• Ministry > YMI

    The Star of Bethlehem Was Not the Point

    “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” The Star of Bethlehem had a point, an important point.

    Christmas Can Be a Time of Loneliness

    The Christmas season sometimes feels like an incredibly lonely one for me, and listening in on other people’s exciting holiday plans makes things worse. “Am I the only one doomed to be spending Christmas holed up in Auckland with my family?” I think.

    It’s Time to Re-Examine Why You Celebrate Christmas

    We had barely entered the month of December when the Christmas lights went up in my new neighborhood. But it was the cheerful Christmas carols permeating the air each morning that was the icing on the cake for me.

    Why I’m In Awe of Baby Jesus

    This month, I celebrate one year of motherhood. Yes, that means my baby has turned a year old, and what a year it has been! It may be a cliché, but what’s been said about motherhood is true: it’s tiring, trying, and stretching, yet every single bit of it is worth it.

    5 Practical Ways to Savor Christ this Christmas

    Last year, my kids and I snuggled up to read a Christmas story. It’s the story of a boy whose parents are determined to throw him an epic birthday party—replete with guests, food, decor and party favors.

    When Crisis Strikes at Christmas

    I will never forget Christmas Day, 2014. It was the day my wife had a panic attack. We were getting ready to leave for church that day.

    Say No to Say Yes

    It should have been a peaceful weekend. My overloaded brain and heart certainly could have used the downtime. Instead, I found myself stuck for two and a half hours in the car with three of my kids in standstill traffic

    When You’re Forced to Give Control to God

    Written By Chelsie Washington, USA Control has always been something I’ve struggled with in a very subtle way. I may not always show that I want to control a situation, but I can sometimes make myself physically sick when things don’t go my way. Whenever thoughts of a situation going awry arise, my heart begins […]

    A Letter To My Future Self in 2027

    I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you from the tail end of 2017, a perfect time in which I find myself reflecting on my achievements and failures and reviewing what the year has meant to me.

    A Letter to My Past Brokenhearted Self

    Dear Agnes, I know it feels like it’s the worst night of your life. Your boyfriend of two years just broke up with you. You’re crying and you’re lonely.

    A Letter to My Past Brokenhearted Self

    Dear Agnes, I know it feels like it’s the worst night of your life. Your boyfriend of two years just broke up with you. You’re crying and you’re lonely.

    Can God Be Trusted? My Struggle with Asperger’s

    “Have you heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder?” David, my mission team leader, casually asked me while we were having lunch at Makassar, Indonesia, while on a mission trip.

    Isn’t My Job Supposed To Mean Something?

    Over a year ago, I found myself worn out and exhausted: greatly taxed from a job that didn’t seem to give much in return for my effort.

    How God Liberated Me From My Mental Battles

    Depression and anxiety are no strangers to me. Panic attacks are routine, followed closely by waves of doubt and unbelief. I’ve experienced different traumas, toxic relationships, and being knocked down many times.

    Who Would Give This Bride Away?

    It was the night of our first planning meeting for our wedding. All of us involved in the preparation were all buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm, right until the pastor turned to me and asked, “Who would be walking you down the aisle?”