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
Book Review: The 3D Gospel
The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame and Fear Cultures by Jayson Georges This book was recommended by my friend and colleague JP. It’s a short read (74 pages), but it is likely to give lifelong Christians more food for thought than many much longer books. The author worked overseas in Central Asia for close to… Continue reading Book Review: The 3D Gospel
Reading Ramblings – August 29, 2021
Date: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Texts: Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24; Mark 5:1-20 Context: Something different this week. I’m preaching in two small congregations in Northern Arizona on Sunday and the pastor serving them both is preparing a sermon for the previous Sunday (8/22) entitled Go When God Calls. Since he’s setting… Continue reading Reading Ramblings – August 29, 2021
Cross and Crown, Tucson
Today we traveled a bit further afield (but not much compared to last week!) to the second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson. About 90 minutes to the south of us, Tucson has a population of about half a million people, and is home to one of Arizona’s three universities – the University of Arizona. Since my… Continue reading Cross and Crown, Tucson
A World at Home
As we continue to wait for Covid to subside so we can submit our visa paperwork for Taiwan and Indonesia, we’re continually amazed by opportunities for cross-cultural engagement here in Phoenix. It’s a big city with a lot of international communities. Gena and the kids explored another part of it today, a large international supermarket.… Continue reading A World at Home
Sowing and Reaping
Twenty two years ago my wife returned to the Phoenix area after completing her degree at Concordia University, Irvine. Rather than seeking out a job she decided to launch a ministry. Based out of the LCMS campus ministry to Arizona State University located right across the street from campus, she launched an outreach to international… Continue reading Sowing and Reaping
The Nelson Family Indonesia 