Continued in the serenity & hospitality of Dale & Helen through Monday morning of this week. Received a visit from a Pastor Kopan (sp?) & some of his family. This brother, now in his eighties, is of Ukrainian origin, was drafted into the Second World War, where he received Christ and was baptized to the accompaniment of Russian tank fire. His stories of God's work brought history alive.
Took daily walks including a memorable one through the woods with my agile brother Dale, up & down hills, across streams & over little wooden bridges. On Sunday had fellowship with the E. Cambridge group. Thank you God for what you are doing in their midst. Had an opportunity to share a little on kingdom building, one heart at a time, and the authority that God has delegated to us as believers.
Monday drove up from CT., Had dinner with a brother Bill, saw another brother Bud, and ended up at a third brother's (Russ) place for the night. Bill cooked a fine meal. Thanks, bro. Hope to see him again later in the week.
Especially busy today. Saw Gary this morning. He has a gift of drawing things out of people. God is also honing his apologetic skills. Met his friend Tout (sp?) whom I hope to see again. Then off to see M. T. in S. Boston. Looked at the vision of kingdom building & also discussed impressions of the group in Memphis where he grew up that I visited in March. Finally had dinner with Jose & Ashley. Impressed with their growth in Christ and their desire to help others.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Strategic Vision
God blessed me earlier this week with fellowship with Bruce and his family. He has a strong vision for global outreach, particularly in Asia, including leadership development, miraculous healing, and church multiplication utilizing the Luke 10 "man of peace" concept. He is a no nonsense man whose passion is building the kingdom. As with virtually everyone else I encounter, I hope to glean from him. His wife Eileen made particularly healthy dishes (thanks Sis)and we had a spiritually invigorating time of worship with his sons Stephen & Jonathan, even though I banged my tambourine too loud.
Yesterday I moved on to Dale & Helen's home, where I have enjoyed gracious hospitality. Dale is an elder statesman in the faith with exemplary humility. He has afforded me opportunity to read, study, pray, and have fellowship. May our Lord Jesus bless him abundantly.
This morning received a call from John, a dear friend and brother. I am reminded of Paul's exhortation to Timothy to kindle afresh the gift of God within you. John starts & builds hot fires in the Kingdom, in part because he is one of the genuine prayer warriors that I know. I am thankful for every opportunity I receive to pray with him.
Yesterday I moved on to Dale & Helen's home, where I have enjoyed gracious hospitality. Dale is an elder statesman in the faith with exemplary humility. He has afforded me opportunity to read, study, pray, and have fellowship. May our Lord Jesus bless him abundantly.
This morning received a call from John, a dear friend and brother. I am reminded of Paul's exhortation to Timothy to kindle afresh the gift of God within you. John starts & builds hot fires in the Kingdom, in part because he is one of the genuine prayer warriors that I know. I am thankful for every opportunity I receive to pray with him.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Northern Conn.
Rejoined the prayer/support/accountability group that i walked with for many years prior to beginning itinerant ministry. Met a newer member, Ron, for the first time and caught up with the others. Am very thankful to God for sustaining them. I believe all Christian men would benefit from participation in a similar group meeting on a regular basis.
Thursday had the joy of spending time with my brother and friend Josh, looking at themes like conflict, eldership, and God's creation. A very special privilege and joy for me to receive Josh and his wife Rema's hospitality & fellowship. They granted me a rare privilege of listening to the saga of my youthful European travels. Thanks, guys. On Friday off to make my mortgage payment at the dentist, a lengthy traffic laden drive to northern CT. & the hospitality of Nathaniel & Eden, a godly young couple.
Saturday we were off on a hike in a state forest to the Heublein Tower. Good exercise, enjoyment of God's creation, and their fellowship. The previous night we visited the plaque commemorating the spot where Jonathan Edwards preached his famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
Sunday they hosted the brethren at their home. We enjoyed the Lord's Supper and worship together. Had an opportunity to speak on the theme of conflict between believers.
"Go to my brothers and say to them,'I am ascending to my Father and to your Father, to my God and to your God." (John 20:17b ESV)
Thursday had the joy of spending time with my brother and friend Josh, looking at themes like conflict, eldership, and God's creation. A very special privilege and joy for me to receive Josh and his wife Rema's hospitality & fellowship. They granted me a rare privilege of listening to the saga of my youthful European travels. Thanks, guys. On Friday off to make my mortgage payment at the dentist, a lengthy traffic laden drive to northern CT. & the hospitality of Nathaniel & Eden, a godly young couple.
Saturday we were off on a hike in a state forest to the Heublein Tower. Good exercise, enjoyment of God's creation, and their fellowship. The previous night we visited the plaque commemorating the spot where Jonathan Edwards preached his famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
Sunday they hosted the brethren at their home. We enjoyed the Lord's Supper and worship together. Had an opportunity to speak on the theme of conflict between believers.
"Go to my brothers and say to them,'I am ascending to my Father and to your Father, to my God and to your God." (John 20:17b ESV)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sustained by the love of God
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8 ESV) Have enjoyed a relative week of peace in a little hideaway on the beach, courtesy of close friends. Thank you, Jesus.
