FEATURES

“When Life Tumbles In, What Then?”
by A. Brent Cobb

An obedient Christian missionary couple, two healthy boys, a storybook perfect life . . . and then life tumbles in. Are there answers when unspeakable tragedy and heartbreak strike?

“Straight On in the Face of Evil”
by David M. Best

The why of September 11 has produced a greater question for the Church. How should we respond in the face of evil?

“One God—Two Answers—One Trust”
by Kevin Williamson and Stan Meek

Identical diagnoses, identical faith, different outcomes. Two stories tell of identical prevailing trust in spite of the answer.

“God Makes No Mistakes”
by Donna Gilbert

When dreams for a child’s future are dashed forever, one family celebrates small victories and gains unplanned insights into God’s unconditional love.

“Murder and Mercy”
by Fletcher L. Tink

A young widow and fatherless infant embody suffering made sweet only in the sharing by Christ himself.

“Risky Business”
by Merrill Williams

No one should risk his or her life or the lives of family members casually. But our missionaries have weighed the risks against the rewards and choose to be where they are.

COLUMNS

Commission: “Red Square Today”
by Paul G. Cunningham

Whatever challenge we are facing will one day be simply a memory of the triumphant all-sufficiency of Christ.

The Deeper Way: “Holy Suffering”
by T. Scott Daniels

In the Cross we see the God who is present in our pain. And because God is present, our sufferings are not meaningless.

Essay: “Providence”
by Jeff Crosno

God intended you to be counted on, that your arrival on the scene would never be an accident. Yours can become the one face of all the faces somebody has been waiting to see.

Family Tree: “The Great Date Debate”
by Leola Floren

If dear old Dad can just manage to traumatize and intimidate every male who rings the doorbell for the next six to seven years, we can relax.

Fruit of the Spirit: “Joy”
by Roger L. Hahn

Joy is possible in the midst of opposition and difficult circumstances. It arises from the confidence that God is at work in positive ways.

Holiness: “The Third Sacrament”
by Stan Ingersol

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are sacraments of the Church. The Christian life, on the other hand, is God’s sacrament to the world.

In the Mirror: “Are You Ready for Some Football . . .
to Be Over?”
by Justine A. Knight

If you have anything to say to Dad, better say it now . . . or wait until after the Super Bowl!

Passport: “Faithful Beyond Circumstance”
by Carmen J. Ringhiser

Beverly Gruver is proof positive that one’s call and spiritual passion continue even when the realities of life forever change.

Portraits: “Pam Pryor: Serving J. C. and J. C.”
by Dean Nelson

Through her service as chief of staff to U.S. Congressman J. C. Watts, Pam Pryor has concluded that Christians have an obligation to be in government.

COMING NEXT MONTH— WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?

“Today’s Family: Holding Tough in Tough Times”

by Les and Leslie Parrott

While the function, structure, and shape of some families are changing, the family’s importance has not diminished. Today it is more important than ever to reinvigorate the cultural ideals of family within the changed circumstances of our time.