The Value of Learning People’s Names

As I mentioned during last Lord’s Day’s Sabbath School study of Jonathan Edwards’ book, Charity and Its Fruit, based on 1 Corinthians 13, David Stone shares about a homeless man who planned to leave a rescue mission one morning and commit suicide.  But on his way, a volunteer called out his name to say hello.  That stopped him and he stayed. Later on, he told her: “You didn’t know it that day.  But when you called out my name, you gave me a reason to live.” This powerful lesson was from Stone’s Focus on the Family “Pastor to Pastor” podcast entitled “The Art & Importance of Learning Names.”  You can listen to it here:  podcasts.focusonthefamily.com/show/pastor-to-pastor-with-dave-stone/the-art-importance-of-learning-names.  After offering how I have made good use of it, I’ll pass on some wise nuggets and tools Rev. Stone offers.

Providence Preparing for Providence

September 12, 2025 Dear Saints, I had the opportunity to speak for chapel at Providence Christian College in Pasadena this Wednesday! Greatly excited about developments this year. And a wonderful opportunity to have lunch with my daughter, Olivia, who is…