Something to Laugh About

What would you think about a person who manipulated circumstances to get their way, who was prone to jealous fits, who mistreated the house keeper and worst of all, laughed at God?    Sarah, wife of Abraham was such a person.  I would wonder about someone like that. What was behind that laughter?  And how do you think God responds to it?
        

Ladies Gospel-Centered Life Group

Laura is facilitating a group of women from our Church through The Gospel-Centered Life course. The group has been great - a lot of meaningful sharing and personal insight for many.

We highly recommend The Gospel-Centered Life.  The truths taught in this course have impacted us personally and are a big part of our ministry to others.  Check it out for yourself and consider purchasing a copy by following this link: The Gospel Centered Life.

Four Qualities of Effective Missionaries

Bob attended RACE at World Team’s US Service Center in Warrington, PA last month. RACE (Reciprocal Assessment & Candidate Evaluation) is week of missionary assessment and orientation for people considering serving in cross-cultural ministry with World Team. This was my second opportunity to assist in leading RACE and, wow, am I impressed with the professional and diligent way in which RACE is conducted by my colleagues at World Team. 

Knee News

Life is different since Laura dislocated her knee back in October (see posts for November and December).  Physical therapy three days a week is the new normal for Mom.  It hurts ... and so do the bills!  We are learning that hospital gowns and insurance coverage have one thing in common - neither provides as much coverage as you want!

The doctor says that Laura is on track - its just a slow recovery.   She can now bend her knee 90 degrees and took her first "walk in the park" last week.  She did well, even though she was passed by a man who said he was turning 100 years old in a few months.

Trip Report: Italy

Little cars... rich history... new languages... great food... beautiful buildings.... Those are my impressions of Milan, Italy where I spent last week.  Milan is a great place to go.  Being a commercial and fashion center, it does not attract as many tourist as many other Italian cities.  Although, I certainly found it to have all the European charm you would expect. It is worth visiting.  The fact that you can be in the Alps in an hour is attractive enough for me!

"Plane" Talk

I met an interesting man on the plane on my way home from Italy.  Ed grew up in Brazil and presently lives in Oregon.  So he is a cross-cultural guy who does a good bit of traveling for his work.  I train missionaries and he trains medical workers.  We had a lot in common.  As we flew from NY to Atlanta we had a great talk about the unique challenges of "adult learning" and about how to train for long lasting results.  I gave Ed my card and hope he contacts me.  (are you out there, Ed?).  Ed is active in his church and is considering doing more cross-cultural ministry.  We talked about that, too.  As we were getting up to deplane, he said "I'll bet you really like your work".  He was right.  I do like the work I do.  (click here to learn more about what I do). Thanks to all of you out there who make it possible for me to be able to do what I enjoy so much!

New Year News

It's Not Fair!

Bob's latest article, "It's Not Fair!" was inspired by a poorly refereed soccer match our son Nathan played in.  You should have seen it.  So not fair!  Has life ever been unfair to you?  If so, see this article.  Learn how overrated fairness is according to one of Jesus' toughest parables.

"It's not fair!" is available for download at "Goodies to Download" above.  You will notice that I (Bob) have posted several other articles that I have written over the years on this page. 

Online Learning on Track

Jim Head and I are running the online course Gospel Foundations for the third time.  We continue to make small improvements in the course which has had a significant impact on those who have taken it so far.  I have two other courses in the queue.  They should be up and running this Spring or Summer.

Milan Italy - Coming right up!

In February, I will be in Milan, Italy for a week (tough, I know). I'll be visiting World Team colleagues who serve there.  But the main purpose of the trip will be to participate in a planning conference toward training World Team missionaries who are on the front lines establishing reproducing churches in 25 countries around the world.  I expect to come back with plenty of new exciting projects to work on.

Pray for: 

• Laura has started therapy for her knee and while it is difficult, she is making steady progress. Thank you for your prayers.
• A year ago this month our dear friends and partners in ministry Jim and Lynne Head lost their 16 year old son in an automobile accident.  Of course, it has been a very difficult year for them.  Would you pray for the Heads this month?