As I’m moving between countries it’s always wonderful to take time to stop and see friends. Passing through Singapore I was able to catch up with this scurrilous group. In Kuala Lumpur I always make time to see James, the young man I baptized and now provide some mentoring to. Over the past few years… Continue reading Passing Through
Category: Theology
Another School Year
A good chunk of my life has revolved more around the ebb and flow of academic year than calendar years. Between my own somewhat elongated educational endeavors, then working in and around universities for close to 20 years, my internal clock was pretty well attuned, and my ears would prickle not at the approaching season… Continue reading Another School Year
July 4 Overseas
Summer is a popular time for independence. Of course the USA celebrates on July 4. Singapore celebrates on August 9. Indonesia celebrates theirs on August 17. Malaysia celebrates on August 31. Independence is a big deal, and it’s an exciting moment in a national identity to celebrate. This July 4th I was once again not… Continue reading July 4 Overseas
Retreat – Day 3
The final day of our time together in Wittenberg. It’s gone quickly, but we’ve seen and experienced a great deal. Today we saw St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg, where an amazing collection of artwork is assembled, and where I trust many an impressive sermon has been delivered – we even heard one from our fearless… Continue reading Retreat – Day 3
Retreat – Day 2 (Wednesday at Wartburg)
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)
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
In Wittenberg – I Think!
I’m a bit groggy still. The nine hour flight from Phoenix to London, and another two and a half hour flight to Berlin, then a short night’s rest before being up and headed to the train station to ride to Wittenberg has left me a bit addled in the head. More so than usual even,… Continue reading In Wittenberg – I Think!
En Route to Wittenberg
Gena and I will leave this evening for Wittenberg, Germany, where we’ll join the entire Asia team for our annual gathering. It will be a time of learning and discussion and fellowship. There will also be two intensive days of leadership meetings beforehand that include five of the Asia team plus our interim Regional Director… Continue reading En Route to Wittenberg
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
Messiah Lutheran, Marysville, WA
Our final Washington State visit was today in the Seattle suburb (somewhat distant suburb) of Marysville, WA. We were blessed to worship at Messiah Lutheran. Pastor Kurt Onken invited me weeks ago as we were making plans, and it was a blessing to share God’s Word with his parish, and enjoy lunch with he and… Continue reading Messiah Lutheran, Marysville, WA
The Nelson Family Indonesia 