I had traveled from Michigan to my Winnipeg hometown to help my parents move and say goodbye to the house I grew up in. My brother was hauling my childhood dresser down the driveway, where it was loaded into a stranger’s truck.“What are you doing?” I demanded hotly.“What?” He couldn’t fathom why I w
When Stephanie Miller was 16 years old, her parents died in a car crash. The Amish teen was forced to live with her aunt and uncle, a dour couple who compelled her to do most of the household chores and to care for their growing family. Keeping a tight rein on the young woman, they allowed her to go
Matthew Goode translates his standard sardonic character into a new version in Dept. Q: a PTSD-riddled detective making lemonade from the lemons he’s been given.Detective Carl Morck is not a nice guy when we meet him. He’s not likable or sympathetic. And then—that moment that changes everything arri
Abigail loves “first Saturdays”—the first Saturday of each month when she and her younger brother and parents go for a nature hike, often to their favorite place, a waterfall deep in the woods. As they make their way beneath huge trees and over large rocks, Abigail thinks about what her parents taug
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.Among Chinese
Two or three times each year, Christian Reformed churches send representatives to their classis, a regional assembly of churches.Many of the actions taken by classes are governed by the CRC’s Church Order, the rules that govern denominational life. Here are some of the actions by classes in the past
A January trip saw Joel Ringma, Terrace, B.C., pastor; James Vanderlaan, director of advancement for Resonate Global Mission; and Fred Reitsma, a member of Smithers (B.C.) Christian Reformed Church, attend and support a pastors’ conference in Kabala, Sierra Leone. It was a reunion of sorts for two a
After decades of declining attendance, Fort Wingate (N.M.) Christian Reformed Church is exploring a new ministry model that would transform its property into a community-focused retreat center.Organized in 1982, the rural congregation located near the entrance to Cibola National Forest has about 20
Maggie Peckford, with her husband and three young children, began attending Williamsburg (Ont.) CRC in spring 2024. In the fall of 2025 she joined its inaugural hospitality committee and says the church has been very receptive to hearing her perspective as a newcomer.“I was the churchgoer that as so
The CRC has a long history of working together and pooling resources to further God’s kingdom work around the world. This year we will feature a special column in each issue that includes an interview with the directors of these shared ministries: Thrive, Resonate Global Mission, ReFrame Ministries,
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.As a church p
Lynn Austin is well known for her historical and biblical fiction, with more that 2.5 million copies of her books sold through the years. Her newest is sure to continue that trajectory as she takes on a dual-timeline story. She also stays close to her West Michigan home, setting her novel in an 1873
Mom was in a skilled care facility, and part of her care plan was a checkup from a physician’s assistant. Martha insisted we call her by her first name rather than referring to her as a doctor. She was kind, personable, and extremely patient dealing with Mom’s early-stage dementia. Since I lived two
When Synod 2026 meets on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 12-18, a report following up on a request from 2024 regarding accountability for addressing allegations of misconduct will be part of its agenda.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church
Jack Hielema’s life was marked by steadfast faith, thoughtful counsel, faithful ministry, and deep care for people. Jack, 94, died March 10.Born in Groningen, the Netherlands, the fifth of nine children, Jack immigrated to the Hamilton, Ont., area at age 19 with his older brother, Ep. He worked as a
As a missionary, Epke Vander Berg shared his gifts of faith, service, and leadership with many people around the world. “He always had time to chat and share stories. He brought light and cheer to everyone he met,” said a friend in tribute. Epke, 84, died Feb. 27.Born in Friesland, the Netherlands,
Illustrator Evan Turk’s exquisite, brilliant artwork and author Sandra Neil Wallace’s poignant, historically relevant narrative capture the extraordinary life of a Ukrainian girl who grew up in anonymity, yet became the driving force to keep the Ukrainian art of pysanky alive throughout the world.As
Jonathan Cain, member of the popular 1970s and ’80s rock band Journey (which still tours widely today), offers the Christian solo project, “Only a Prayer Away.” The six-selection EP showcases Cain’s signature piano abilities and gives listeners a rock-and-roll feel.Pastor Greg Laurie inspired the ti
In their thought-provoking exploration of the nature of work lived out in a fallen world within God’s good boundaries of finitude, authors David Buschart and Ryan Tafilowski critique the faith and work movement, pointing out that a theology of work for the real world needs to be grounded, not in the
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.The Gospel of