Today I depart for Singapore. There I will meet a visitor from the US, Rev. Dr. James Baneck. He’s the Executive Director of Pastoral Education for the LCMS, and he’s coming for his first visit to the Southeast Asia Region where I serve. After a couple of days of recuperation in Singapore (and preaching for… Continue reading Moving On
Category: Vocation
Angels Unawares
They shuffle into the line for lunch just ahead of me, a younger man guiding (presumably) his aging father. We make some polite conversation. The older man cannot see or hear so well anymore but otherwise seems fine aside from some unsteadiness. The younger man it turns out serves on the board of directors for… Continue reading Angels Unawares
Teaching in Manila
This week I am in Manila. Well, I’m in Manila part of the week. I arrived Sunday and depart Thursday for Singapore. I have been invited to teach for the Lutheran Church in the Philippines’ (LCP) 25th National Convention. It’s the first time they’ve been able to meet together as an entire church body since… Continue reading Teaching in Manila
Unexpected Opportunities
I was contacted late in September by our partner church, the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP). President Reyes wanted to know if I would be willing to come to Mindanao, the largest southernmost island of the Philippines to present teaching to their pastors gathered there for an annual meet-up. Unfortunately my schedule was booked… Continue reading Unexpected Opportunities
Okinawa Revisited
The final trip of the month and the first trip of October was to Okinawa. In partnership with LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, I journey twice a year to Okinawa to provide Word & Sacrament service and pastoral care to LCMS military personnel and their families. They are served also by Rev. Dr. Daniel… Continue reading Okinawa Revisited
Teamwork in Taiwan
The near-final trip of September was to the regional worker gathering in Chiayi City, Taiwan. Each year all the workers (but not spouses or children) gather together. It’s a time for training and updating as well as sharing what is going on in the region. It’s a mix of meetings, worship, and unscheduled time for… Continue reading Teamwork in Taiwan
Singapore Salvaging
You can see the heat and humidity in Singapore. It hangs over everything, seeps into everything, drains energy and melts ice cubes at a pace that constantly astounds me. Walking just a few steps, not even a city block in a city where blocks can come up short before you know it, walking just that… Continue reading Singapore Salvaging
Heavenly Hanoi
As parents you aren’t supposed to have a favorite child. I can honestly say I don’t. Many parents admit reluctantly in the passing of time that they did or do. It’s in our nature to have favorites, to resonate with the frequency of certain things and places and people more closely than others. So I… Continue reading Heavenly Hanoi
Baguio Wrap Up
A few final pictures of my students in Baguio these past couple of weeks. These are brand new first-year students to the seminary. Nelson (taking the photo) is coming into the ministry after a career in business. Romel, Mateo and Romar spent some time as farmers before the Holy Spirit’s Call on their lives became… Continue reading Baguio Wrap Up
Teaching in the Clouds
Today as I concluded my teaching, I emerged to find the clouds settling on the hill where the seminary is perched. It’s beautiful here!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 