Work on the mission field is always in flux. At times I’m surprised that, after close to a century doing ministry work in Southeast Asia we lack things that seem basic and obvious, more extensive systems to capture the work being done and connect it with previous work and future work. Part of this is… Continue reading New Year, New Responsibilities
Category: Current Events
Teaching
The last two days have been a blur of teaching. I’ve been teaching most of my professional life in one form or another. But this is the first time I’ve taught in the mountain jungles of southern Philippines. Working with the Tagakaulo Lutheran Church of Christ in the Philippines (TLCCP). Pastor Roeske is my translator… Continue reading Teaching
Adjustments
I awoke to my alarm early in the morning, prepared to meet Rev. Roeske as planned at the airport for our flight from Manila to Davao City. But I awoke to texts from the airline telling me our flight had been cancelled, and prompting me to begin the process of rebooking. Scant moments later Pastor… Continue reading Adjustments
My First Typhoon
I flew into Manila today on the heels of typhoon Kristine (although sources differ as to whether she’s a full-scale typhoon or just a Severe Tropical Storm). Whatever she was, my flight had to circle south of Manila for 20 minutes before coming in for a landing due to heavy rains and wind. Once on… Continue reading My First Typhoon
Phuket
After three days in Bangkok, it’s time to move on. The TCLC has major centers of work in three areas of the country. Bangkok is the central area of Thailand, and now we’re moving on to Phuket in the southern section of Thailand. All the logistics of travel and accommodations in-country have been arranged by… Continue reading Phuket
Bangkok
Bangkok is a massive city. Founded 500 years ago it sprawls now over 600 square miles with a population of over 9 million. I first visited Bangkok eight years ago with my wife on a trip to do some teaching and visit friends of ours in Vietnam. We made a brief stopover in Bangkok for… Continue reading Bangkok
Representing
The nature of my work is fluid. A jack of all trades and master of none. A chameleon of sorts, able and willing to accommodate myself to a variety of situations and needs. Not perfectly, of course, but still it’s a gift I have been given that has served me well in a variety of… Continue reading Representing
Welcoming
When you live overseas you develop an awareness of newcomers and other folks making the transition from other lives and places to this new one. While we work hard to interact with locals, it’s just a reality that ex-pats also keep tabs on one another and we hear about new arrivals. SungHo is one of… Continue reading Welcoming
Baguio Seminary #2
For the second August in a row I’ve been privileged to be a guest instructor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) in Baguio, Philippines. This seminary serves the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), a full altar-pulpit fellowship church with the LCMS. This year instead of two courses I taught three – one to each… Continue reading Baguio Seminary #2
Typhoon Chasing
Well, not intentionally! My longest trip this year (other than our time back in the US in the spring) will be this trip to the Philippines. I’ll be in-country for three weeks, not including travel time on either end. Initially I’ll be providing pastoral care and teaching during a deaconess review session for over 80… Continue reading Typhoon Chasing
The Nelson Family Indonesia 