Go Find a Rock!

  I looked for a stone that would fit into my hand to hurl into the lake but all I could find were small pebbles and the big rock pictured above. Every year during the Jewish feast day Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets, Lev. 23:23-25), I practice a Jewish custom of throwing a rock into […]

What’s Normal Anyway?

While Visiting Lesotho With My Special Needs Son Taught Me About the Heart of the Father (Written by Mike Verkaik) If you know me in real life, then you probably also know my son Chad. Chad is an energetic, 6 foot 5 college sophomore who has been developmentally delayed since birth. These past 2 years […]

It is true a picture is worth a thousand words.

It is true a picture is worth a thousand words. This photograph was taken August 22, 2014 on Inspiration Road. I. (Patty) was driving home feeling somewhat discouraged as all that what familiar in my life was now very different. I was thinking of my dear friend Kathy who was in the midst of cancer. […]

Receive the Tears of your Father!

  The River Chapel was full of Beautiful Gate staff and Oceans’ team members to watch an adoption ceremony. I’ve had many opportunities over the years to witness this extraordinary exchange but this one penetrated deeply into my soul.   A single Basotho woman sat next to her teenage daughter on the couch, both had […]

Crashing the Gates of Hell – Cross-Feet

Jesus keeps His strategic plan to build His Kingdom simple. To be a part of this Gate Crashing Crew, simply take up the cross daily and follow Him.

Crashing the Gates of Hell – Worship & Word

    One of the highlights on our recent trip to Israel was the times of worship! Our team had an abundance of angelic voices that harmonized beautifully and had a few worship leaders too. One day we gathered in historic Saint Anne’s church in Jerusalem where the acoustics are stunning and sang the well-known […]