New twist on "body life"

What comes to mind when you think about how the body of Christ functions as a body and works together to meet the needs of the congregation and community? My guess is that your picture doesn't include a man pulling out his haircutting equipment and offering free haircuts or a woman trained in massage therapy giving help to ease the pain in members' necks and shoulders. Our little congregation in Hsinchu has both and we feel blessed because of the service of these brothers and sisters. They are a real live emulation of "foot washing" in modern context. I am humbled by their service.

The calming effect of beauty in creation

When I arrive at my office here on the campus of the China Lutheran Seminary in the morning and see this little patch of beautiful, wild looking purple flowers, I feel happy and peaceful. These flowers are such an amazing picture of God's creative power and loving provision. Lord, thank you for surrounding me with reminders I can see. You know what I need!

Recent Snapshots of my life

Being a part of TEAM Taiwan is really to be a part of a family.  The first Saturday in September we had a cookout to celebrate the official arrival of our newest coworkers, Jeremy and Ruth Hsu, and to show appreciation to Bill Franklin for his service to our Ministry Area by holding the role of Ministry Area Leader for the last 16 years.  Hiroshi and Kumi Ebina did the work of preparing all of the food for the picnic and we had a great time eating Japanese style BBQ, done on an American grill!  We are blessed to have 50 % of our family from North America and 50% from Asia.  

Welcome and Appreciation BBQ for TEAM Taiwan Missionaries

 Before our fall classes got going we held promotional events for the 40 Minute Bible Study Series in 2 cities.  We are praying that each one who attended will have been encouraged and empowered to step out and lead a group of people in studying the Bible.  We are also praying that for those who do, it will be the first step into a lifestyle of disciple-making.

Students practice leading small group Bible Study using Precept 40 Minute Studies

Long Time No See

I won't bore you with all the chat about getting busy and not blogging....I am back and really do want to do my best to keep up with you all.....this is to be a forum for sharing what is going on with me.  Everyday stuff, ministry stuff, spiritual stuff.......

So, here goes.......

First to catch you up on everything between my last post and now.....

Maybe a simple outline of events would be the easiest.

1. Beginning of summer 2010, I became the Interim Ministry Area Leader for TEAM Taiwan.  Filling in for Bill Franklin who went to the US for a 6 month Home Assignment. 
2. December 2010, Bill Franklin and I were called to Wheaton for some mission business.
3.  January-May 2011 Working through the mission business and preparing for Home Assignment
4. May-Aug 2011 in the US on Home Assignment
5. Aug. 11, 2011 arrive home in Taiwan.

There were lots of things that happened during that time.  One important (but not so pretty) thing was me getting physically, emotionally and spiritually rundown.  That took place in the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.  Maybe that is more of the real reason for no blogging.  I learned a couple really important lessons, which I am sure I will continue to need to learn again and again.  1.  I can't but God can -- and He never expected that I could.  and 2.  If I will choose to put my trust in Him and not expect that I can do any of the things He asks me to, on my own strength, I will be able to go through it without getting depleted.  My first several weeks in the US gave me (by design) time to spend alone with God and get renewed.  But during that time the Lord also spoke to me about living a lifestyle that is healthier all around, and will be likelier to protect me from getting rundown or burnt out.

So, now I am back in Taiwan and into my new routine....I am dividing my time between directing Precept and leading the Taiwan ministry area for TEAM.    There is lots to learn and I am daily amazed at God's faithfulness to be here with me, to be my strength, my companion, my teacher.....He's awesome!