Last Sunday had the joy & privilege of fellowshipping with my home "sending" church. My, how they have grown- in numbers, spiritual maturity, participation, and love for one another. Thank you, Father, for a special treat of joy with them. Our brother Caleb came up from Maryland. I'd not seen him for several years. I'm thrilled to see what God is doing in his life, and look forward with great anticipation to what He will do in the future. Josh did a splendid job of facilitating worship & his wife Rema offered up a fervent, heartfelt prayer. I had the opportunity to speak a little on some of the things that Jesus is doing now. We tend to concentrate on what He did in the past (His first coming as related in the gospels) & what He will do in the future (His Second Coming) but very little on what He is doing now. Is He just sipping lemonade somewhere? Unfortunately we couldn't dig in to everything but did mention Jesus sitting at the Father's right hand, praying (interceding) for us, and preparing a place for His bride.
Last night I had the privilege of spending time with M. T. & C. Rex. Among other things, we discussed the love and the Word of God. Tonight I rejoin the men's support/accountability/prayer group with brothers with whom I have walked for many years.
Last Sunday had the joy & privilege of fellowshipping with my home "sending" church. My, how they have grown- in numbers, spiritual maturity, participation, and love for one another. Thank you, Father, for a special treat of joy with them. Our brother Caleb came up from Maryland. I'd not seen him for several years. I'm thrilled to see what God is doing in his life, and look forward with great anticipation to what He will do in the future. Josh did a splendid job of facilitating worship & his wife Rema offered up a fervent, heartfelt prayer. I had the opportunity to speak a little on some of the things that Jesus is doing now. We tend to concentrate on what He did in the past (His first coming as related in the gospels) & what He will do in the future (His Second Coming) but very little on what He is doing now. Is He just sipping lemonade somewhere? Unfortunately we couldn't dig in to everything but did mention Jesus sitting at the Father's right hand, praying (interceding) for us, and preparing a place for His bride.
Last night I had the privilege of spending time with M. T. & C. Rex. Among other things, we discussed the love and the Word of God. Tonight I rejoin the men's support/accountability/prayer group with brothers with whom I have walked for many years.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Refuge
Spending a week apartment sitting while my friend Matt & his family are in Texas. Although I appreciate the many people who made me meals or took me out to eat, it is nice to cook for myself. Had good fellowship with the Tuesday morning gang at Jake's working through Hosea 4, an indictment of Israel that applies to 21st century America. Then fellowship with our brother Bud throughout the day & Monday.
One can't help thinking about the near total irrelevance of the North American Church. We rarely minister the gospel, spend most of our money on ourselves, and if we become Biblically literate, too many of us spend most of our effort arguing theological minutia.
On a happier note M. T. & Candice have asked me to marry them, an honor I have not ever received in the past. I've known and developed a good friendship with the groom over the past five years, and have known the bride since her birth. Looking forward to celebrating with them as they begin their married journey.
Speaking of marriage, only 4 weeks until I scoot out to CA for Dale & Laurie's wedding. Keep counting down the days, brother. You're almost there.
Waiting on the Lord for clarity of direction. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14ESV) Hope to see many of my friends in the New England area over the summer.
One can't help thinking about the near total irrelevance of the North American Church. We rarely minister the gospel, spend most of our money on ourselves, and if we become Biblically literate, too many of us spend most of our effort arguing theological minutia.
On a happier note M. T. & Candice have asked me to marry them, an honor I have not ever received in the past. I've known and developed a good friendship with the groom over the past five years, and have known the bride since her birth. Looking forward to celebrating with them as they begin their married journey.
Speaking of marriage, only 4 weeks until I scoot out to CA for Dale & Laurie's wedding. Keep counting down the days, brother. You're almost there.
Waiting on the Lord for clarity of direction. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14ESV) Hope to see many of my friends in the New England area over the summer.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Back in Beantown (Boston)
Last Wednesday I returned to the Boston area after nine months of travel plus two months in Connecticut. My good friends Josh & Rema provided a warm welcome. That evening had dinner with Matt & Mary (thanks for the veggie pizza, Mary)& Gary. Had a good time of prayer & worship. Had good fellowship with Josh on Thursday & took a walk down a bicycle path. Friday I had the joy of participating in the men's group at Jake's mechanic shop that i attended for several years before my departure. Good time of prayer & fellowship. Later that morning went to the dentist to make the equivalent of a mortgage payment on his house in exchange for work on one tooth. Ah, the bane of my physical existence. Am really looking forward to the new bodies we will receive in the next life. (1 Corinthians 15:35-49) Saturday had a good visit with my friend Gary. Am very thankful for his friendship & our brotherhood in Christ. Off to see my brother Kevin & his family. Torrential downpour flooded the soccer field where his son hoped to finish his game. Took a long walk along semi-rural roads.
Sunday finally got to gather with my home house church, the people who sent me out last year. Ironically many of them were away, but God blessed us with a number of visitors. We had widespread, encouraging participation. I hope to see the rest of them next week. Then off to Gloucester with my friend Russ, an elder at a traditional church, who has graciously committed to attending the group once a month to encourage us. He provides a helpful, objective outside influence. I thank God for him.
