At work in Africa

February 21, 2018

I think that in the days before I left home for Africa, I must have said to Julie at least three times, “I like being overseas. It’s the getting there I’m not fond of.” Suffice it to say, that was even more true this time. But I must say, being rerouted onto Emirates was a […]

Bound for Africa

February 15, 2018

This weekend I leave for more than three weeks in Africa. And as I said before, I’ll be taking on a different role on this trip: photography and video. I’ve taken photos and captured video of our organization’s work before. For instance, I gathered the story and photos when I went to Thailand a year […]

Updates on ministry, son

January 25, 2018

Heading back to Africa At the end of February I’ll be going back to Africa. This time, I’ll be in East Africa to bring back stories of God working through an alliance of missionaries and local churches to begin the long process of making disciples among unreached people groups. Please pray for the details to […]

Son awaiting surgery

January 8, 2018

Thank you so much for your prayers and notes of encouragement. It seems amazing to me that our son Evan is on the (long) road to (apparently) a complete recovery after hitting a rock headfirst while skiing last week. He’s been sitting up, eating, walking, talking clearly and remembering everything. He’s supposed to be transferred […]

I don’t paint fingernails

January 4, 2018

The cry from down the hall chilled me to the bone. “Bapa, do my nails!” my 4-year-old granddaughter called. I don’t do nails. I had already told her that Bapa – what she’s called me since before she could say Grandpa – doesn’t do makeup. That was when she called me into her room and […]

24 hours later

March 23, 2016

We’re scheduled to arrive in the capital of a West African nation on Wednesday evening, local time. Since the city’s been called the Paris of Africa, I imagine the city will be vibrant. Since I will have spent the last 24 hours in airplanes and airports, I imagine I will not be. Pray that we […]

The Focus of Prayer

May 26, 2015

Prayed for yourself lately? You probably have. We all do. We’re supposed to. But there are two important parts of prayer we often miss, or come at the wrong way. Balancing those three elements is the point of a devotional I’m finishing up for New Tribes Mission, The Focus of Prayer. The Kindle version will […]

Leaving tomorrow …

October 9, 2014

Tomorrow – Friday, Oct. 10 – Ian leaves for California and Mexico. Please pray for: Good, safe, smooth travels – and the wisdom and patience to see God at work and be part of His plan if the travels are not smooth. A good time of catching up Jackie, our oldest daughter, and the folks […]

Good news edition

June 27, 2013

Good news on our vehicle With my daughter and her family here from China for the summer, and our only vehicle being a 2-door subcompact, we had a problem. God provided through friends at church for them to rent a car for the summer. Thank you, folks, and thank you, Lord. This means that all […]

Back safely

June 24, 2013

We arrived back in Florida late Sunday night. There were no new issues with the car. We just got a few more laughs out of the windshield wipers. Trying to get them to stop at the bottom of the windshield reminded me a bit of playing pinball – which I have never been particularly good […]