Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Should Missionaries Blog?

I had an interesting email conversation today with a fellow missionary. He had read I am a Blogger and made the following observation:

"...[one] drawback is that it may be too much information for some folks. Not that folks won't sign on and read it (which is another problem, but that's not what I'm talking about) but that some of your/my supporters just have this vague idea of you going overseas and doing something good for humanity and give money toward that end. And now when they realize exactly what you're doing they may not like it. This may apply less to MDs than to me, I'm thinking if I blog about the sessions meeting where we decided not to have women teach Sunday Schools some folks may not like their money going to a church where that is happening. Or when you took a week off to go on a Cyprus beach vacation - or when you fired the assistant pastor for alcoholism......And then you get back to #1 - being specific about information with the accomplishments and failures of a church plant may not please everyone. Of course, our job is not to make everyone happy, it's to plant churches and help to that end."

To this I responded:

I am a blogger!

Just what we need - another BLOG. As if the Internet didn't already have enough stuff on it now I am adding to the clutter. Yes, I am going to be a Blogger!

Wait a minute...you might be asking, "What exactly is a Blog? And what is the world is a 'Blogger'?"

Well, first, a Blog is short for "Web Log". Get it? We-b log. In short, it is basically an internet based "diary". The internet is full of them - some good, some bad, and a lot really bad. But none the less it is a way to communicate our thoughts, opinions, and commentary on just about whatever a person wants to.

Now, to answer the second question. A blogger is not what is in your nose contrary to what some of you may be thinking. It is basically the person writing the blog. So if you write a book you are a writer - if you write a blog, you are a blogger. Sounds confusing huh?

Anyway, my desire with this Blog is to share my thoughts, insights, news, and whatever else comes to mind. I figured that this would be a good way to communicate the lessons I (and my family) am learning as I move forward in this journey in life.

I pray it will be an encouragement (most of the time) and an exhortation (some of the time).

Let's Blog!

God Is Faithful

Many of you already know what I rediscovered again this month—I married a wonderfully Godly wife. On our way back from a recent vacation (much needed, mind you!), I started to “complain” about all the work we had to do to make our way to Kenya. I was commenting on the fact that we were only at 50% of our support and I didn’t know “how God was going to put the other half together”. Marti gently reminded me to consider how God had put the first half together. Although slightly annoyed that she wasn’t going to join in on feeling sorry for me, I did begin to ponder all that God has done this past year.
I am actually blown away by God’s faithfulness and incredible blessings that we do not deserve. During the past year He has called and approved us to serve as fulltime missionaries. He has provided timely gifts to purchase a LCD projector that allows us to visually share our calling. He provided for a miraculous sale of our home. He poured out encouragement and comfort through many friends and family during our loss from a miscarriage. He has provided safety during thousands of miles of travel. He has worked in the lives of many individuals to support us on a consistent basis. He has prompted two families struggling with unemployment to give generously. He has caused “strangers” to give in faith to our ministry despite having never met us or heard us. He has worked out the details for me to “cut back” at the office and to work out the details for my leaving my practice. He has raised up faithful, loving prayer partners. As I reflect, I see that HE has been very active on our behalf this year.

As I further reflect on God’s work in our lives, I see that HE has, is, and always will be faithful to us. No matter what WE do or don’t do, HE WILL BE FAITHFUL. It is part of HIS nature. He can do nothing else but be Faithful. We can not earn His faithfulness, He just is faithful. So, as you begin a new year, I encourage you to consider God’s faithfulness to you and your family. Reflect on His wonderful grace, His glorious riches, His unchanging love for you.

Blessings.