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: Life
Growth in Hanoi
We were blessed to have time in Hanoi this past week, providing care & support to the staff and leadership of Concordia International School Hanoi (CISH). This time we were blessed to participate in several larger staff events, allowing us to have more focused time in conversation with different people. One of these events was… Continue reading Growth in Hanoi
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
A Reformation to Remember
Morning dawns hot and humid. Just like every morning in Southeast Asia. Unless it’s raining. In which case it’s hot, wet and humid. Today is sunny, and the lens of my phone is fogged. There’s a theological discussion occurring on the front porch when I make my way out with tea to wake up and… Continue reading A Reformation to Remember
Into the Mountains
The small village of San Roque is located in the mountains about two and a half hours out of Davao City. Pastor Roeske has arranged drivers who will meet us and take us there. He directs me to meet him at a local Lutheran church – Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church. It’s located on the… Continue reading Into the Mountains
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
Samantha*
Summertime, the first week of July, 2012. Our second anniversary of my second pastoral Call, this time to the California seaside community of Santa Barbara. But we were living about 15 miles south of there in a sleepy little beach town called Carpinteria, where we were renting a house about half a mile from the… Continue reading Samantha*
Isaac*
Today we met with Isaac (not his real name). Isaac is a refugee living in Medan. He has been here seven years awaiting sponsorship to his desired country – Canada. He was away from his home two years prior to arriving in Indonesia. He left a wife behind in his home country, a country where… Continue reading Isaac*
Taiwan Workgroup Meeting
Last week was the annual Southeast Asia Workgroup meeting. All the workers in Southeast Asia are gathered together at LCMS headquarters in Chiayi, Taiwan for a week of training and other matters. It’s a time for learning as well as reconnecting with our fellow workers to receive updates on the work they’re doing in their… Continue reading Taiwan Workgroup Meeting
The Nelson Family Indonesia 