I noticed quickly that the Indian people in general were definitely not huggers. Even their handshakes left much to be desired. A simple bringing together of the hands in a prayer pose just under the chin and a slight bow is the most common greeting. Physical contact is not necessary. They almost seem to avoid … Continue reading Full Body Hug
As much as I am learning the limitations of my faith and courage I am seeing the depth and beauty of the faith of these who live and serve in Chennai. Brother Paul is simply amazing. Not perfect, yet a man who sees a need and then engages whoever and whatever is necessary to make … Continue reading Friday – People of Faith
Loaded up and traveled to Brother Paul's house to prepare to head out to the Indian Countryside. A longer day than we had ever imagined awaited us. Lost count at about 5 churches because of the terrain we drove between each. I never had any sense of bearing regarding where we were. Small villages with small … Continue reading Marathon Monday
With Saturday came the monthly remote preachers meeting where over 300 preachers that Paul works with and helps support travel to the Preacher's school in Chennai for a monthly encouragement gathering. Wow! 340 showed up and the ministry provides a hot lunch and one way transportation funds. I have never seen more excited, encouraging men … Continue reading Saturday Morning – Preachers Galore!
Father God surprised us once again with a challenge of which we had only recently dreamed. A three hour flight followed by a 2 hour layover followed by a 8.5 hour flight followed by a 3 hour layover followed by a 9 hour flight definitely set the experience in motion. Whew! I'm a professional sitter … Continue reading Who Would Have Thought…
As Monday morning dawned, it hit me that this was the day we would head for the infamous "Amazon Jungle". Yikes! I had been so courageous from a million miles away but now, only a 5 hour drive and a 45 minute flight out, fear showed up. Gulp. I thought about the trip ahead of … Continue reading To the Edge of the Jungle
Our trip to Africa a couple of years ago was amazing, fun and inspiring; however, Africa itself was far different than I had ever imagined in my mind. There were no giraffes. No elephants, although Andy claims he has seen some. No monkeys, rhinoceros, etc, etc, etc. The landscape was vast and beautiful but it … Continue reading Ascending and Descending
Who can really, truly, fully understand God's sovereignty and direction? The Scriptures are absolutely clear that God is in control of all things and that He watches over His people and guides their steps. He even watches over the nations reviewing the hearts of men. He causes nations to rise and fall. The insight He possesses is beyond anything we can imagine; yet, I have often wondered what He was up to in my life and in the lives of others
Long ago as a very young boy I dreamed of taking the gospel to Africa. Honestly, I can't even tell you why or from where the idea originated. It was just there. As I shared the idea with my maternal grandmother she quickly dispelled any such notion in me. Having a bit of a … Continue reading Dreams of a Prayer (Africa 2008)
Dear Blessed Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus, I begin by openly thanking all of you again for your generous outpouring of monetary support. Your gifts to God allowed us to travel, minister and provide special gifts to both the missionaries in Burkina Faso and the people of Burkina Faso. We had … Continue reading Beautiful Earrings (Africa 2006)
We are many days into our trip and I cannot begin to express all of the fascinating things we have already experienced. It has been absolutely amazing. Burkina Faso is a land of few trees, a blazing sun, red, rocky "soil" and thousands of kind, friendly hard working people. We have been blessed over and … Continue reading Bata Bata Zing (Africa 2006)
As Monday morning dawned, it hit me that this was the day we would head for the infamous "Amazon Jungle". Yikes! I had been so courageous from a million miles away but now, only a 5 hour drive and a 45 minute flight out, fear showed up. Gulp. I thought about the trip ahead of … Continue reading To The Edge Of The Jungle
On Friday, we wound our way through the streets of Quito with Rick at the wheel, James riding shotgun (I couldn't bear the trauma anymore) and Pastor Oswaldo in the back seat with me. We gritted our teeth and made distorted faces as Rick weaved us along the absolutely crazy streets of Quito and through … Continue reading The Aroma of Christ
Luzmilla, Laura, Santiago and Ventana Oh my, what a week. There's nothing like being out of the country to help you see the bigger picture of God's work. Being with other believers in other parts of the world stretches your mind and your faith. Our part in the U.S. seems so insignificant. I realize that … Continue reading Luzmila – Honey Light
Thus, the overwhelmation began to set in and we spent the trip home pummeling Andy with questions and sharing the joy and excitement of the day. The bumpiness of the trip, the hardness of the bench, the dust that covered every inch of our sweaty bodies and the blistering heat didn't hold a candle to the joy and excitement we felt and experienced with these believers in Christ from the other side of the world - literally. The things that we would have wasted hours complaining about were nothing in comparison to the joy we experienced worshiping with the saints in Sorian. The adventure was in motion now and we were soaking in every drop of it.
