our turn

Though I was born in Anderson and grew up in “nowhere, Indiana” for the first 12 years of my life, the next 6 years were full of moves leading me to attend 2 junior high schools, 4 high schools and living in 3 different states before returning to Anderson for college.  During those crazy years, the one constant in my life was Campmeeting in Anderson, now known as North American Convention. 

We used to meet in what, at the time of its construction, was an engineering marvel: a large concrete dome auditorium that used to have the globe painted on the exterior.  Inside were thousands of the worse plastic/fiberglass chairs ever conceived—but the Spirit of God often moved there freely in the singing, the fellowship, the preaching, and the prayers.  This is where, as the old-timers would say, “I saw the Church.”  The greatest services in that old auditorium were always the Wednesday night Commissioning services.  I would marvel as a child as leaders and pastors from all over the globe would bring in the flag of their home nation or the nation they were serving; I would listen to the testimonies of far off places and God’s provision in the midst of trying circumstances to share the Good News.  And near the conclusion of the service, the Church would introduce families and share their stories of calling to serve in far off places; we would pray for them, and then they would be charged with the Scripture.  Then, those families would receive and slowly share the light of a candle, one by one until the whole dome had that wonderful soft, yet bright glow. 

I often wondered how the memory of those nights, surrounded by the Church & those candle lights impacted those families.  Monday night, I will find out first hand as our family takes our place in that line of those who have been called internationally.  I never thought that could be me—I definitely never sought it—but here we are, willing none-the-less.

We have the bonus joy of having our parents share the moment with us; it has been their faithful obedience that has given us the foundation from which we now make these steps.  In that same spirit, we are excited about how this will be a foundation that will lead to greater steps of faith in the lives of Grace, Titus, and Zeke.

Along with our parents, we will be surrounded by friends, co-laborers from 6th Ave, and those we have also inspired to follow the call of God within their own lives.  Among these will be Abby Smith (Colombia), Josh Weiger & his wife Audrey (Park Place), Bryan Kelsen (Pueblo, CO), James & Mary Alexander (6th Ave), Alexis (6th Ave), Jose', and Julie Nalbach (6th Ave & WITC).  Each of these will represent you as they surround us and lay hands on us for the commissioning prayer--thank you all for your love, support, and ongoing prayers.

Overdue Thank You

  In more ways than one, these past few weeks have been an extended trip down memory lane—last Sunday was a prime example.  For the first time in over 20 years, I walked into the church I grew up in on a Sunday morning.  As we parked at the Church at the Crossing in Indianapolis, I didn’t know where to go—the missions’ pastor, Andrew Gale, said to meet in the main lobby—but what was the main lobby when I grew up was now the Children’s lobby!  
  We found our way, and the first order of business was to meet and hug my children’s S.S. teacher, retired Army Colonel Mable Collette—the only adult brave enough to teach the “rowdy 5” (a group of boys all born within a few months of each other).  I don’t know who was more excited to see who—I delighted in introducing her to Keli and my boys, while she eagerly took me around to introduce me to her friends and one of the pastors.  It was too long a wait to say, “Thank You”, but I am glad I had the opportunity.
  While sharing in various groups, i learned that the father of one of the "rowdy 5" was hospitalized down the street from the church.  Jeff & Sharon Long had been good friends of my parents, and like any set of good church friends, that meant they were involved in loving, teaching, correcting, and giving to me as well.  It was Father's Day, and i was so close--it had been more than 20 years since i last saw either of them--but i had to go.  Walking into the hospital room, i didn't quite know what to expect--but the silence broke when Sharon's jaw dropped as she said, "Kenny?", which gave way to a delighted squeal of laughter and quick hugs.  We reminisced together and caught one another up on our families.  I was able to pray with them, and before going to share my appreciation for their love and their special place in our family's life. 
  Though this journey has felt like limbo lately, there has been great joy in reconnecting with those who have been a part of our faith journey.  We have been blessed to have known and been influenced by wonderful people, friends and family--we may not be able to see each one, but for each who has given, and loved, and shared with us along the way: THANK YOU!

Tiger Game movie

our time in downtown Motown, 

memorialized in a Thank You to Tim for the great seats at Comerica Park :)

The Spirit of Detroit

Small town boy met a girl from Detroit--minus the smoking room, Journey almost had it right.  Along the way, i've fallen in love my wife's hometown--it was great to show the boys downtown Detroit yesterday.

And right there in the middle of a city that may represent the "best" example of the hard times of our current economy has suffered, was the sculpture and inscription that may best provide the formula for the better future we all desire.  "The Spirit of Detroit" has been seen by countless numbers in commercials, movies and other media presentations, but i don't think i am the only one who never new about its inspirational meaning, sitting inscribed right in front of the sculpture.   Created by Marshall Fredericks and dedicated in 1958, i wonder how many political activist groups would attempt to block this statement today--and yet, today is when we need its wisdom the most...

