I REALLY Do NOT Like This!

In my home country, the United States, as well as in the country where I live, Peru, there is something that I am really sick of.  In fact, I think I hate it.  It is the false doctrine known as the “prosperity” or “health and wealth” gospel.  Of course its proponents say it is “the [...]

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians…

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians… is also my prayer for myself and my fellow Christian brothers and sisters.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in [...]

Christ and Culture

One of the questions that a missionary (and a Christian for that matter) must ask himself regularly is “how am I relating my faith in Christ to the culture around me?”  This question is more complicated for me now as a missionary in a major city where I can choose to live “like a american” [...]

Lamenting Limited Connectivity

I hate to say it but I’m addicted.  I can’t believe how differently my life feels when I don’t have a reliable and steady internet connection.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for the limited access we have, but I certainly look forward to having my regular “set up” at our permanent residence here in [...]

The Challenge of Poverty

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  (Luke 6:20, ESV)

As Jenny and I continue our ministry here in Peru and look toward our ministry in Bolivia, a common thread runs deeply throughout both people groups… poverty.  Because I don’t know the particulars of how life will be in Santa [...]

ESV Study Bible… an initial review

As an international missionary, I didn’t get my hands on my copy of the ESV Study Bible until my parents visited earlier this month.  I hold it in my hand now, it’s calfskin cover a secret “upgrade” Christmas present from my wife.  At over 2,7oo pages, I can’t say I’ve read every word, but I [...]

Only in the Valley

As many of you have noticed in our blog posts, our transition to Chiquian, Peru, was a difficult one.  And while I’m sure more difficulties will come, we are doing much better now.  During this process of establishing our lives in Peru for a year of mentoring, I feel as though we have learned several [...]

Growing Again

I want to share with you about the goodness of the God that I serve.  I risk a bit of transparency in sharing this but He is indeed worthy.  I have a “private blog” that I right in occasionally as a “spiritual journal/prayer journal”.  Here is an excerpt from my writing this morning:
I feel like [...]

Who I am… Who I want to be

When I first became a youth pastor, I felt unworthy to serve God in this capacity.  When I first became a pastor, I felt unworthy.  When I was commissioned with the IMB, I felt unworthy.  Why?
Well, in truth, I was, and am, unworthy.  In fact, not only am I unworthy to serve God, but I [...]

To a Great Church

Once in a while, I must take an opportunity to write a special note to those churches back in the USA that support us financially and with prayer support.  We are blessed to be supported by Southern Baptists as they faithfully give to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  We are also [...]