Not all of the region – not all spouses and families opt to come to Taiwan in November. But deployed staff are gathered here – with the unfortunate exception of Rev. Dr. Walter & Robyn Steele, who have been side-lined with visa challenges in the Philippines and are awaiting their resolution and the ability to… Continue reading Asia Region Gathers
Planning in Taiwan
OIM Asia has two set meetings per year where all deployed staff are expected to attend. One is the All-Asia Retreat that happens in June of each year in a different location in Asia for a time of fellowship, relaxation, and study. The other is the Asia Workgroup meeting that happens each year in November… Continue reading Planning in Taiwan
A Final Day in Hong Kong
Sunday we parted ways with Carol, Erik and Megan for most of the day, for Paul to catch up on some work at the hotel. In the evening, we were blessed to visit another Hong Kong Lutheran landmark – Church of All Nations. This endeavor of the LCMS was created in 1961 in Repulse Bay,… Continue reading A Final Day in Hong Kong
….Still Going in Hong Kong….
Saturday, still in Hong Kong, we spent the morning at Concordia Middle School (CMS) and Concordia Church, located together. We were given a PowerPoint overview on the work done by Concordia Church, and then met with the current Principal of CMS, Gloria Chan. It’s a beautiful campus that has been forming young people for decades.… Continue reading ….Still Going in Hong Kong….
A Long Day In Hong Kong
There is no such thing as a short day in Hong Kong. Not with Carol. I’m not sure she sleeps. She eats, sleeps, and breathes God’s love for the Chinese people. It sustains her. And everyone else hurries to keep pace! Today we visited Sharon Lutheran School (the web site is all in Chinese). It’s… Continue reading A Long Day In Hong Kong
More Greetings in Hong Kong
The purpose of our visit to Hong Kong is to assist with a visit from LC-MS Communications. Erik Lundsford, the LC-MS photographer, and Megan Mertz, an LC-MS writer, are coming to Hong Kong to do a story on the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS) and the amazing work they do for the people of… Continue reading More Greetings in Hong Kong
Greetings in Hong Kong
Now that Gena and I are back together again, it’s time to hit the road. She doesn’t travel with me on all my trips, but since she needed to leave Indonesia anyway to submit for her new visa, it made sense for her to travel with me to Hong Kong. So we departed Kuala Lumpur… Continue reading Greetings in Hong Kong
Free At Last
Most of life is a learning process. I think when you quit learning in one way or another, you begin to die. Or maybe it just speeds up. Maybe a part of you is already dead and you don’t know it. Living overseas accentuates this need for learning. Nothing is a given. Certainties are elusive… Continue reading Free At Last
Passport
It’s a simple thing, but it’s a huge joy. I got my new passport today! Now I can apply for a new Indonesian visa, and hopefully end this 8-week plus sojourn I’ve been on without a place to call home. Please pray the visa can be applied for expediently and granted!
Nepal
The disaster in Nepal has been front and center in international media for the last week. I’ve received some inquiries about our work with/in Nepal. OIM Asia and the LCMS currently don’t have active work or worker in Nepal. However we do have contacts with Christians there who oversee congregations in various parts of the… Continue reading Nepal
