Good News Fridays
Sharing good things this week is Alyson Rockhold.
Have you ever seen a loquat tree? Eaten a loquat? I have not. I love how this photo captures the sunlight. Here are Alyson’s good things.
What are yours this week?
This loquat tree is outside my bedroom window in Houston, Texas. As a native Chinese tree, it is far from home. Last February, it endured the worst freeze on record in our area. Its leaves turned brown, its bark peeled off, and there was no fruit last spring. For months it sat dormant, looking dead. In June, one green leaf appeared. And ever so slowly, it came back to life, resilience on display.
The Ukrainian refugee who loves to laugh at school in Poland
This school in Poland is going out of its way to welcome refugees. They supply each child with gifts and encourage friendships like Yana and Alicja’s. These young girls share a lot of laughs thanks to Google translate and kindness that crosses cultures.
More ministries seek alternatives to child sponsorships
Full disclosure: I am not subscribed to Christianity Today and could not read the entire article. However, I am excited that ministries are looking for fundraising methods that don’t form groups of “haves” and “have nots” in the name of Christ. As someone who has donated to these kinds of organization in the past, I found this piece very thought-provoking.
Here’s how this student turns chip bags into sleeping bags for the homeless
I admire the kindness and determination displayed by Eradajere Oleita in this article. She knows that, “environmental injustice and poverty often go hand in hand.” So, she has found a creative solution to keep trash out of landfills and help people affected by homelessness.
Alyson Rockhold has a writing ministry that seeks to honor God and encourage people through the power of the written word. She also volunteers with the Divine Mercy Centre, a ministry that feeds and houses the elderly in Tanzania. Click here to download her free 7-day devotional about Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
I remember loquats from my childhood in Florida. Just before the war started here in Ukraine we found a place that sold loquat trees, and we were looking forward to ordering one this spring. Maybe later? Now that I've read this, I'll take them as a sign of resilience!
I first encountered loquats while on vacation in Antalya, Turkiye last year. They are so beautiful and delicious! Also, I love all the articles you linked as well as your reflections on them, and on the loquat tree you have.