We drove all day Monday from Chicago to Mapleton, IA. We were hosted by the wonderful Kaftons, whom Gena and I were privileged to stay with three years ago as we were just starting out on this adventure. This time they hosted Gena and I as well as the boys, providing a wonderful meal and… Continue reading Mission Central
Category: Partners
Chicago
As we were publicizing our impending Home Service through our newsletters, I was contacted by another former classmate from seminary. Rev. Michael Brown and I have remained in good contact through the years and have even managed to meet up at a few conferences along the way. He invited me to preach at his congregation,… Continue reading Chicago
St. Louis
This is our first home service. As career overseas workers we come back every two years to visit with friends, family, and partners. Once upon a time this was popularly construed – both by workers and receiving congregations – as an appeal for continued funding. These days, due to the generosity of so many people,… Continue reading St. Louis
St. John Book Club
Apologies right off the bat – we all forgot to get a picture of this! But we were blessed to join Pastor Dan Kletke and his Book Club from St. John, Canon City. While they have read a wide variety of books over the years together, most recently they read Ministering Cross-Culturally, a book Dan… Continue reading St. John Book Club
Windshield Time
Today was a long day behind the wheel. From the beautiful family cabin we were loaned in Salida, I had a two hour drive back to Colorado Springs for a 10am meeting at Immanuel Lutheran, Colorado Springs. I joined them for morning worship in their chapel led by Pastor Jonathan Kern (first photo below). Then… Continue reading Windshield Time
Home Service – Engaged!
Today was our first domestic travel day. We were dropped off at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix (the BEST airport name ever, right?!) and got our luggage checked in and a bite to eat before boarding our first flight. Our destination is Colorado Springs but we’ll get there via short layover in Denver. The… Continue reading Home Service – Engaged!
Home Service Start
Our first week or so in the US went quickly. We spent it with family observing Holy Week and recovering from jet lag. We also, miraculously, found a housing solution for the boys and have started the process of getting it locked in. We should be able to start moving stuff in after we return… Continue reading Home Service Start
Stateside!
After two long days of travel, we’ve safely made it to Phoenix from Medan! Monday we flew from Medan to Singapore, with a five-hour layover in Kuala Lumpur. We arrived in time to grab a quick dinner and go to sleep. The next morning we were at Changi International Airport in Singapore to board our… Continue reading Stateside!
Before We Arrive at Your Congregation…
I know what some of you are thinking. You’re coming here for money. How do I know this? Because I sat in the pew for more years than I was in the pulpit. I remember having all sorts of people come to the various congregations I was a part of. And it was always obvious… Continue reading Before We Arrive at Your Congregation…
Wrapping up February
The end of February saw a week-long series of connected trips. First to Singapore and Malaysia, then to Taiwan and then back to Malaysia. In Singapore I was blessed to lead worship with the group of Lutherans that remain there from LCMS activity a decade ago. We had a visitor with us, a gentleman who… Continue reading Wrapping up February
The Nelson Family Indonesia 