Sally Hinzie
What I Learned from the Amish

My husband and I recently visited Shipshewanna, Indiana, to experience an Amish community. The calmer pace of life and the cooler weather were a respite for us from our life in Houston with its frantic pace and hot, humid weather. Their pace of life, value of simplicity, and commitment to living our their faith in a countercultural way really made me think about how we might better live out our beliefs among our community. Here's a bit of what I learned.

What I Learned from the Amish
Josh Ellis
Here's the Plan for Storm Season

‘Tis the season that no one wants to talk about: hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—pronounced “Noah,” ironically enough—issued its 2019 major storm forecast, calling for an average year. That means 2-4 major hurricanes. Of course, we’re praying that none of those of major storms make landfall in our beloved Houston area, but if they do, we want to capitalize on some of the lessons we learned from Harvey. And we're asking all our churches to join us.

Here's the Plan for Storm Season
Campo Londoño
La Lluvia

Estados Unidos es quizás el país con más libertad para predicar el evangelio. Tenemos canales de tv, radio estaciones, iglesias, seminarios, ministerios, y publicaciones que inundan el país con el mensaje. ¿Estará, de veras, llegando al corazón de la gente y dando fruto?  

America is perhaps the freest country in which to preach the gospel. We have tv channels, radio stations, churches, seminaries, ministries, and publications which flood the country with the message. But will it reach people's hearts and bear fruit?

La Lluvia
Dian Kidd
July Prayer Guide

Every month, we feature people, events, and ministries we want our people to pray for. So, join us as we pray to and praise God for what He's done, because we're always better together.

If you have any requests or just want to let us know you’re praying with us, feel free to tag us on Facebook or Twitter, and join the conversation. #UBAPraysTogether

July Prayer Guide
Bryant Lee
5 Words to Describe Church Planting

I've been in combat in two combat theaters, but church planting has been the most grinding thing in my life. It's also brought me the most joy. So, if I had to sum it up in five words, I would say church planting is: grinding, joyful, mind-boggling, exuberant, and learning. Here's what that has meant for me.

5 Words to Describe Church Planting

outreach

One Great Tool to Explain the Bible in Real Life

One Great Tool to Explain the Bible in Real Life

Missionaries working in countries where there is no printed gospel available in the heart language of the people use a method called storying to share their faith. Story sets have been created that create bridges (beliefs and views we share) and address barriers (beliefs that make it difficult for someone to believe) to the gospel. One such example is “Creation to Christ.” It is a crafted presentation that presents the whole gospel story of the Bible beginning with creation and all the way to Christ.

Meet the Summer Missionaries

Meet the Summer Missionaries

Every summer, the Mission Centers of Houston welcomes summer missionaries who come to Houston to serve the Near Northside community through the Mission Centers’ ministries. The summer missionary intern program started at the Mission Centers approximately 39 years ago under the leadership of Mildred McWhorter. Get to know our summer missionaries, and learn how you can pray for, feed, and encourage them this summer.

Outreach When the "Going" Gets Hard

Outreach When the "Going" Gets Hard

It feels like another life since I was a missionary in West Africa. Now as a work-from-home mom of two under two, going to the post office seems nearly impossible—nonetheless going to the nations. I wonder how I'm supposed to invest in people outside our home when just keeping everyone alive feels hard enough. But that's where the things I learned in West Africa come back into play. Turns out, these skills are valuable for all seasons of life.

Discipling Muslim Background Believers by Abu Da'ud

Discipling Muslim Background Believers by Abu Da'ud

Reaching out to Muslims who may be seeking Christ and discipling Muslim-background believers can be a unique challenge. One resource we've found particularly helpful is Abu Da’ud's 5-book series on Discipling Muslim Background Believers. From his own experience coming to faith in Christ and reaching out to other Muslims, Da’ud discusses common misconceptions about Christians, answers questions Muslims often have, provides a structure for discipling new believers, and creates specific study resources for those who are helping Muslim-background believers grow in their faith.

The Creative('s) Way to Do Outreach

The Creative('s) Way to Do Outreach

Have you ever thought of art as a form of outreach? If we do it right, art can bring glory to God and display his greatness to mankind in a way that causes people to follow him. That sounds a lot like outreach to me! I recently wrote an article encouraging leaders to value art in ministry, but what about the creatives in our midst?

Artists can serve to aid in evangelism, discipleship, and the edification of others in the church, as well. So, how can we get started? Here are a few suggestions for the artists (and wannabes) among us.

Who's Your One?—Beginning a Lifestyle of Evangelism

Who's Your One?—Beginning a Lifestyle of Evangelism

In my role in ministry, I have a lot of people confide in me that they feel they are failing with personal evangelism. You may be one of those people. Honestly, I feel I am at times. Truth is, I am afraid too many believers (here in the US that is) are struggling in this area. That’s one reason why I'm so excited about a new initiative by the Southern Baptist Convention called “Who's Your One?”

Real Solutions for a Modern Crisis

Real Solutions for a Modern Crisis

As the end of Human Trafficking Awareness Month draws to a close, we do not need to simply move on from the issue. Only in recent years has the evil of human trafficking gained the exposure it has now. That is, while many may consider slavery a thing of the past, we now know that, though it takes different and less obvious forms, slavery and trafficking are just as pervasive today. There is much work to do to eradicate it altogether.

Hospitality for Those Without "The Gift"

Hospitality for Those Without "The Gift"

Some people think I have the “gift of hospitality,” but I assure you, I do not. I am not a hospitable person. I am an introvert. My home is a haven where I can recharge and get ready to be with people again the next day.

In time, I have learned that hospitality is not a gift but an act of obedience with great gospel benefits. For me, though, it's been a journey.