Joys and Challenges in Returning to Athens

I’ve had a good first week back in Athens. I’ve gotten good time with my team. It’s not too hot. People are on vacation so things aren’t so busy. I’ve shopped at the outdoor farmer’s market twice. I made it to the beach on Tuesday. My Greek friends and I are exchanging encouraging messages on Facebook and Skype. My living room has been painted and I’m unpacked. Pictures are about to be hung. I’m excited about getting settled.

A number of you have asked about the fires around Athens. We saw lots of smoke, but not flames. Some friends of mine who live north of town were awakened before six in the morning and told to pack up and get out of their house. Fortunately, their house wasn’t burned. We’re east of town and weren’t effected other than smelling smoke and cleaning up ash that settled on our furniture.

We know to expect challenges when moving back into a foreign country. Things cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more than we think, appliances, phones, and internet don’t work the way we think they will, we can’t get cash fast enough to pay the bills that have accumulated, we’re awake until three in the morning with jet lag. The Lord has been gracious in all of these things in the last week and a half. He’s working them out and I’m grateful.

I’m praying that He continues to make our paths straight and to prepare us and Greek students to reveal Himself to us this school year.

Finishing Up and Heading Back

What a great summer!

It's been so good to get time with family and friends after being overseas. I've loved being in my home state, enjoying the mountains and people I love.

I so enjoyed our summer project in San Diego-- what an honor to see God move among people who are taking steps of great faith! I loved learning more about the Lord together. I loved talking with people about His love and abundant life in Him. I loved seeing Him change lives.

During our project, we got to talk with nearly 11,000 people about Christ and His forgiveness and great love for us. 82 of those people placed their faith in Him. We helped the San Diego campus team with ministry on four campuses and saw incredible results: we're connecting them with 1,500 of our friends, 300-400 of them who want to be part of a group on campus. 20-30 students said they'd like to help lead a group on their campus. A group of those students, along with a faculty member, met to begin their own group at Grossmont College before we left. It was amazing!

In July, my parents and I got to help train our stint (short-term, one-year mission) team leaders who are taking teams to share the good news about Jesus all over the world. I loved hearing their stories of trusting God for more than they can see in their lives, on their teams, and in these countries.

I just visited our briefing for all of our stint teams-- those who are going to the campuses of the world for a year. I met my team of one-year stinters that will be in Athens. I enjoyed them so much and am looking forward to our year together.

In the next couple of weeks I want to share stories of individual lives with you on this blog. I think they will encourage you as they've encouraged me.

I fly to Athens on Thursday. Would you pray with me...

• for good time with family and friends in these last few days here.
• for safe travel.
• for a guy to rent a room in my basement and for a good property manager for my house in Greeley.
• for the Lord to prepare our team for His work this fall. For Him to bear fruit in us and for Him to bear fruit through us to bring His life to students in Athens.

Thank you so much!

Returning to San Diego and a visit in Grand Junction

I'm writing from an airport, excited to touch down again in San Diego. I've heard stories of students growing in their faith. I've heard stories of others trusting Christ through their conversations about Him. I've heard stories of students in San Diego making plans to continue the work our students have begun-- reaching out to others year- round with His life-giving love. I can't wait to see them all in person!

Please pray...
-for our week as we close down the summer project. I'm praying that we'll walk closely to the Lord, enjoy one another, finish our work efficiently, and encourage those we leave in San Diego to continue His work there.

-that He'll prepare us as we return home for the same kind of rich life and ministry we've experienced on summer project.

Next weekend I'll get time with friends in Grand Junction. I'll share about our ministry on Sunday the 9th and will provide lunch for anyone who wants to hear more after the second service. If you're in town, I'd love for you to come!

I'm so grateful for you!