Final Stretch

Things are so ready to take off here.
We're like archaeologists dusting off bones,
uncovering what God already put in the ground.
The vision cast last spring is coming to life.
Flesh on bones. Fossilization in reverse.

In January, when monthly 'preview services' start,
we will see a new thunder-lizard live!

As mission developers, we meet so many people
Natalie and I are quickly coming up to speed
on what's what in our extended region.
And it is extended! People drive!!

God has blessed us - i.e. done us a big happy favor -
by connecting amazing people to our lives.

So many have welcomed us into their homes and lives
and answered God's promise that wherever we go
God will provide us with new family and friends.

Some unusual happenings...
a college student from India is living with us.
I've been in community theatre, and
we're helping start a new soccer program with area churches.

I find the area's successful congregations,
who know what they're doing and doing it well,
are incredibly generous and supportive of our new work.

We're still looking for places to meet.
But I'm not going to turn that opportunity,
of not being down to one area or building,
into an obstacle.

They say, 'Patience is waiting on God's timing.'
It's scary, but I'm trusting God is working
in the roving chapel concept we follow.

If people won't come to the church,
then the church will come to the people.

And a wonderful teacher developed an innovative web site,
limited only by my material, which will soon improve : )
LutheranChapel.net

It's true I told three bishops I wouldn't do a parachute drop...
and that this is a parachure drop (where we're not only
kicked out of a plane at 20,000 feet and building our
own parachute as we fall to the ground,
but we're loving it!

We have the exciting opportunity as St. Paul said,
to not build on any one else's foundation.

And with the incredible re-alignment of international
denominational partners, this is an excellent time
to be a new pastor in Christ's universal church!