When wildfires tore through Southern California in January 2025, they left a trail of destruction and disarray. An accumulated 14 fires resulting from a trifecta of incendiary conditions—drought, heavy vegetation build up, and strong winds—burned roughly 57,636 acres and destroyed over 18,000 structures in only 24 days. Sources of water were scarce, schools closed down, and many transportation systems were not functioning. Eerie scenes remained. Driving through residential areas, one could see a single lonely chimney standing among ashes, while homes nearby were seemingly untouched.

A Diocese with a Global Vision— Under Bishop Mark’s leadership, the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes has cultivated a deep commitment to mission—both locally and globally. The Diocese supports a sister diocese in Burundi, missionaries serving in multiple regions around the world, and several Anglican mission partner agencies, including Anglican Mission Africa, Church Army Africa, Ekklesia, United Adoration, and New Wineskins Missions Network. A Global Mission section in the diocesan newsletter regularly highlights this ongoing work and encourages engagement. Yet the heartbeat of this mission is not limited to diocesan leadership—it is reflected in the life of local parishes.

The Anglican Relief and Development Fund has been around since 2004, but with this long name it can sometimes be confusing to know who they are and what they do. Thankfully, their mission can be explained by their acronym: ARDF.

Anglicans are drawing near to immigrants and refugees both in our neighborhoods and around the world. As North American Anglicans, we are not alone in learning to love those who are immigrating to our neighborhoods. Christians around the world have set such a beautiful example for us to follow in how we welcome the stranger, entertaining angels unawares. Today’s story looks at the work of one such Christ-follower: Rev. John Chol Daau.

We wanted to share with you this amazing Christmas card that we received from The Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), featuring calligraphy from ARDF staff member Emily Misner! ARDF is the official international relief and development arm of the Anglican Church in North America, partnering with local communities and churches to work about positive change in a variety of public sectors including health, food security, education, and vocational training.

Ministry is not, typically, something we can do alone. We need relation­ships with partners who will come alongside us, support us, and encourage us. Jesus knew this and, "Calling the twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits” (Mark 6:7). The Rev. Bisoke Balikenga and his wife, Furaha, have gone out "two by two,” support­ing and working alongside one another. They are partners in marriage, in faith and in their service to their community in Bunia, lturi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.