The last stop on our Midwestern tour, and the last stop of our busy travel saga that started April 18, was Grace Lutheran in Oak Creek, WI. We were blessed to visit with them five years ago as we were just starting our preparations for deployment overseas, and they’ve remained gracious partners and friends all… Continue reading Last, But Not Least
Category: Change
Our Savior, Excelsior
This morning we visited with Our Savior Lutheran Church in Excelsior, Minnesota, a suburb of western Minneapolis. We were able to visit with them mid-week two years ago, and they have been faithful partners so we made sure we could be there on a Sunday this time. I had the honor of preaching on Pentecost… Continue reading Our Savior, Excelsior
Empty Nests & New Friends
Sometimes it doesn’t work to gather with a congregation interested in a visit. Sundays are, of course, popular days. Midweek days are much more difficult as pastors and congregational leaders worry there won’t be a big enough crowd to justify a visit. We’ve learned over time that the number of people present is a secondary… Continue reading Empty Nests & New Friends
St. Louis Reconnect
One of the major focal points of every missionary Home Service is a Reconnect at the International Center in St. Louis. The name kind of explains the goal – a lot goes on in St. Louis to support the work of the Church around the world. Missionary names and faces are pretty familiar to some… Continue reading St. Louis Reconnect
Trinity ~ Bend, OR
Our final stop in the Northwest was at Trinity in Bend, OR. Trinity is a century old church and school that recently accomplished a major building program, resulting in a massive new space for worship as well as their senior high classes. Pastor Caleb Adams invited us and I was able to share a brief… Continue reading Trinity ~ Bend, OR
Borderlines….
After enjoying a time of fellowship and food after worship at Peace, we jumped in the car and started driving. A couple of hours later we found ourselves right on the Canadian border – almost literally – in the quaint little fishing town of Blaine, Washington. There we were invited to join Sunday afternoon/evening worship… Continue reading Borderlines….
Which Side of the World?
This morning we were blessed to worship at Peace Lutheran Church in Monroe, WA. Actually, this church is the reason we’re up here in the GORGEOUS Northwest in the first place. Well, actually, that’s not true. The first reason we’re up here in the GORGEOUS Northwest is the Philippines, and a tiny mountain village called… Continue reading Which Side of the World?
Leaving Behind California Dreamin’….
Yesterday we transitioned from California to the Washington/Oregon area. Our time in California was wonderful, and we greatly enjoyed reminiscing (via food!) in places and with people that are dear to us. But we love the Northwest as well, and are grateful to have received a *very* warm welcome and invitation from multiple congregations to… Continue reading Leaving Behind California Dreamin’….
You Can’t Go Home Again
I’ve not read Thomas Wolfe’s final, posthumous novel with the above title. But I’ve known the truth in that statement in multiple ways over the course of my life. Coming to grips with the inevitability of change and transition – whether you want it or not – is a constant process. The past remains always… Continue reading You Can’t Go Home Again
Wet Wedding
So it rained this afternoon. And even when it rains, it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous in this corner of God’s creation! Fortunately we could expand the use of the dinner tent to include the wedding itself. The dinner that followed was delicious, and we were excited to be with the happy couple on their big day!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 