Naomi Bula

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Articles

Why Justice Matters

Jul 3, 2024 | thebanner.org | Naomi Bula

“We’re well beyond ‘Why does it matter?’ It matters to God, so then it matters to us, the people of God, and we have a mandate to live that out.” Justice is an important concept throughout all of Scripture. As Christ-followers, we believe the pursuit of justice is a key aspect of our faith walk.
Turning Over a New Leaf

Jun 3, 2024 | thebanner.org | Lorilee Craker |Loren Haarsma |Clayton Lubbers |Naomi Bula

The more I delved into the world of houseplants, the more I began to see life-changing spiritual metaphors all around me. I used to be the kind of person who inadvertently killed any houseplant to cross our threshold. One time I even watered an African violet without noticing it was not at all real.
Victory through unexpected grace

Dec 11, 2023 | christiancourier.ca | Naomi Bula

When Paul references Isaiah in 1 Cor. 15 – “Death is swallowed up in victory” – he’s referring to a future resurrection day. But at World Renew, mercy and justice work is about participating in God’s vision for lives being fully reconciled (in right relationship with God, with creation, with self and with one another) here and now. World Renew’s Church in Community groups in Malawi bring small groups of disciples together to determine what they can do to help with those relationships.
Hunger response in Madagascar

Nov 15, 2023 | christiancourier.ca | Naomi Bula

In the community of Sarehangy, in the district of Ambovombe in Madagascar, villagers can remember a time when hunger didn’t exist. “It was a forest and now there’s nothing,” says Didier, the village chief. Because of its prosperity and abundance of cattle, the village was called “Sarehangy,” which means “jewel” in the local dialect. But due to chronic drought, villagers began to move away and cattle numbers dwindled.
Reconciliation through art

Aug 14, 2023 | christiancourier.ca | Becky Jones |Kenny Warkentin |Naomi Bula |Victoria Veenstra

I have spent years visiting art galleries and, for a portion of my career, I even had the opportunity to work in one. I am that person who stands and reads each label, curious to understand what the artist wants to express through their work. Because of this interest, one of my next steps in reconciliation is to support Indigenous artists.
Peacemaking in a World Full of Conflict

Jun 28, 2023 | thebanner.org | Cassie Westrate |Naomi Bula

During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The relevance of this message can't be overstated as we experience conflict in our families, workplaces, friendships, and neighborhoods—not to mention our churches. Sometimes this conflict is the result of disagreement or misunderstanding. Sometimes it is the result of wrongdoing that results in pain, trauma, and a need for support. In every case, peacemakers are a blessing.
Indigenous hospitality

Jun 19, 2023 | christiancourier.ca | Victoria Veenstra |Danielle Steenwyk-Rowaan |Scott Schuleit |Naomi Bula

Throughout Hearts Exchanged, participants encounter ‘hearts broken’ experiences as they hear first-hand stories from Indigenous people, and learn history from a new perspective. Hearts Exchanged offers the space and opportunity to discuss, reflect, and turn to right relationships – both personally and corporately. Jasper Hoogendam (from Coldsprings, Ont.) participated in Hearts Exchanged over the past eight months, and his heart change was poured out through poetic reflections.
Creating Space for Women in Leadership

Apr 12, 2023 | thebanner.org | Naomi Bula

Patience works with the Community Health Committee in her village of Nuru, Kenya, providing training and support to help improve maternal and child health. She felt dismayed when participants in the program, time and time again, asked, “We hear and understand your message about the importance of good nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation, but how can we achieve it without water?” Then another development agency began a water project nearby.