faith
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August 14, 2025 – 🏡 Breaking Bread, Building Bridges: A Conversation on Housing and Hope
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with someone I’ll call E—a man whose story and heart left a deep impression on me. We first met a few weeks ago in the premier’s office. E is a Christian and a successful businessman, but what truly defines him is his unwavering commitment to community. For Continue reading
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August 12, 2025 – 🤝 Showing Up with Purpose: My Visit to Recovery Church in Richmond
This past Sunday evening, I had the privilege of attending Recovery Church at the Salvation Army Richmond Community Church. As someone who’s been actively reaching out and serving the community, I came not just to observe—but to experience, to be present, and to offer support. 🛐 A Space for Healing and Hope Recovery Church is Continue reading
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July 11, 2025 – Love Is Love. And Nothing Else.
🍽️ A Quiet Dinner, A Loud Heartache Tonight, I sat down for dinner with two women I’ve come to know through pastoral care. The evening was warm, thoughtful, and filled with gentle conversation. But behind the shared laughter, one story resonated with unspoken weight. One of the women is struggling—not because she’s lost her way, Continue reading
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June 21, 2025 – Called to Go: Reflections from an Unexpected Encounter
This afternoon, I had the chance to attend a community event hosted by a Chinese medicine association. A good friend invited me to visit their resource table, and while I came expecting warm conversation and cultural insights, I left with something more—an unexpected moment of reflection on connection and intention. While I was chatting in Continue reading
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May 27, 2025 – A Visit to the Hospital, a Glimpse of the Streets
Today, I visited a parishioner at St. Paul’s Hospital. As I stepped outside after the visit, my attention was drawn to a group of individuals sitting or lying near the hospital entrance. Some had carts and bags with them, everything they owned gathered in one place. One person was lying motionless on the ground. I Continue reading
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May 23, 2025 – Feeding Hope and Facing Questions: A Community Reflects on Food Insecurity in Richmond
When we speak about food insecurity, homelessness, and human dignity, we must also be willing to listen. After sharing “Feeding Hope in Richmond” on Reddit, I took time to read through each comment. I found myself encouraged by some, challenged by others, and reminded of how layered and complex these issues are in our city. Continue reading
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May 21, 2025 – Loving Our Neighbors: A Faith-Based Reflection on Substance Use and Stigma
A recent webinar hosted by the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) delivered a profound message. It wasn’t just another public health presentation; it was a deeply moving invitation for churches and community groups to fundamentally rethink their approach to substance use. It called us to embody the compassion of Christ in tangible, practical ways, Continue reading
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May 18, 2025 – Feeding Hope in Richmond: A Glimpse into Our Ongoing Crisis
Recently, I joined other community partners for the monthly Richmond Food Aid Delivery (FAD) Coalition meeting—a gathering that offers both sobering reminders and resilient hope. While the coalition’s primary mission is simple—to provide one prepared meal per day to those experiencing chronic homelessness—the stories behind each meal reveal the deeper challenges facing our city. As Continue reading
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May 17, 2025 – Beyond the Walls: When the Gospel Gets Its Hands Dirty
The phrase has been echoing in online circles recently: “The Church is not an NGO; it exists for the Gospel.” On the surface, it’s a sharp reminder that the Church’s core mission transcends the structures of secular non-profits, urging us to remember our foundation – the Good News of Jesus Christ. But what happens when Continue reading
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May 17, 2025 – Beyond Attendance: When More Isn’t Necessarily More in Worship
My recent conversation with a young man deeply involved in his church community offered a fascinating glimpse into how different individuals perceive and prioritize aspects of faith. He spoke passionately about his involvement in a “one church, one city” movement and, in comparing it to a larger congregation, emphasized the profound piety he felt within Continue reading