Introducing John Park Sep 10 ⋅ by Travers Oliver Few know the harsh realities Tenth’s global partners face like John Park, a former Global Partner and Tenth’s new Minister of Small Groups and Partner Care. Of his twenty years as a Global Partner, John spent fifteen of those in the Middle East, working in areas that were largely closed to the church. He understands how partners can easily suffer from loneliness as they serve far from their home.  In his new pastoral role at Tenth, one of his chief duties will be to initiate and sustain frequent contact with all of Tenth’s Global partners so that the church can support them in ways that might help mitigate the natural pitfalls of international service. 

Much of his time will be devoted to meeting their material and spiritual needs. Through prayer, encouragement, and support, John will provide pastoral care to those serving locally and abroad. John will also oversee the development of Tenth’s small group ministries, where he’ll ser...

Easter Sacrificial Offering  Jul 9 ⋅ by Travers Oliver Each year as we celebrate Easter, the Global Outreach Commission seeks out beneficiaries for the annual Easter Sacrificial Offering (ESO). This year we’ve partnered with seven ministries that ease the sufferings of others and faithfully proclaim the gospel around the world. As a result of the generous contributions made by the congregation, we’re pleased to announce that the ESO col...

The Church as Mentor May 28 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker Birthed in adversity when the Roman Empire was at its zenith, a fledging group of Jews surfaced near the time of the Jewish feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The Christian church emerged as a visible community of members who confessed the eternal Lordship of a resurrected Galilean executed at Golgotha a mere three days before he was recognized alive in the city of his death. Led by peasants turn...

Equipping the Littlest Kingdom-Bearers May 14 ⋅ by Julia P. Have you ever listened to a young child talk about their world? A child sees the world with wonder and anticipation. They grasp onto small details and celebrate both the new and the familiar. Their brains work like sponges soaking up new information. They can observe and enjoy the world with eagerness and freedom when they have someone willing to guide them.

Wide Open World, or WOW...

When the Mourning Comes May 7 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker When a phone rings at 1:30 AM in the morning, the news is seldom good. The voice on the other end of the line spoke in official terms, “Is your brother’s name Michael?” I responded with a sheepish reply that yes, I had a brother by that name. I was informed at that moment his body had just been pulled from the river after drowning. My first thought upon hearing this news? I wa...

A New Hope May 2 ⋅ by Karen Swoyer God has been showing me through the lives of others how he brings hope and begins new work amidst grief and loss. He pointed this out to me again during our time at Hogar La Providencia (which houses John Calvin School) in Santa Marta, Colombia. The people there had just lost their visionary founder and leader, whom I had heard referred to as a “power house” multiple times—Jai...

Within The Shadows  Apr 19 ⋅ by Travers Oliver There hides a man within the shadows who I know all too well. He follows me day and night crying: “Come to me! For it’s only your soul you must sell!” I answered: “No, no! From outside of His presence I cannot dwell!” In a cunning manner he spoke: “You needn’t worry, for who have I to tell?” Despite the pain, I gave into his demand, and into the d...

Easter Sacrificial Offering   Apr 16 ⋅ by Dan Kunkle We have spoken previously in a Tenth Press article about some of the ministries that we at Tenth will be supporting this year through our Easter Sacrificial Offering. As a reminder, those ministries are: SIM Galmi Hospital, Sight for Souls, Jiyii-nun, Forgotten Voices, and Rock Spring Church in Liberia. The final two ministries that round out are giving recipients this year are the Merkinch Chu...

Sent Out as Sheep Among Wolves Apr 4 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker Meeting Mez McConnell is a bit like encountering a Buzzsaw. He moves quickly past the pleasantries and wants to know the story of how someone arrived where they did and what they are doing with their life. He doesn’t like small talk. Rather, he jumps into deep conversations with both feet and moves forward in ways that can catch a person off guard if not ready for a serious discussion abo...