Signs & Wonders Blog

Five years ago today, a tragedy happened in Minneapolis that impacted the world. A black man named George Floyd died while being in police custody. He was arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. A video from a bystander’s cellphone that went viral showed officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for several minutes while he complained, “I can’t breathe.” Like most people, I first assumed Chauvin caused Floyd’s death. Later, I realized this was an example of circumstantial evidence .  The 2023 documentary “ The Fall of Minneapolis ” revealed details largely withheld from the general public. George Floyd had multiple drugs in his system. Police body camera videos showed him resisting arrest and refusing to be placed in the back of a squad car while handcuffed. That’s why Floyd needed to be restrained. He uttered “I can’t breathe” even before Chauvin’s knee was on his neck. I believe drugs plus preexisting health conditions killed Floyd. The four arres...

At the time of this writing, I’m living with another missionary at his house in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Although he has a coffee maker, I still like going out for my morning cup of Joe . In recent years, I’ve mostly gone to Panera Bread because of my Sip Club membership. One can pay a low monthly subscription fee and enjoy unlimited drinks. Another place I’ve occasionally bought coffee is McDonald’s. With their app, I often got a large one for 99 cents plus tax. There’s a Golden Arches located a few blocks from the house in Saint Paul. However, I’ve rarely stopped in there because they no longer have a public dining area. More McDonald’s franchises are switching to drive-thru and carry-out only. I prefer sitting down while eating my food, plus getting refills of coffee. McDonald’s may not have the most nutritious food (which has become a bit pricey). Still, I occasionally eat there if I like other specials on their app. Often I go there when in Tampa, Florida because of no Wi-Fi acce...

Among the things I avoid looking at online are videos and articles that attempt to “expose” ministers. Some are by critics who simply disagree with a particular preacher’s theology. Then there are so-called watchdogs who believe their calling in life is to warn of clergy who have stumbled into sin. I question the motives of these watchdogs, especially when they bring up offenses committed decades ago. Are they seeking to restore or want someone they don’t like removed from the pulpit? Those who fit the latter category would benefit from reading this story I’ve seen circulating online: An old man sitting on a park bench was approached by a young man who asked, “Do you remember me?” The old man replied. “No.” “I was your student.” “What do you do now in life?” The young man answered: “Well, I became a teacher.” “Ah, like me” said the old man. “Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.” “What did I do that made you decide to become a tea...

Usually when a loved one dies, the next of kin are promptly notified . Last Monday afternoon, while browsing the Internet, I stumbled upon an unexpected revelation: one of my aunts had passed away almost three months prior . For some reason, I wasn’t informed of this news sooner. Nevertheless, I reminisced about the wonderful times I had shared with her. Gaye Linda Hannestad (née Tweiten ) was born on June 7, 1954 in Fargo, North Dakota. Her infectious energy and lively personality made me anticipate the times she babysat my sister and me when we were young. Tanya and I called them a “Gaye Gaye Day.” My aunt introduced me to some of the popular hits of the era. I remember her playing 45s of “In the Year 2525”, “I Started a Joke”, and “Spirit in the Sky.” Another endearing aspect of Gaye was her insistence that we sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before opening our Christmas presents. Gaye graduated from Fargo South High School in 1972 and eventually became a dental assistant. Apart ...

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...