course, was global in scope, involving...
A Time for Everything
By Michael Brooks (December 17, 2004)
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The death of a very good friend prompted reflection on this verse and the remainder of its context. This was one of his favorite passages,...
It's About Time
By Michael Brooks (November 5, 2004)
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 4:15,16). Last week I once again crossed the International Date Line, traveling from Osaka, Japan to Los Angeles, California....
What Is His Name?
By Michael Brooks (October 23, 2004)
"Then Moses said to God, 'Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, "The God of your fathers has sent me to you," and they say to me, "What is his name?" what shall I...
One More Time
By Michael Brooks (October 16, 2004)
"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). While hiring a car to take our group up into the mountains of Nepal to work among the churches in remote areas, I examined the...
Freedom of Choice
By Michael Brooks (October 9, 2004)
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19). I had an interesting conversation...
Far Off
By Michael Brooks (October 2, 2004)
"And he came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near" (Ephesians 2:17). Isolation is a dreadful experience. Whether it be quarantine because of communicable disease, exile because of political oppression, or solitary...
The Voice of the Lord
By Michael Brooks (September 25, 2004)
"Give unto the Lord O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the Lord is over...
Divine Reversal
By Michael Brooks (September 18, 2004)
"And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last" (Luke 13:30). The reversal of fortunes through Divine intervention is a frequent theme of the teachings of Jesus and of the writers of...
The Same Love
By Michael Brooks (September 11, 2004)
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one...
A Family Affair
By Michael Brooks (September 4, 2004)
by Michael E. Brooks "Then I asked her, and said, 'whose daughter are you?' And she said, 'The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bore to him.' So I put the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets...
The Resurrection
By Michael Brooks (August 28, 2004)
by Michael E. Brooks "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). The Church in Bangladesh was saddened recently at the untimely death of one of its...
Sheep Among Wolves
By Michael Brooks (August 21, 2004)
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Doing business in a land with different laws, customs and values than those one is used to...
No Questions Asked
By Michael Brooks (August 13, 2004)
"If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience sake" (1 Corinthians 10:27). In my experience one of the greatest concerns...
War on Poverty
By Michael Brooks (August 7, 2004)
"For you have the poor with you always; and whenever you wish you may do them good; but me you do not have always" (Mark 14:7). I have been in Bangladesh again for three weeks as I write this. Even...
The Value of Experience
By Michael Brooks (July 31, 2004)
"Then they said to the woman, 'Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world'" (John 4:42). I never believed in...
Let It Rain
By Michael Brooks (July 24, 2004)
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Conventional wisdom says, "Do not travel in South Asia during the Monsoon season." From Late May to mid-September this region receives the vast majority of...
Preparedness
By Michael Brooks (July 17, 2004)
"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect him" (Matthew 24:44). As I write these words I am less than four days from departing for Bangladesh. I have...
Little Bugs, Big Mounds
By Michael Brooks (July 10, 2004)
"Another parable he put forth to them, saying: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown...
Fixed Price
By Michael Brooks (July 3, 2004)
"Again, the devil took him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, 'All these things I will give you if you will fall down...
Choosing the Wrong Battles
By Michael Brooks (June 26, 2004)
"After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates; and Josiah went out against him. But he sent messengers to him, saying, 'What have I to do...
Responsibility
By Michael Brooks (June 19, 2004)
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and...
Farmers and Gardeners
By Michael Brooks (June 12, 2004)
"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he...
My Refuge and My Fortress
By Michael Brooks (June 5, 2004)
"He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him I will trust'" (Psalm...
Little Children
By Michael Brooks (May 29, 2004)
"Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14). Overpopulation is one of the world's greatest problems. More than six billion people now crowd this planet, with...
Continuity
By Michael Brooks (May 22, 2004)
"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2...
A New Law
By Michael Brooks (May 15, 2004)
"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah -- not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the...
Small Gifts May Be Great Blessings
By Michael Brooks (May 8, 2004)
"And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). Several years ago I was...
Wisdom and Understanding
By Michael Brooks (May 1, 2004)
"Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom"...
People Are People, Everywhere
By Michael Brooks (April 24, 2004)
"... There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all" (Colossians 3:11). People in Bangladesh honor the memories of deceased loved ones by taking out advertisements in newspapers...
Something Good
By Michael Brooks (April 17, 2004)
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). I continue to be surprised at the number of edible parts...
Buffet Religion
By Michael Brooks (April 10, 2004)
"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found...
Our Closets Judge Us
By Michael Brooks (April 3, 2004)
"But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God"...
First Taste
By Michael Brooks (March 20, 2004)
"... For those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come" (Hebrews 6:4,5). In...
Washing Feet
By Michael Brooks (March 13, 2004)
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14). Do you laugh sometimes at the old-fashioned "fundamentalist" beliefs of some? We wonder at the simplistic interpretations of scripture...
Consider the Lilies
By Michael Brooks (March 6, 2004)
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28,29). A few years ago...
Acceptable Sacrifice
By Michael Brooks (February 28, 2004)
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire… In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you had no pleasure" (Hebrews 10:5,6). It is easy for people who live in so-called "Christian" cultures to assume that animal sacrifice is an obsolete custom,...
The Value of a Child
By Michael Brooks (February 21, 2004)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward" (Psalm 127:3). When my elder daughter, Kim, was in college she accompanied me on a mission trip to Parimaribo, Suriname. After arrival and check-in...
Family
By Michael Brooks (February 14, 2004)
"But you, do not be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in Heaven" (Matthew 23:8,9)....
"First of All"
By Michael Brooks (February 7, 2004)
"Therefore I beseech first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1) "I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming...
"Security"
By Michael Brooks (January 31, 2004)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do...
Facing Danger, from Any Direction
By Michael Brooks (January 17, 2004)
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of...
Counting the Cost
By Michael Brooks (January 10, 2004)
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it?" (Luke 14:28). On one trip to Suriname I met a taxi driver who was attending our...