We’ve been dealing with some unexpected developments that have kept us offline for a while, but we plan to be back on regularly from here on out… We’re going to wade back into things with “Mill Pond Monday.” We don’t just hang out here on the porch with our thinking caps on: We have been…
Author: Jim Baker
Marginal Mission Network leader with ReachGlobal Europe, passionate about serving at the margins. We are now living in the woods in VA working on restoring an old grist mill and farmhouse to host a community that will provide, rest, restoration, reflection, training, connections... and lots of good music!
I am “N”
Like many other people of good will, not only Jesus-followers, I have been appalled at the recent activities of the caliphist group ISIS, particularly their brazen attacks against Christians and other religious minorities, which are an affront to any conception of justice. After having their homes marked by the militants with the Arabic letter nun…
Yes, slavery is bad. But what CAUSES it?
The business of trade in human lives is more robust than ever in history. The US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report presents a comprehensive view of how the various nations on our planet are (or are not) responding to human trafficking. For those who want to become acquainted with the global realities of…
Gospel harmonics
I was sitting in a café with a few teammates across from one of Berlin’s 1700 bridges. As we waited for our currywurst, we listened to the tolling of cathedral bells, resonating and disbursing into a complex and fascinating mist of harmonic overtones. Hundreds of people in the neighborhood were shuffling into the numerous cathedrals…
The “missionary call”
We were having lunch with a couple families and one of the young moms, who’s been wondering about global mission and knows our background as long-term mission workers, heard us refer to our “call” to cross-cultural ministry. She’d obviously heard such words numerous times in the past from various people, but it was clear that…
Icons and Images, windows and mirrors
I’ve spent a lot of time in art galleries, looking at “pictures.” I’ve also spent a lot of time in Orthodox cathedrals, looking at icons. Some people would not see a distinction between the two… but, as I’ve thought about it, they are so different that I think it might even be deceptive to call…
The Legacy of Maidan. Part 2. Democracy
Many people are looking forward to a successful running of national elections in Ukraine this coming weekend as being a “victory for democracy.” But let’s look a little harder at the subject of democracy: it’s worth taking consideration of the experience of Maidan – some lessons to be learned and observations to be considered…
The legacy of Maidan. Part 1. Spirituality.
As Ukraine struggles and lurches toward a national presidential and parliamentary election this Sunday, please continue to pray. I truly believe that a stable government with the democratic mandate of a “free and fair” election will go a long way toward bringing needed equilibrium (not “stability” yet) and beginning the long, complex job of national…
Mill Pond Porch 