Some of you just experienced reflux-ibility reading that title! The thought of change often results in a tensing of muscles, a rise in blood pressure, and a reactionary anxiety of the unknown. In our lives overseas, developing a reflex of flexibility is not an option, but an imperative. The process of entering the life calling we have embraced requires a series of psychological tests and personality assessments. (Naturally, you must assume that they are looking for people c

In a constant desire to add value to the lives of my readers…whether you’re single or an old married couple, this will serve you well in our technology-enhanced relational world. I was on a 9,000km (5,600 mile) trip across 11 countries, meeting with missionaries, national leaders, pastors, and potential community partners. I was driving the whole thing…by myself. Having just had a tremendous lunch in Mostar, Bosnia, I was heading back toward my hotel. It is an incredibly be

Atlantic Records, which released “The Greatest Showman” album, a companion of music from the film, announced that the anthem song “This Is Me” has been streamed more than 160 million times globally, and that the soundtrack is approaching one billion streams worldwide. Music can evoke powerful emotions and strike a chord in the heart of humanity. “This is Me” has tapped into that core of who we were created to be. “THIS IS ME,” sung by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman En

While Don Quixote’s valor bordered on insanity, sometimes the battles we engage seem just as real in our own minds.  This famous American idiom, “fighting the windmills,” has become known to mean, “fighting imaginary evils.” Don Quixote waged war against the windmills that he perceived to be GIANTS. This blog post is flawed from the very start.  As soon as I mention the “windmill” I’m referencing, you’ll say, “that’s not imaginary…that’s REAL.”  In every regard, the battle is

I have been tremendously successful in accelerating the prayer life of team members I’ve hosted. Would you like to know my secret? I have the joy of meeting short-term missions teams from the U.S. at airports all over Eastern Europe. Many times, I’m meeting these people for the very first time. It is appropriate to welcome the team into the country and then share with them a piece of my story. We load up all of the team’s luggage into the back of the van, and take our sea

Over the past year, I’ve wrestled with a particular prayer that I’ve…um…given up for Lent…and [generally] for life. It is the prayer for clarity. Clarity is often about control. (What this blog is NOT about is seeking God’s peace in a decision or having the Spirit’s confirmation on a particular assignment upon which you are considering. There are times to pray for clear affirmation…clarity, if you will.) The posture that I’m talking about is a persistent drive to always know

4 Things I’ve Learned in my First Term Today's blog is the final post of a four part series. If you missed the first three posts, here are links to part 1, part 2, and part 3. 4. Nothing happens without a team. That team that I’m referencing is YOU! It is nearly impossible to quantify the impact of so many praying and giving financially to enable us to stay on mission. I marveled as I received regular financial reports that reflected your giving. Faithful, steady, and gen

4 Things I’ve Learned in my First Term Today's blog is part 3 of a four part series. If you missed the first two posts, here are links to part 1 and to part 2. 3. Flexibility is not an option. My energies were mainly focused in Eastern Europe, but it was not unusual for our team to host numerous guests and conferences in our office building. With the intensity of the refugee crisis during our last term, it wasn’t uncommon to set aside my normal responsibilities to respond

4 Things I’ve Learned in my First Term Today's blog is part 2 of a four part series. If you missed part 1, you can find it here. 2. Relationships require intentionality. Gail and I were blessed by being based in Brussels where a number of missionaries are stationed. I’m thankful that we had veterans to lean on when we needed them. (Especially, after my ruptured brain aneurysm!) Like all relationships, these require intentionality. Missionaries tend to be very busy and f