As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.I will be the
When a young girl visits Nanu—her maternal grandfather—her favorite outing is accompanying him to the vibrant, expansive market in India where he shops. Nanu calls out greetings to everyone. This is his community, populated with hard-working merchants selling a plethora of merchandise: guavas, mango
The Christian rock band Tree63 returns with its first full-length record in almost 11 years: Voyage. This recording reminds listeners of the South African trio’s heyday in the early 2000s. “I am no longer a young believer, singing about the excitement of a life-changing spiritual discovery,” said fo
Harderwyk Ministries, a Christian Reformed congregation of about 800 members in Holland, Mich., which has been producing gospel-centered Vacation Bible School curriculum for a decade, is making its database of programs available to smaller churches as an alternative to “boxed” curriculum to better f
Rev. Young Ook Kim, who died July 16 at the age of 87, joined the Christian Reformed Church in 1987 and dedicated himself to laying the foundation of the denomination’s Korean Council (now Korean Ministry Association).Kim graduated from Chongshin Theological University in Seoul, Korea, and went on t
The year 1951 was a big church-planting year for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Seventeen different congregations begun in that year are celebrating their 75th anniversaries in 2026, including Wallaceburg (Ont.) CRC.Image:Pastor Tim Leferink (right) receives a certificate on behalf
Ten months ago, Colin Jambekar was sitting through chemotherapy treatments that lasted up to seven hours a day while trying to keep pace with a demanding civil engineering course load.On May 9, 2026, he walked across the commencement stage at Calvin University as a college graduate, cancer survivor,
This book is a courageous exploration of what happens at the crossroads of disability and Christian identity. We know how we want things to be and how things are “supposed to be,” but often we struggle with how things are. How do we live well in the spaces God has placed us in when he doesn’t take a
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Discipleship,
Young Cici is excited. School is out for the summer, the cicadas are singing, the days are long, and she’s on her way to the family cookout—a gathering of aunties, uncles, and cousins, with Grandma overseeing the festivities at her house. Cici is especially looking forward to being reunited with her
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Many language
After watching Episode 1 of the streaming British dramedy Ludwig, my stomach hurt. Why? I was laughing hard. The cozy mystery was delightful fun. Our puzzle-genius star can’t drive worth beans—or park. This hilarious characterization is only a bit of the fun this six-part show offers viewers.Comedia
Author Callie Rebekah Feyen’s unique collection of short stories eloquently draws readers into her childhood struggles to read and learn in school, the role her mother played in encouraging her love for stories and desire to write them down, her coming of age in the shelter of her Presbyterian churc
John Bylsma was known for his strong, biblical sermons, his joyful character, and his deep desire to emulate Jesus’ love for others. John, 96, died June 8. “Preacher of the Word” are the words he chose to have engraved on his tombstone.Born ‘Johannes’ in Hallum, the Netherlands, he was deeply influe
Two hundred shoppers at the Foodland grocery store in Clinton, Ont., carried home their groceries this summer in a paper sack decorated by children attending the Clinton Christian Reformed Church's Vacation Bible School. It's part of the church's intent to look at each of its ministries and ask: whi
Pastors from five Christian Reformed congregations in rural western Michigan took part in a service July 27 to pray for rain.About 200 people gathered at a local farm northwest of Zeeland, Mich., for the 30-minute service. It was the second consecutive summer the local churches had organized a praye
That’s not the man I know.I remember thinking that after a prominent elder at our church was arrested for murdering his wife. When I was in high school, I had been a little hesitant to talk to someone so important. When the grisly details came to light, a secret life was exposed and a congregation w
It’s a scene we are all familiar with: The service has ended, the benediction given, the coffee and baked goods accompany the half-hour conversations before folks step out the door, get in their vehicles, and go on to the rest of their Sunday and week. But that’s not always the whole scene. Hidden i
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.One of the ch
Come for the recipes and stay for the writing in this luminous collection written by Christian moms who are part of the Coffee + Crumbs online journal community. God, friendships, hospitality, and keeping each other going—whether through spice tea and conversation or an UberEats order on a horrible