Faith

Editor’s note: Steve Swanson passed away in March 2024. This “Best Of” column seemed most appropriate as Easter Sunday approaches this weekend. Steve often wrote about the sins of humanity being paid for by the death of Jesus and that his resurrection represents the anticipation believers can have in their own resurrection. This belief hits home for those recovering from addiction. Steve wrote this story shortly before he was diagnosed with cancer. Frank Currie is choosing to live his days with gratitude. He is at a place in his life

No one who is battling cancer should ever try to walk through it alone. That is foundational for the people behind Cancer Support Services in Augusta. Cancer Support Services began back in 2004 and spells out its mission on their website this way, Cancer Support Services (CSS) assists cancer patients with their financial and emotional needs during treatment, including lodging and transportation services, to facilitate healing and create better outcomes.    Incorporated in 2004, Cancer Support Services serves men, women, and young cancer fighters and is a grassroots 501(c) 3 nonprofit

It’s a normal weekly thing now. During Sunday morning worship, as a part of a greeting or announcement, a staff member at church will acknowledge and welcome those who are joining the service for worship by watching online. It wasn’t that long ago that watching a service online was a rare thing. Now, it’s a regular weekly event for many. It’s super convenient and super easy. Hey, you can even watch in your favorite jammies! When we’re out of town, Susie and I will often engage with our church worship

“God works in mysterious ways.” It’s a phrase that’s been around for a long time. This week, I’d like to introduce you to some folks who take God at his word. When they pray together, they expect to see answers! It’s Friday afternoon. In a modest house on a quiet street in a Seattle, Washington suburb. Cars slowly pull into a driveway. Each person is coming with intentionality, purpose, and expectation. This is a group meeting with one focus and one agenda. They’ve been gathering for about 15 years now

It’s Friday afternoon and I’m sitting in my high school history class. Getting a little restless. The clock on the wall has no second hand and seems to move at a glacial speed. Clunk. Another minute passes and the minute hand moves to its new position. I glance out the second-story window and then look back to the front of the room where the teacher’s voice has taken on the persona of the teacher in the Peanuts cartoons. “Wah-Wah-Wah.” Will this class EVER end? It feels unlikely. Again, the clunk

“I’ve always said that if you reach the fathers, the men of the homes, you’ll reach the whole family.” That’s how my conversation began with Pastor Brad Whitt of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez. Pastor Brad was kind enough to offer me a few minutes to talk about the Men of Augusta conference coming up next weekend March 1st and 2nd. Brad says Abilene has done a couple of men’s conferences, but years have come and gone since the last one took place. In praying about it last year, he