Signs & Wonders Blog

Growing up Lutheran, I was unfamiliar with what Catholics believe until committing my life to Christ years later. I was 14 when two popes died within 33 days of each other in 1978. I hated it when their funerals preempted some of my favorite TV programs. I remember saying in frustration to my mother, “The Pope is a dope.” Since becoming a street evangelist, I’ve learned how to compassionately minister the gospel to Catholics. Instead of criticizing tenets of Catholicism that conflict with Scripture , I aim to find common ground with them, such as their belief that Jesus is the Son of God and He died on the cross for our sins. I recall only one witnessing incident when the Pope was brought up. I had lunch with an aunt and uncle, who professed to be Christians despite going to church only on Easter and Christmas. Although my aunt isn’t Catholic, I was surprised to hear her suddenly defend the Pope as a great person.  I believe it’s okay to honor the Pope as a politician since he...

Believers shouldn’t tire of watching films about the life of Jesus, often referred to as the greatest story ever told. An animated version titled “ The King of Kings ” premiered in theaters on Friday, April 11th, and became the second highest-grossing film of the weekend, surpassed only by “A Minecraft Movie.” I had the pleasure of watching it this past Monday.  “The King of Kings” features a cartoon rendition of Charles Dickens. The English author narrates the story of Jesus to his son Walter, who is enamored with King Arthur. Charles points out that the King of Kings is more captivating than King Arthur because “He doesn’t require a sword.” The boy, his father, and the family cat are featured prominently in numerous illustrated Bible stories. This reminded me of the Christian cartoon series “Superbook.” A couple of scenes deviated from biblical accuracy. One showed the Magi appearing before Jesus as a baby. Matthew 2 points out He was a young Child. The movie also displayed Pe...

I’ve never been a fan of golf. I think it’s one of the most boring sports to watch on TV. However, I have gone miniature-golfing a few times. Recently, my friend Lorvin celebrated his birthday by inviting me and a few others to play a round at the Mall of America . During our game, many of us came close to getting a hole-in-one. Lorvin’s roommate Ken finally got one near the end of the course. He also had the best golf score and proudly wrote the results of our game on the kitchen chalkboard. Over the years, I’ve heard a few jokes about Jesus golfing. In one of them, the Lord was on a golf course with Moses and an old man. Jesus went first and drove the ball into a water trap. So He walked on the water, chipped the ball onto the green, and put it for par. Moses went next. He drove the ball into the same water trap. Moses parted the water, chipped the ball onto the green, and put it for par. Then the old man teed off. Likewise, his ball headed toward the water trap. However, a fis...

My biggest pet peeve with flying is baggage fees. Years ago, airlines only charged extra money for luggage that was oversized or too heavy. Then in May 2008, fees for a second checked bag were added by most airlines in response to rising fuel prices. Despite costs decreasing later that year, airlines increased their baggage fees when realizing what a cash cow it was. Some now charge for carry-on bags! For years, Southwest Airlines hadn’t succumbed to this greediness. They still allowed passengers to check two bags for free if they were within size and weight limitations. You could also bring a carry-on bag plus a personal item that will fit underneath the seat. As a missionary who lives out of a suitcase, I’ve traveled with four pieces of luggage. My two checked bags mostly contain clothing and gospel literature. My carry-on includes computer accessories I didn’t want to get damaged. My personal item is a backpack containing my MacBook Air, iPad, and other items I may access...