This Week’s New Articles

Answer to the travel picture on Home Page: Machu Picchu, Peru

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While reading Acts chapter 28 recently, I was once again captivated by the account of Paul’s shipwreck on the island of Malta. After enduring a violent storm for fourteen days and nights, Paul and the other 275 people on board finally reached safety and discovered they had landed on an island called Malta. The islanders welcomed them warmly, built a fire to keep them warm, and showed extraordinary kindness. This familiar passage immediately reminded me of our Mediterranean cruise last year, when our ship also docked in Malta. In that moment, history and personal experience came together across two thousand years.

The Malta that Paul encountered was likely a quiet island with a small population and a simple way of life. For those who had just survived a shipwreck, it became a place of refuge and God’s protection. In contrast, as our modern cruise ship slowly entered the harbor, we were greeted by a vibrant and highly developed port with organized docks, luxury yachts, modern buildings, and bustling maritime activities.

Although Malta has changed dramatically over the centuries, it has preserved a rich historical heritage. Walking through the stone streets of Valletta, surrounded by ancient fortifications, churches, and elegant European architecture, one can almost hear the echoes of centuries past. As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Valletta demonstrates how history continues to live on.

Today, Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Because the island was once a British colony and is now a popular international tourist destination, English is widely spoken, making communication easy for visitors. Meanwhile, the Maltese language itself reflects the island’s history, blending influences from Arabic, Italian, and other European languages. It is a reminder of Malta’s unique role as a cultural crossroads in the Mediterranean.

One of the greatest blessings of travel is to experience biblical locations firsthand. Reading Acts now, I no longer imagine Paul’s arrival only through words on a page. Instead, I remember standing on the same island where those remarkable events unfolded. Though the world has changed beyond recognition, God’s faithfulness has not. He protected Paul so that the gospel could spread, and He continues to guide and care for those who place their trust in Him today.

Two thousand years have passed since Paul arrived on Malta after the shipwreck. The island has transformed from a remote refuge into a modern nation. Yet for me, Malta remains a powerful testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness. Every time I read Acts 28, I picture the harbor I once visited. It reminds me that the God who shapes history is the same God who guides the course of our lives today.

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After a car has been on the road for a few years, I stop taking it back to the dealership for service. Generally speaking, dealers are more expensive. Also, during every visit, the service advisor explains that, according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, this part should be cleaned, that the fluid needs replacing, etc. What I expected to be a simple oil change often turns into something well beyond my budget. Since I have limited knowledge of cars, I often find myself torn. Should I pay for the recommended work? If I decline, will I be risking possible damage to the car?

Last year I tried an auto shop near my home because I received one of their discount coupons in the mail and thought I might as well use it for an oil change.

The moment I walked in, I saw four service counters, each staffed by someone working at a computer. It looked just like the dealership. Sure enough, customers dealt only with service advisors rather than the mechanics. Most of the workflow had been built into the computer system. While waiting in the lounge, I was offered complimentary coffee and doughnuts. Before long, the oil change was finished. Then came the familiar sales pitch: next time I should replace this part and service that system.

But there would not be a next time.

After that experience, whenever I was out driving, I began noticing other repair shops in the area. One caught my eye. Its storefront was rather plain, yet its parking lot was always full. I looked it up online and found that it was a family-owned business with an impressive number of positive reviews. About six months later, one of my tires kept losing air, so I decided to give the shop a try. I arrived at my scheduled appointment and was greeted as soon as I walked in. The waiting area offered only coffee. Looking around, I noticed old photographs of classic cars and family portraits on the walls—presumably the owner’s family. From time to time, laughter reached me from the front counter. When some customers paid their bills, they chatted with the owner about their families as though they had known each other for years.

Soon, the owner came over, introduced himself, and invited me into the service bay. Inside the tire, a long nail had lodged itself, explaining its external invisibility. He also showed me how to check the tread depth and explained when I should start thinking about replacing the tires. A little later, the repair was finished. While paying the bill, I chatted with him for a few minutes. He introduced his two sons, who work in the shop, to me. It truly was a family business.

For sure, I would come back.

Car maintenance is an ordinary part of life, yet it reveals two very different business cultures. The first is represented by the dealership or large repair chains. They are well-organized, with standardized procedures and computerized systems for everything. One can imagine that relationships tend to remain strictly professional. Customers drop off their cars, wait in a comfortable lounge, pay at the counter when the work is done, and drive away. With multiple departments, layers of staff, modern facilities, and complimentary refreshments, higher prices are expected. For many customers, that extra cost is worthwhile. Still, the overall atmosphere can feel somewhat impersonal.

The second type is the family-owned repair shop. Most customers are regulars from the neighborhood. The premises, not impressive, are welcoming and unpretentious. Once you get to know the mechanics, you can chat with them, and they remember both you and your car. Their goal is not to sell you as many services as possible, but to help you keep a dependable vehicle on the road. The atmosphere is relaxed, personal, and flexible. We can discuss and resolve issues collaboratively rather than following a rigid script.

That is the kind of repair shop I prefer. I am happy to pay a fair market price for honest advice and skilled workmanship.