I was contacted late in September by our partner church, the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP). President Reyes wanted to know if I would be willing to come to Mindanao, the largest southernmost island of the Philippines to present teaching to their pastors gathered there for an annual meet-up. Unfortunately my schedule was booked and I wouldn’t be able to get there in person, but I suggested a presentation by Zoom instead, which was happily accepted.
So I returned to Medan on October 3 and on October 4 I spent several hours presenting on the topic of The Good Shepherd to the pastors of Mindanao. We considered Jesus’ exchange with Peter in John 21 when Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Jesus, and then instructs Peter to tend to Jesus’ sheep. It’s a great passage to reflect on the nature of the Good Shepherd with his undershepherds, pastors, and their relationships and responsibilities with their congregants. About eight of their pastors had managed to meet for this and we were blessed with a good Zoom connection.
I hope to continue to develop my relationship with the LCP in the coming year!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 