Part of trying to prepare ourselves for life overseas means doing research, learning history and other things that could help us make better sense of where we’re going. I don’t know about y’all, but Southeast Asian history was touched rather lightly (ie not at all!) in my education. Even my undergraduate studies in history never… Continue reading What We’re Reading
A Bit About Chronology Here
Just as a heads up, I try to keep this blog more or less chronological. But being human, I’m also prone to lapses of memory. Add to that juggling technology in terms of whether the photos for the day are on my wife’s phone or mine, and sometimes things get lost in the shuffle, at… Continue reading A Bit About Chronology Here
Reading Ramblings – July 11, 2021
Date: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost ~ July 11, 2021 Texts: Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-20 Context: The Word of God often stands in stark contradiction to the rules of polite society or the transitory whims of human nature, not to mention the insistent rebellion of outright evil. Speaking the Word of God… Continue reading Reading Ramblings – July 11, 2021
Home!
Glad to say we made it home at last! Thanks to everyone we met and talked with over the past two weeks! We look forward to next time! But for now, it’s nice to be home!
Ambushing Pastors
Both parishes I served prior to embarking on this new role of theological educator were relatively small. Visitors were relatively rare, whether congregants or members of the larger city stopping by at random. By and large I enjoyed unexpected drop-ins, depending on what I was working on at the moment. Certainly there were times when… Continue reading Ambushing Pastors
Flexibility
One of the big things they try to ascertain about someone considering overseas church work is how flexible you are. Are you able to adapt to changing circumstances? Are you able to regroup, think on your feet, and problem-solve in light of shifting realities? It’s not something everyone is gifted at, but it’s important when… Continue reading Flexibility
Last Big Day!
Today we packed up and began the drive back eventually towards Omaha, where we’ll fly home from tomorrow evening, but more specifically for today towards Mapleton, Iowa. There we’ll be blessed to gather at Mission Central, to introduce Old Missionary Gary to our kids and let them experience the unique experience MC is (as many… Continue reading Last Big Day!
Reading Ramblings – July 4, 2021
Date: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost ~ July 4, 2021 Texts: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Mark 6:1-13 Context: It remains my longstanding tradition not to preach sermons for secular holidays. I don’t preach about dads on Father’s Day, or love on Valentine’s Day, or our nation on July 4th. As such, I will… Continue reading Reading Ramblings – July 4, 2021
Lord of Life Lutheran, Sioux Falls
It’s often observed that the Lutheran world is a fairly small and interconnected one. Even for someone without the strong familial ties to greater Luther-dom, it’s obvious and impressive in some respects. And since my wife’s family does have pastors in the family tree, their connections are a lot deeper and more extensive than mine.… Continue reading Lord of Life Lutheran, Sioux Falls
Travel Day!
Today we bid goodbye to our friends and hosts – the Asburys – in Norfolk. This necessitated a bus ride to Omaha, where we rented a car and headed to Sioux City, IA. I’ve actually wanted to ride a Greyhound bus ever since I first heard Simon & Garfunkle’s haunting tune America. A desire I’ve… Continue reading Travel Day!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 