"The Spirit of Detroit"

The inscription on the symbol wall is from

II Corinthians 3:17, 'Now the Lord is that Spirit and 

where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.'

The sculpture by Marshall Fredericks was designed

to continue the thought conveyed by the inscription

and reflects in its conception the spirit underlying

all human ideals--the relationship of God to man.

The main figure represents the spirit of man, in his

left hand he hold a symbol of God, and in his right

hand, a family group: father, mother, and child.

The artist expresses the concept that God through

the spirit of man is manifested in the family, the

noblest human relationship.

And what a fitting monument and inscription from my wife's hometown--for it is with my wife that the Lord blesses us with such a wonderful family and inspires us to His noblest purposes.

Oh, Canada!

We left Detroit and spent a night at Niagara, showing the boys and myself the spectacular falls for the first time.  I was also struck by how commercial tourism had capitalized by creating a Gatlinburg-type stretch called Clifton Hill -- whereas Gatlinburg is stretched for miles in the Smokey Mountains, the Niagara version has nearly all the same attractions crammed within about 5-6 blocks!

We went from there to Toronto, but on the way stopped into see our friend Chris, his wife Hennie, and their 4 children who played great hosts to the boys, wearing them out to all sorts of games and activities.   We, meanwhile, caught up on the lives of our friends and shared great moments sharing the joys and challenges of ministry, parenting, and transitions that we each face.  It was a special time.
 
And now we've just concluded a wonderful weekend in Toronto and the fabulous Fairview Church of God, pastored by Rev. Roger and Deanna Bitner.  We had met the Bitners, and consequently learned of this unique and diverse congregation, several years ago through the annual ChoG Pastor & Spouse Roundtable Retreats.  Roger and Deanna had graciously invited us to visit them in years past and our new assignment gave us not only an opportunity to take them up on that offer but to share with Fairview Congregation.

The bountiful Bitner bread and breakfast was more than a wonderful retreat for Keli, the boys, and i as we were served wonderful preserves from their beautiful garden and fruit trees that gave us also provided us nature's entertainment with visiting birds, squirrels, and even a raccoon!  We are very grateful for the hospitality and friendship of the Bitners.

What makes the Fairview Congregation unique is the cultural and racial diversity--members from Sri Lanka, Mexico, Guyana, several islands of the West Indies, and many more countries wonderfully gather in fellowship, worship, and service to their equally diverse city of Toronto.  Though we had just a brief visit to Toronto, it does not take you very long to see how nearly every culture of the world is represented within this population providing truly unique experience for the senses as you encounter new smells, textures, sights, and sounds through the busy streets.

Appropriately, we shared about the Revelation 7 vision of God's people at His throne from every tribe, every nation, every language--and for that to be actualized in the future, God's people now have to embrace an apostolic calling to cross man-made borders and barriers to share the Good News with those unlike themselves (Romans 1:5).

Oh Canada--oh that all our churches so wonderfully represented the diversity of God's people as the Fairview Congregation does each week.
(additional pictures will be posted to our June pics page soon...)

graduation and appreciation

we've made it to Detroit, Michigan where Keli's sister Kathy and her family live.  Keli's nephew Jake graduated Sunday night and there was a huge shindig at their neighborhood's lake Saturday afternoon.

we're here to express congratulations to Jake who is quite an exceptional young man having led his high school swim team to state championship meets and earning his pilots license this year.  this is a joyous family occasion--joined with Frank & Pat, and Keli's sister Cheryl and husband Cliff who flew in from Adelaide, Australia where he has been working since last fall; (we've missed them and we're glad they will be heading back to Alabama later this week).

but, we're also here in appreciation of Jake who threw a great benefit auction and dinner at his church that raised about $1000 for our startup funds.  we worshiped with their congregation and had the opportunity to answer questions from the generous families who gave at that event.

it's also important family visit time as we don't know how many more opportunities we will have to take in time together or times in the midst of Michigan green grass and trees :)  speaking of taking in the green grass, i was also able to play a round of golf with Frank and Bob today.  Bob, in addition to he and his wife Jan's generous support of our family, also provided for our golf game.  it was a great little diversion--my first round in well over a year--how'd i do? well, i had 3 birdies and 3 pars--but, the rest was not so great!  pics will be posted from our time tubing behind Mike's boat as well...

Grace will head back to Alabama tomorrow for camp and a few days with my sister; meanwhile Keli, the boys, and i head off to Canada today.  thanks for your continuing prayers on our behalf...