Imagine becoming a refugee. ?>

Imagine becoming a refugee.

Imagine. Imagine with me a scenario in the distant future. Imagine the United States going through a period of terrible financial troubles, lots of corruption, a weakened military, and internal and external political problems. Imagine a situation where a powerful nation suddenly surges forward and decides to invade the United States. Unfortunately the U.S. begins to lose battles and state after state falls before this advancing army. Imagine with me that you are peacefully living with your family and working…

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The Law of the Jungle, The Law of Decency, and The Law of Grace ?>

The Law of the Jungle, The Law of Decency, and The Law of Grace

After just his first week in office, I’ve been astounded at the actions and words of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Decision after decision is made that is not wise, kind, or just. There are a lot of ways to look at people’s worldviews in life. One way I look at these worldviews is through the lens of The 3 Laws. These laws are levels of interacting with the world and society. And I’ve been thinking…

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Lessons Learned from Clark Blakeman ?>

Lessons Learned from Clark Blakeman

Yesterday we attended a service in memory of my friend and coworker Clark Blakeman. Clark and I have been friends and involved in work together for nearly a decade. On December 21st he went to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer. As I’ve reflected on his life during the past couple of weeks I’ve thought about some of the things I learned from Clark over the years. Be a Listener Clark was a genuinely unique listener in…

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7 Things I’m celebrating from 2016! ?>

7 Things I’m celebrating from 2016!

My heart is centered on ministering to vulnerable East African children through the work of Lahash International. As I look back on the past year there are a lot of heavy things on my mind. There were failures, sicknesses, missed expectations, regional violence, and relational frictions. Those are real. But there is also a lot to celebrate as well! At this point I can choose to focus on the hardships – or on the places where God demonstrated his power and love in…

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The Joy of a Digital-Free Shabbat ?>

The Joy of a Digital-Free Shabbat

Our souls are running ragged. A few years ago I experienced serious burn-out. It was intense. I had been consumed with a desire to do more for our friends in Africa. It was an overwhelming pressure. As I realized how helpful I could be in speaking up on behalf of vulnerable kids – I also realized I had trouble “turning off.” If I didn’t take that phone call at 2 AM from Kenya there was a strong possibility that a…

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Learning Gratitude from Clark ?>

Learning Gratitude from Clark

Clark is a dear friend and collaborator in ministry. He’s just one all-around amazing guy. We’ve had some great adventures together over the years. Right now he is battling cancer. I’m learning so much about gratitude from him right now. I often get so knocked off track by little frustrations in my day. Little things bug me and I get stressed out, judgmental, and I start to wonder why God can’t just clear up the messes piling up around me….

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