First watch this quick video by Joachim de Posada. He gives an interesting principle that is really a biblical principle which can be applied in all areas of life and it can really transform your life. What did you think of the video? What an interesting experiment, huh? I […]
40 Days and Counting
It is hard to believe that our departure date for Jakarta is approaching so quickly – July 7th, 2009. It just seems like yesterday that Christina and I were praying about whether to take this step of faith to plant our first international church. Things have moved along so quickly within […]
The Bad and the Wasted Life
Photo by Mary’s Comfort There was a quote that I read this morning that spoke to me. Phillips Brooks, a clergyman and author in the 19th century said, “Bad will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life he is leading, with the thoughts he […]
Cynicism in the Ministry
Photo by Newswise The famous evangelist D. L. Moody was often noted to have prayed the prayer, “Lord, keep me from ever losing the wonder.” I have always wondered (no pun intended) what causes a person in ministry to lose the sense of wonder. Do you remember the last time you […]
A Deeper Appreciation for Routine
Photo by Fitness Walking Guide Routine and I have a love-hate relationship. I am an enigma when it comes to routine, structure and order. There is a side of me that desperately cries out for things to be put nicely into “systems.” But there is another side of me that despises […]
The Purpose of Pain
Photo by Photobucket As some of you probably heard by now, the last few months have been some of the most difficult times for me. I have always prided myself in being a person who has a high tolerance for pain. Weakness was not an option. Even though theologically, I know […]
Conference in Chicago 5.20.09
I am currently in Chicago for a Leadership Network conference for Asian-American pastors. It is a small cohort that started back in May 2008 and it will finish out in November 2009. There are some incredible mentors in this cohort. They have all been tested and put through the fire and now their ministry […]
Jakarta Update 5.17.09
Christina and I are in transit right now in Singapore. We are getting ready to board our flight from SIN-NRT-DTW. As I sit here in Singapore’s airport, I am realizing that the last 5 days have been a whirlwind experience. Our times have been filled with meetings with people. Each one of the meetings […]
Jakarta Update 5.16.09
It has been weird here in Karawaci because even though I am getting a few hours of sleep, I feel pretty rested. Maybe it is all the high pace of meetings and trying to get everything done before we leave on Sunday. Early this morning, I was awakened by the Muslim call to prayer. […]
Jakarta Update 5.15.09
It has been great coming out to Indonesia. It is hard to believe in about 55 days we will be here with the whole family. Yesterday, we just reconnected with a few of the UM alumni over dinner. There is nothing better than food, fellowship and good conversation. This morning Christina and I started […]
Reconnecting with Alumni in Singapore 5.13.09
Even though I was struggling a bit with jetlag, I was able to get a few hours of sleep. Christina and I started off the morning by reconnecting with some of the alumni here in Singapore. We went out for brunch and just ended up talking together. We also checked out a retreat center […]
The Infamous Mask
This whole Swine Flu has taken over all of Asia. It is incredible how “fear” can drive people to do anything. After we landed and taxied to the gate, we had to wait in the plane until the quarantine team came and checked everyone to see if anyone had the flu. We literally sat […]
Trip to S.E. Asia 5.11.09
I am getting ready to leave for my trip with Christina to Singapore and Jakarta. We are leaving today. Christina is already packed and I have still yet to pack (what else is new). I don’t know why but for some reason I have never understood the philosophy of packing ahead of time, but […]
Returning to the Grid
It has been about two weeks since I have written in my blog (and Twitter). In the first couple of days, I felt like an addict going through withdrawal symptoms and having a nervous breakdown (half-joking). But it has been good for my soul. The last few months have been one of toughest periods […]