Today was field trip day. We were up early (including breakfast) for a 3.5 hour drive from Wittenberg to Wartburg Castle. Yes, that Wartburg Castle. Where Martin Luther was taken after being ‘kidnapped’ for his own protection by Frederick the Wise. Apparently Wartburg Castle was also part of the inspiration for the famous Newschwanstein Castle… Continue reading Retreat – Day 2 (Wednesday at Wartburg)
Category: Bible
Meetings – Day 1
It doesn’t feel like Sunday, yet it is. We had worship this morning which was very good, and normally that would help anchor my sense of time and date. But we’ve been so many places in the last nearly three months that even this is not enough to fully secure my sense of time. Breakfast… Continue reading Meetings – Day 1
Sunday in Mongolia
Today we were privileged to join in worship at the local Lutheran congregation Nomin serves – Good News Lutheran Church. The building is apparently old, but as is typical with many old churches, the measure of the place should be taken on the inside, not the outside! Between 30-50 people gather for worship each Sunday,… Continue reading Sunday in Mongolia
Mongolia
The view on exiting the airport. March is early spring for Mongolia and people are thrilled the snow is beginning to melt. But this is more snow than I’ve seen in multiple years combined! When I knew I would be making this trip, I knew Gena had to come with me. She’s talked about wanting… Continue reading Mongolia
Building Relationships
As my role has evolved over the last four years in Asia from a roaming theological educator to a manager, I’ve grown in my appreciation for what it takes to be the Church overseas. It seems like a simple thing, right? Pack up, move to a new country and start sharing the Gospel. Sure, culture… Continue reading Building Relationships
Foro Day 1
Foros are supposed to bring partner organizations together with LCMS OIM and partner church leadership to hear about the goals and strategies of the partner church, and then to determine how partner organizations might be able to bring resources to bear to assist in achieving those goals. The partner church drives everything. However for this… Continue reading Foro Day 1
Legendary Ladies
The Asia Region held a Women’s Retreat in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s the first one in quite some time, and participation and anticipation were running high. All the women in the Asia team, whether Called workers or spouses, were invited and the response was very good. The theme was centered around managing changes through life,… Continue reading Legendary Ladies
Three Keystones
Organizations rely on a variety of tools to help maintain focus. Truth be told, I can’t remember any of the vision or mission statements created by the various companies and organizations I’ve worked for over the years. Most likely a failure on my part, given the substantial resources poured into the creation and selection of… Continue reading Three Keystones
Take Your Sandals Off Your Feet…
These were God’s Words of love and warning to Moses in Exodus 3:5 as Moses approached the burning bush. God’s plan had worked – the burning bush attracted Moses’ attention. Then God spoke to Moses, warning him that coming closer would be harmful, and instructing him in how to show the proper respect and honor… Continue reading Take Your Sandals Off Your Feet…
Reconnecting in KL
For those who live and work and travel in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is just KL. Short and sweet, despite the sprawling massiveness of the city. This is my portal to the rest of Southeast Asia and I know the airport almost better than the shape of my house in Medan. This time, because… Continue reading Reconnecting in KL
The Nelson Family Indonesia 