I know it has been awhile since I’ve posted anything. I just haven’t had a whole lot to say. Some things go without being said; we went to Laos and Thailand. Had another debrief, worked on a concrete wall, played with some kids. The usual world race stuff.
I guess the only ‘off the wall’ thing we have done is Parent Vision Trip. My Mom and Dad came out for a week of ministry and to hang out with their son who they haven’t seen in nearly 8 months! It was an amazing week! We went into the local slums, chatted with some monks (I learned more about Buddhism which is always good to learn more about other belief systems), we went into bars and did bar ministry. It was such a blessing to be in the bars with my Mom and Dad ministering to the girls, lady-boys, and men that are their seeking sex and running away from their problems instead of facing them. My parents were able to get a snap-shot of what has become normal to us on the race; living a missional lifestyle, helping the hungry instead of ignoring them, praying out loud instead of compartmentalizing our faith, seeking the lost which is exactly what Jesus did for us (Remember, that He will leave 99 to find the 1, see Luke 15:1-7). Mom and I were able to ride and elephant and pet a tiger, so its not all drama and heavy spiritual battles!!
We spent five months in Asia. From Nepal to Thailand and everything in between! God has been growing us and showing us more o who He is everyday! Each month has it’s own special thing that God wants us to see!
Now we are in El Salvador, Central America. Here we will be going into men’s and women’s prisons, working in transition homes, and many other exciting opportunities. It’s tempting to say that we have achieved our ‘10,000 hours’ on missions or that we have it all figured out and are now experts…we would be wrong!
There is always more to learn, always more to experience and see, always more people to reach and to pray for. I warn anyone against claiming to be an ‘expert’ in anything related to missions, ministry, or following Jesus. He is a dangerous person to know and to follow. One thing we have gotten used to is being uncomfortable. Not just physically or with strange food or traditions, but uncomfortable with carrying out what Jesus calls us and commands us to do. We have become accustomed to uncertainty and trusting God to take care of all the details.
Now we are back in the western hemisphere, new language, traditions, beliefs, the Last Continent on our route. The last four months, last four countries before we return home. We still have much to learn during our time here. Pray for us for inner strength, we cannot push through to the finish on our own strength. Psalm 127 verse sums it up, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen keeps awake in vain.”