For the moment I am still traveling from place to place in New England, hoping to see all the many people with whom God has provided me with relationship. Anticipate remaining in New England for the summer. After that I don't know what God has for me- further travel, possibly internationally, or settling somewhere, and if so, where? Appreciate the prayers of the readers of this blog that I receive God's direction.
Sunday finally got to gather with my home house church, the people who sent me out last year. Ironically many of them were away, but God blessed us with a number of visitors. We had widespread, encouraging participation. I hope to see the rest of them next week. Then off to Gloucester with my friend Russ, an elder at a traditional church, who has graciously committed to attending the group once a month to encourage us. He provides a helpful, objective outside influence. I thank God for him.
For the moment I am still traveling from place to place in New England, hoping to see all the many people with whom God has provided me with relationship. Anticipate remaining in New England for the summer. After that I don't know what God has for me- further travel, possibly internationally, or settling somewhere, and if so, where? Appreciate the prayers of the readers of this blog that I receive God's direction.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Gratitude
As I reflect back upon my almost year long journey through the U.S. visiting individuals, couples, families and groups, one of the prominent themes is one of appreciation and thankfulness, to God first, and to the people I visited, second. I thank God for His ongoing love and faithfulness in my life, protection, and the gentle urging of the Holy Spirit to enhance my relationship with Christ. I am thankful for the things He taught me, and for those things that He reminded me of.
People provided lodging for all but about six nights, prepared numerous meals & took me out to eat for many more. They gave me clothes, toiletries, books, money, and technology like a used GPs & a new Blue Tooth device. (Required in a number of states instead of hand held cell phones.) They took me to retreats, conferences, and a variety of other meetings. They prayed with me, allowed me to teach or share, and spoke to me about their lives and situations. I did a lot of listening. I discovered that virtually everyone eats meat, most use body wash instead of bar soap, and almost everyone stays up later than I do.
Other significant themes include the incredible diversity of views and approaches to the Christian life and interpretations of the Bible; a widespread deep concern about the future of this country and the world; and a lot of financial issues. God kept showing me the importance of trust as a foundation to any good relationship.
People provided lodging for all but about six nights, prepared numerous meals & took me out to eat for many more. They gave me clothes, toiletries, books, money, and technology like a used GPs & a new Blue Tooth device. (Required in a number of states instead of hand held cell phones.) They took me to retreats, conferences, and a variety of other meetings. They prayed with me, allowed me to teach or share, and spoke to me about their lives and situations. I did a lot of listening. I discovered that virtually everyone eats meat, most use body wash instead of bar soap, and almost everyone stays up later than I do.
Other significant themes include the incredible diversity of views and approaches to the Christian life and interpretations of the Bible; a widespread deep concern about the future of this country and the world; and a lot of financial issues. God kept showing me the importance of trust as a foundation to any good relationship.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sugar House Inn
The Sugar House Inn, my final stop before returning to New England today, is a small cabin in upstate New York with no electricity or running water. It does have a wood stove & oil lamps, and an attached outhouse. Hardy & Katrine, my host & hostess used it for several years for making maple syrup from trees on their property. More recently their German craftsmanship proved its worth as I slept through a tremendous thunderstorm, snug as a bug in a rug, as the old saying goes, without a drop of rain.
From last July 1st, I've traveled through parts of thirty states, and made almost forty stops with individuals, couples, families & larger groups. These visits ranged from single night stays to a four month stint in the San Francisco Bay Area. I ate everything from a catfish burrito to Filipino cuisine to quinoa and ate out more in the last year than the previous fifteen or twenty. I attended two conferences, a handful of regular church services and about twenty-nine separate home gatherings. I slept on air mattresses, couches, beds. I wrote a short story, finished a novel and transcribed an old novel from typewritten pages to computer, editing along the way. I took walks everywhere- along country fields bursting with corn & soybeans, on Pacific & Gulf beaches, down Chicago streets, and in Memphis parks, suburban areas, and forested lanes.
God introduced me to a number of wonderful brethren, reacquainted me with many more, often after a thirty year hiatus & blessed me to visit relatives & old friends. In my next post I'll discuss some of the prominent themes that the Lord brought out during the trip.
From last July 1st, I've traveled through parts of thirty states, and made almost forty stops with individuals, couples, families & larger groups. These visits ranged from single night stays to a four month stint in the San Francisco Bay Area. I ate everything from a catfish burrito to Filipino cuisine to quinoa and ate out more in the last year than the previous fifteen or twenty. I attended two conferences, a handful of regular church services and about twenty-nine separate home gatherings. I slept on air mattresses, couches, beds. I wrote a short story, finished a novel and transcribed an old novel from typewritten pages to computer, editing along the way. I took walks everywhere- along country fields bursting with corn & soybeans, on Pacific & Gulf beaches, down Chicago streets, and in Memphis parks, suburban areas, and forested lanes.
God introduced me to a number of wonderful brethren, reacquainted me with many more, often after a thirty year hiatus & blessed me to visit relatives & old friends. In my next post I'll discuss some of the prominent themes that the Lord brought out during the trip.
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