September 17, 2026

Dear Central Church,

“She’s a sister of the soil.” This is how Lauren was introduced this week at the Peace Building Summit in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). I have not heard my wife introduced that way before, but I like it. I encourage you to address her this way the next time you see her.

How does one become a “sister of the soil”?

After growing up in Côte d’Ivoire as a missionary kid in the ’90s, Lauren returned this week to participate in a gathering of leaders from the French-speaking countries of Africa. The conference was sponsored by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and I was able to tag along.

I learned a lot this week about what it looks like to respond in tangible ways to the needs of one’s community. The sessions focused on a compassionate response to issues ranging from violence and trauma to gender equality and access to education. They were heavy and complicated topics, but I heard courageous leaders share how God is calling the local church to bring peace and healing to their communities.

Our church is a partner with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, which sponsors projects across the continent that address many of these issues. It was my honor to represent you! Your prayers and support are building the Kingdom of God in ways and places that I could never have imagined.

What about our soil? What about where we live, the spaces we inhabit, and the communities we call home?

I often lament that our faith has become privatized and compartmentalized, making salvation something we look forward to when we die but fail to practice tangibly while we live. Followers of Jesus should care about the soil on which our feet tread. The earthy, day-to-day stuff of life matters for the Kingdom of God.

Is the Lord calling you to be a “brother or sister of the soil”? I’m leaving Côte d’Ivoire with this prayer:

“Lord, may the place in which we live look more like the Kingdom of God because we are here.”

Thank you for your prayers! We return Monday afternoon. I know you will enjoy the ministry of Sam and Jill Barber this Sunday.

On the Journey Together,

Pastor Mark

Pictures from the Ivory Coast!