A welcome visit from home...

Though their time was brief, I had the wonderful opportunity to welcome some friends from my home church on their short visit in Herrnhut. A group of five men (two pastors, one of the Missions leaders, and two other great guys) came through Herrnhut to visit Toni, Tom and Jen and myself on their way to Romania. (Picture: Kelly, Toni, me and George)

It was wonderful to have them here, and they brought a lot of fun and refreshment. And, as a special treat, one of my very good friends got to come along and see what it is we're doing here. What fun it was to have a close friend (I just wish his wife and kids could have come, too - maybe next time, Heidi!) be able to see what it is I do, and to have him be able to put faces to names. It was a little strange to realize, though, that we were all in Germany together instead of in Seattle! (Picture: Toni, Kelly and me!)

So, just know, that if you want to come and visit, too, you're welcome!

Let's skip ahead...

In a perfect world, I would have the information about my trip to Morocco and the end of this last DTS up here already...hmmmm. I'm still working on how to automatically transfer the stories in my head to the Blog. I'll let you know how that goes.

But, until then, I thought I'd do a quick post to stay hello and bring you up on what's happening here. Toni and I are in the midst of staff training for the upcoming April DTS. It's been great to work with this small group (with some being former students from this most recent graduating DTS) and I look forward to seeing how they will be challenged during this time. I know I will learn a lot from them!

Right now, we have 18 students for this school - 9 guys and 9 girls. We're so glad about having the even numbers! In that group are represented at least 5 nations: Germany, the US, England, Nigeria, and the Philippines. One thing we do need prayer for, however, is the woman from the Philippines. Because of the strict laws here in Germany regarding foreigners, she's been having trouble getting her visa. We really want her here with us!

So, that's it for now. This picture shows our student board for this school, and represents the new journey that lies ahead for all of us involved. Let the adventure begin!

My time in Israel...

I know, I know - it's been way too long since you heard I was going to Israel and this actual report about it. Where does the time go, anyway?

So as a part of the DTS I was just working with, I was able to go and visit several of our Outreach teams as they were on the field. The heart of these visits is to encourage the team and to walk alongside them as they do ministry in that country.

And how great it was to see the Israel group! Two of the team leaders greeted me warmly on my first visit to this nation, and soon whisked me off to see the rest of the team.

And from that point on, I was able to work with them as they partnered with different ministries. We worked in the red light district of the city (sitting and talking with the women who worked in that area certainly opened my eyes), worked in a soup kitchen, and in a clothing distribution center - it was a busy time!

Then, much to my surprise, the team organized a prayer walk through the city of Jerusalem. I hadn't thought I would be able to go, but one of the team members did great research and we were able to pray at many of the major sites of this amazingly diverse city. To see so many of the places the Bible talks about made the words leap off the page, and taking time to pray at the place where they think that the Lord's Prayer was given was moving. As we prayed over the city, I realized again how many prayers have been prayed out over this land. There were moments when I felt chills as I realized all that had happened in this land. We saw the road where they think the Cross stood, overlooking the passersby. And then we saw this - the empty tomb! How awesome that it's empty!

We ended our time at the Wailing Wall, and as I gazed on the men and women of the Jewish faith touching this ancient edifice and saying their prayers, I was struck by such a deep feeling of history. This wall was here when Solomon lived, was here when Jesus walked this city. Amazing.

So, the time went well, and though I had a few interesting moments getting out of the country, I made it on to the next leg of the journey...but that's for another entry. :)

And so it begins...

Welcome to my new blog!

At the urging of good friends (thanks, Rob and Leah), I've now decided to try my hand at this Blog thing. I'm hoping it's not too hard (seems like its ok so far) and my hope is that we'll all be able to stay in touch a little more this way. Even though I like to send out newsletters, sometimes it's hard to keep up with all that's happening, and I'm hoping this will help cut the time between the what happens and me telling you about it!

So, here's to new beginnings - drop by often and leave a note when you can.