Mail delivery

July 7, 2018

There’s a letter for me! An unknown student of a Christian school in the United States reminded me of how encouraging a little bit of communication can be. Speaking of which, it has been one of my goals to send postcards to my supporters. I’ve picked out a handful that don’t seem completely tourist-y, and […]

Running out of trumpets

February 26, 2018

Packing a trumpet to Brazil was a little tricky. There wasn’t any room to put it in checked luggage, and who wants to trust various airlines with checking something as delicate as a musical instrument anyway? But to bring it as a carry-on could mean sending my laptop into the checked luggage, which I’m also […]

Christmas on the river

January 5, 2018

The adventures began at the first airport. The flight was delayed due to weather, and I got a new itinerary right away, expecting to miss the first connection in Chicago. Though the airline wasn’t able to provide free rooms to the many, many affected people, they did provide cots and bags of toiletries to ease […]

Why Brazil? A list of 8 reasons

May 5, 2017

Life is full of possibilities. How is it that I have chosen to go to Brazil? 1. A personal need to serve Jesus told all His disciples to go and make more disciples. Each person had unique character traits and gifts that equipped them to carry out their commission in a uniquely effective way. Peter’s […]

Change in plans; trip delayed

March 11, 2017

Today I was planning on being on the road to Arkansas. March weather has interfered with threats of rain, snow and ice. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Thanks be to God for His direction.

The Problem with Prayer

January 10, 2017

Have you ever been talking to someone on the phone, only to realize that the connection has been lost? Sometimes prayer feels that way. While I’m praying through a list of people and things, giving thanks and asking for help, the feeling creeps up that I’m putting someone to sleep (actually, if it’s the first thing in […]

Trip plan: Henderson

December 8, 2016

Henderson is the place to be this December. A friend from college pastors the church there, and has invited me to share this coming weekend. I’m looking forward to spending time with his family as well as being thankful for an opportunity to share my mission with more of God’s people. This week I was invited […]

Halloween meditations

November 8, 2016

How was your Halloween? I have never done much to celebrate that day, but this year I made cookies and listened to music while waiting for neighbors to visit. Which is to say, I got sit on the couch and eat cookies with no interruptions to my thoughts. I don’t know my neighbors very well. […]

They that work, as not working

September 17, 2016

There is little more satisfying than a job well done. Finishing a day of hard work makes me feel like I’ve earned an evening of rest. Conversely, there’s not much worse than an impending deadline to take the joy out of relaxing. The knowledge of homework due on Monday has plagued many a weekend during my school […]

The importance of being educated

August 27, 2016

New Tribes provides a comprehensive education for their tribal missionaries. Through the Bible Institute and Missionary Training Center (MTC), each laborer is equipped to understand and teach the Bible, as well as the special skills required to live with and minister to an isolated people group. You know, things like learning to speak and build a house. […]