One Challenge was blessed to have mission pastor Ralph Anderson, and his wife Joyce, at OC International for over 20 years. They tended to our souls through the Word, prayer, counsel, and encouragement. In 2020, Ralph handed over this mission pastor role to Gill, another great man of the Lord, who is walking alongside OC workers in their ministry journey together. Ralph says, "90 percent of pastoral care is just showing up. So, in all of the above and more, Joyce and I just want to “show up” for our people to encourage them and care for them in their personal and ministry journeys."

Enjoy reading these articles from Ralph ... “From the Pastor’s Pen”...

Abundance of Blessings
What would you guess is the most missed holiday of our OC family serving in countries all around the world? Here is a hint: it happens this month on the fourth Thursday – Thanksgiving! Many things may come to American’s minds when we think of Thanksgiving. Family, friends, food, football. As I think about the celebration of Thanksgiving …

The Believer’s “Ranger”
An article in the Gazette, the local Colorado Springs newspaper, caught my attention. The article entitled, “O’er the fields we go”, opened with the following words – “At 27 of Colorado’s 42 state parks on January 1 you’ll find rangers ready to lead you on a First Day Hike, sun or snow." As I read the article, I thought of some parallels and contrasts between these Colorado rangers (guides) and the believer’s “ranger”, the indwelling Holy Spirit, as we begin a New Year...

“A picture is worth a thousand words”
We’re all familiar with the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” At this time of year, we’re reminded of John’s words in his gospel as he describes the birth of Jesus – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (1:14). In this case the reverse is certainly true; the “Word”…

Ezekiel’s Calling
As I sit to write these words this morning, I’m “catching my breath” and enjoying a few hours of relative quietness and a slowed down pace. In the last two months Joyce’s and my schedule has included several important trips to be with our OC family in different parts of the world...

Reflections on Hebrews
In reading through the book of Hebrews recently, I was struck by a repeated emphasis. The author is writing to Christians who have come from a Jewish background and, because of persecution, are in danger of slipping back into Judaism. So, throughout the book, the author is declaring the supremacy of Jesus Christ above all…

David and Prayer
No doubt as you read these devotional thoughts from the “Pastor’s Pen” you’ve noted I often draw my reflections from my readings in the Psalms. I definitely find my heart responding to and identifying with the interactions the writers of the Psalms have with the Lord. So, once again these remarks spring from one of…

“Songs of Deliverance”
In Psalm 32 we have words of blessing for those whose sins have been confessed and forgiven and the Lord’s protection in times of trouble for those who trust in Him. While reading the Psalm recently, my attention was drawn to a phrase in v. 7 – “You are my hiding place… and surround me…

Psalm of Christ
Psalm 22, in part, is clearly one of those Old Testament passages that prophetically point forward to the Lord Jesus Christ. In this case, in the first two-thirds of the Psalm there are several graphic statements that describe Jesus’ passion for us on the cross. In a recent reading of this Psalm I was struck…

“Live as a Believer”
In my recent reading through I Corinthians, I was struck by a phrase in chapter 7. Before considering the phrase, first a brief word about the context. People have come from all kinds of backgrounds into this newborn body of believers. Some were from a Jewish background, others Gentiles; some married and others single; some…

Bucket List
During our sabbatical, two attention-getting events happened related to the passing of time. First, I turned 70 back in December and, secondly, we had five friends/supporters die during the five months of our sabbatical. As of this week, a sixth dear friend, mentor and supporter has passed away. In light of these realities, I’ve been…

Mary and the Angel Gabriel
At Christmas time as we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, our mind turns toward family and friends. So, today, my mind has turned toward you as part of our worldwide OC family. Allow me to share a few thoughts that hopefully will minister to you in these days. As one reads the Biblical…