The holidays are over, a new year is now in full swing and people all over the country are back to work or school. The weather here in Los Angeles has been cold by our standards and a bit strange in many other parts of the nation. The promise is that as all things in life, “This too, will pass”. I am finding in my life the extreme swings are not just about the weather. Let me share a few random experiences in our life that have left me feeling both sad and hopeful in this 2007.
Our kids came “home” for a late Christmas (December 28th) and left. I say “home” because this is the second house we have lived in here in Southern California and, as last year, it was the first time our children have been in it. The extreme emotional swing we experienced from having them here and their departure took us by surprise and we had to deal with the post holiday blue funk for a few days.
Each year around the end of December and the first couple of weeks of January, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries across the nation host student conferences. This year, more then 2400 students and leaders attended. This is a key time for inspiration, training, and community building within the local ministries. This year was particularly exciting for me because we were able to have a training component at every conference with a focus on international student friendship ministry. I personally had the privilege of participating in two of these conferences, one in Butte, Montana and the other in Rochester, Minnesota. It is so exciting at these events to interact with leaders and students who are catching the vision and share the stories of authentic relationship being formed with internationals who have come on to their campus and into their lives. It is even more exciting to meet international students who have become followers of Christ and are taking seriously the challenge to be leaders and disciple-makers themselves.
Last week I received an email about one of our long time friends and fellow missionary who is battling cancer. Unless God intervenes, Shannon will leave us soon. Please pray!
Chi Alpha Executive Leadership Team
Sandwiched in between the two cold climate conferences I taught at, was a quick trip and meeting in the warm and beautiful city of Sedona, Arizona with the national leadership team and our newly appointed Area Directors for Chi Alpha. This was a very important meeting and the new organizational structure could very well be one of the most significant changes to move Chi Alpha forward. Yet I know change can be painful. (By the way, yes we did take time to play just a bit!) One of the most humbling experiences was to receive over 60 emails during our time there from leaders in Chi Alpha, letting us know they were praying for our time together and share their appreciation and excitement for the new leadership.
In the house, we have begun a small investigative bible study with some friends from northern Asia. We have begun in Genesis and will do a 12 week overview of the main theme of the bible. It is so fun to share with our friends for the first time the stories of creation. Their interest and questions are amazing and really keep me and Gwen on our toes.
Thank you for your prayers! I realize, just like us, you too are going through situations that perhaps cause you some sadness and others that bring you joy. Just remember with all things “This too, will pass.”