My name is AJ Schwanz. These are my sons, Judah and Abel. And I’ve had to explain things most of my life. My parents, transplanted from Alabama to the West some thirty-five years ago, have “funny” accents. When people asked where they came from, Mom told me to say “Southern Idaho.” My brother and I [...]

The Cherry Grove youth group, from Battleground, Washington, share their thoughts about their church. This article was collected during a discussion at their youth/young adult group’s New Year’s Eve over-nighter, not too late at night. Pictured are (left to right top to bottom): Row 1: Grace Skinner, Luke Pritchard, Casey Trout, Taylor Leboki, Row 2: [...]

. . . Marianne Phillips, of Clackamas Park Evangelical Friends Church in Milwaukie, Oregon, believes in experiential education. She biked more than 13,000 miles with her children. The church supported the trips through bake sales, donations, and prayer. Marianne shares her thoughts about parenting alongside a faith community. . . . Dedicating our children to [...]

. Holly and Allyn Dhynes (with their Daughter Carys) live in Jerusalem. They attended George Fox University and are members at West Hills Friends Meeting in Portland. Allyn is World Vision’s Advocacy, Peacebuilding and Communications Manager for Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Working with World Vision in Jerusalem since 2002, he is [...]

With a heart for missions and a nursing degree, Kristiina Thomas views a world map like most people look at a drive-thru menu: She can take her pick. “There are so many options of what you can do,” Thomas says. “And you can go anywhere.” It seems that Thomas, 24, already has been everywhere. She [...]