Amsterdam airport

During the 6 hour layover in Amsterdam on my way home from India, I had plenty of time to “process.” Although I had journaled during the time there, I still needed to use the list of questions I hand out to summer teams to really think through what happened. One of the exercises we encourage team members to do in preparation for re-entry into life at home is to come up with several answers to the inevitable question, “So, how was your trip?” There’s the lengthy-presentation answer, complete with a multimedia extravaganza and, in the case of my church, lunch. (This post is the virtual version of the lengthy-presentation answer, minus the extravaganza — just a few pictures. Lunch is on your own, and you might consider getting some as this is going to get long.) Then there’s the top-highlights answer for times when the asker is really interested but time is limited. The most difficult one to come up with is the short answer: the one word or phrase that will satisfy the asker who is making small talk and doesn’t really want to hear about it, but will also give a descriptive hook that opens the door for further conversation as the Lord may lead. Continue reading…

A Jesus Manifesto

I like how they call us out on our inconsistencies. It’s challenging. They also say a lot of what I’ve been thinking. I would question one or two statements (they don’t agree with each other on everything either, so it’s ok!), but they seem to be more perceptive and insightful than your average Christian.

Especially convicted by and appreciated points 1, 2, 6, 8 (“The cure for a big head is a big heart.” That makes me laugh and cringe at the same time!), and 9. It’s all a good read, though, and an even better reality check.

ISI Conversation Partner

Kaori is back in Japan. I miss hanging out with her, even though it’s been helpful to have a few extra hours each week. This story, though, has God written all over it. I finally got in touch again with an old friend in Yokohama who let us know her husband and another pastor were visiting different ministries in the U.S. A group of us got together to catch up with them over dinner, and I told them about Kaori. Halfway through dinner Kaori’s friend, Mizuho, walks in with one of my friends. It turns out Mizuho is my friend’s conversation partner! It was nice talking with her. Kind of like another connection to Kaori. I’m praying both Kaori and Mizuho will continue seeking and eventually find Jesus.

WCC PC

The ministry of initials is back again. This year (and next), I’m privileged to serve on their planning committee. It’s going to be a little hectic in the beginning, but the group has been pretty amazing. We (mostly they, since I’m always late to meetings) bonded pretty quickly and are sharing pretty deeply from the start. It’s great to have another community of like-minded people to serve with and go to Yogurtland together. Please pray I can figure out how to fit that in to an already full life. I had to ask God twice if He really wanted me to commit to this (since I thought I heard him wrong the first time). It’s been good so far, though. He already seems to be confirming some things among us. It’s cool to see Him at work like that.

Meeting half of the board for the first time! (Besides the conference call a couple of months ago.) The other half, I’ve met face-to-face last summer or, more recently, two weeks ago.

Please pray for their safety as they travel. Some are coming from the midwest or beyond. Also pray for team-building and unified direction. I’m only meeting with them for a few hours, but they’re meeting all day.

WCC = World Christian Conference

PC = planning committee

meeting = lots of talking & probably some eating, too

First of many meetings to plan for WCC 2010! Please pray for deepening friendships and spiritual discernment of God’s theme for next year’s conference. In the middle of it, I’ll be leaving to join my worship team at my home church.