A Brief History of Indonesia: Sultans, Spices & Tsunamis: The Incredible Story of Southeast Asia’s Largest Nation by Tim Hannigan How many colons are you allowed to have in a book title? I feel like Hannigan has exceeded his limit but, then again, he’s published a book and I haven’t. So I’ll just be quiet. This… Continue reading Book Review – A Brief History of Indonesia
Almost Done!
Today was very exciting. After an acceleration of our efforts to finalize our initial visa application for Taiwan, we confirmed via a Zoom call with Office of International Mission that we have all the necessary components for the application. Tomorrow, I go to the bank to get cashier’s checks for the application, and then we… Continue reading Almost Done!
Reading Ramblings – October 3, 2021
Date: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 3, 2021 Texts: Genesis 2:18-25; Psalm 128; Hebrews 2:1-13; Mark 10:2-16 Context: Life is a blessing from God. We do not own it, and we are mistaken when we believe we are free to arbitrarily create or end it on our terms. Disengaging life from the Creator is… Continue reading Reading Ramblings – October 3, 2021
Crown of Life ~ Sun City West, AZ
Pastor Phill and I met years ago when he and his wife would worship with our congregation in Santa Barbara while they were on vacation. So when he heard we were taking an overseas Call and would be in the Phoenix area for a while he was the first to reach out and invite me… Continue reading Crown of Life ~ Sun City West, AZ
Where Do You Reside?
We do a good work in distinguishing home from a house/apartment/yurt/whatever. But we all reside somewhere. The question is, how does this work? For most of us the question isn’t very complicated. Wherever we own or rent a place and live there is where we reside. Sometimes that means making a decision between two (or… Continue reading Where Do You Reside?
St. Matthew ~ Sonora, CA
Shortly after departing my last parish I received a message from a young couple that attended there several years ago. They were finally ready to get married. Would I do the honors in September? Welllllll…. I told them I would if I could but they ought to have a backup ready in case we deployed… Continue reading St. Matthew ~ Sonora, CA
Done With Doctors!
At least, I think we are! This has been the most intimidating aspect of our preparations for applying for a work visa for Taiwan. Having been out of the traditional doctor/insurance system for more than a few years, it was a bit bewildering to enter into it with somewhat of a vengeance. My work visa… Continue reading Done With Doctors!
Risen Savior, Chandler
When we first arrived in Chandler I started calling around, introducing myself to the pastors nearby and e-mailing those farther afield. The closest to where we’re staying by far is Risen Savior, just about a mile away. Pastor Burcham and I were able to sit down for lunch in late July or early August between… Continue reading Risen Savior, Chandler
Hope & Waiting
Two weeks ago I was blessed to spend an hour on Zoom talking to my boss, the director of the Southeast Asia Region of LCMS Office of International Mission. We touch base every so often during the strangeness that is pre-deployment during Covid. He gave me good news – that our raising of funds is… Continue reading Hope & Waiting
Kingman & Needles
The drive from Phoenix to Lake Havasu City is not a particularly enjoyable one. Even having grown up in the desert, it’s still a bleak and unforgiving landscape. The freeways and go by in rapid succession at first – the 202 to the 10. Then a long thrust westward before swerving off onto Vicksburg Road… Continue reading Kingman & Needles
The Nelson Family Indonesia 