“New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on … Continue reading 2011: New Beginnings
Author: Melissa
Pastor | Ragamuffin | Family | Friends
For the glory of God and the good of the world.
The Ministry of Presence :Missional Church Network
More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not … Continue reading The Ministry of Presence :Missional Church Network
Advent Devotion
Here is the devotion that I wrote for our church advent devotional book. It ran today. Maybe it will bless you and remind you, if you are in darkness, that the darkness will not win. The Light of Heaven will always break through the darkest night. You'll have no more need of the sun by … Continue reading Advent Devotion
Thanksgiving Prayers
Best wishes to each of you on this day of thanksgiving. May we feast on satisfying time with family and friends and remember those who no longer sit at the table. May we taste the love, mercy, and presence of our Triune God and remember those who are starving for the Bread of Life. May … Continue reading Thanksgiving Prayers
Morgan's Singing Debut
A Different Way to Fight Terrorism
On a day where we remember the victims of 9-11-2001 and the world of terrorism that we live in, I wanted to share this video of US veterans who are using their skills to provide humanitarian care in the most dangerous places in the world. Terrorists use the severe need of these desperate people to … Continue reading A Different Way to Fight Terrorism
Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Boy, originally uploaded by Melissa Hatfield. This is a picture of a handsome little boy I met in the Dominican Republic in January 2010. He was very interested in the construction project we were doing in his neighborhood. Our team was building a new medical clinic that he and his friends will be able … Continue reading Beautiful Boy
Meeting with Senator McCaskill
On Thursday, a friend and I drove to Columbia, MO, to meet with US Senator Claire McCaskill's staff. We had something important to discuss and to bring to her attention. On May 24, 2010, President Obama sign into law a bill that commits him to lead a new international strategy aimed at permanently stopping LRA … Continue reading Meeting with Senator McCaskill
I Saw What I Saw
This video speaks so much of what God has been doing in my life the past three years. Kenya, Uganda, Dominican Republic, South Dakota ....... I saw what I saw and I can't erase it. "I saw what I saw and I can't erase it. Your pain has changed me. Your courage asks me what … Continue reading I Saw What I Saw
Downsizing
Several years ago I heard the Mohandas Gandhi quote, "Live Simply So That Others May Simply Live". The quote has stuck with me and I often think of it. And think of it. And think of it. Regretfully, I've given it a lot of thought but not much action. My contemplating is over. My house … Continue reading Downsizing
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