Let's start at the very beginning...

Here's where the recent journey towards Wycliffe Bible Translators began.

God was so gracious to us on the trip to Ukraine in August. Our travels were smooth, all luggage arrived, we were generally healthy enough to do all we intended to do. The conference went well, we interacted with such wonderful folks who have made Ukraine their home and place of ministry, and everything seemed to be going just fine on my fifth visit there.

One afternoon during the conference, I had opportunity to take a walk with Steve & Nancy Wooden in the city center of Lviv. We reached Veronika (wonderful place, but that's another story for another day!) and stopped for a break. During our chat, Steve challenged me to consider coming to Ukraine long-term to do behind-the-scenes work, similar to my role now at Faith Church.

Wow. From my perspective, that question came out of nowhere! I told Steve & Nancy it just felt like the "wrong time." After all, I had my plans already made.

You see, right before heading to Ukraine, I had sold my condo that had been on the market for a year and put an offer on another house. I knew things were on hold because of some complications, but there was every indication the offer would be accepted. Having a new house that I would need to sell just didn't make sense to me. "Besides," I told them, "I am getting too old." (Yes, I said that.)

So, I did make a mental note of Steve's challenge, and I did keep thinking about it, but had basically ruled it out. The trip concluded smoothly with only one flight delay on the last leg. We arrived home late on August 18.

I'm back!

If you followed this blog before, you probably thought I had abandoned it.

No. There just weren't enough details in place to share with you about how God answered your prayers for the trip to Ukraine in August. Now, there is plenty to tell!

This week, I have been approved as a candidate for membership with Wycliffe Bible Translators. I am in the process of pursuing approval to join the Global Outreach family of Faith Church.

The past five months have been an amazing journey. I am excited to share it with you. And, I have a feeling the journey is just beginning.

Prayer Request - August 8-18

This coming Saturday, I have opportunity to leave for a 10-day trip to Ukraine. I will be going with a 9-member team from Faith Church in Indianapolis to help facilitate a conference for SEND International missionaries in that country. Our team will provide children's programming, birth through High School and will also lead worship and provide preaching for the adult sessions. Our goal is to serve the missionaries in any way we are able as they meet together for a time of encouragement and renewal.

In the providence of God, the funding for my trip (and for the entire team now!) has all been provided. We would not consider going though without the prayers of God's people on our behalf. Would you pray with us...

- For safety in travel and for all the luggage to arrive with us - much of the luggage will contain supplies to help facilitate the conference

- For health for the team and for the missionaries and their families

- For good communication and Christ-like testimony with the hotel staff where the conference will be held

- For quality time and interactions - the missionaries with each other, as they only gather like this once a year; and us with them

- That we would minister well to these servants of God

- For our families here at home while we are away

- For grace-filled attitudes with each other as we are in close proximity and new circumstances

We depend on the grace and strength of God and know that only by His power and your prayers will He be glorified as we go.

Thank you in advance for your part in this work as you pray.

Happy 21st

Happy Birthday, Rachel.  Here's the first pic I have of you.  I think we have all changed, huh? :-)

Love you, see you, bye.

AL

Why We Do It

One of the things on my mind as I walked the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) today was wondering why people do it?  It is always so interesting to listen to conversations of others as we walk along.  My walking buddy and I are neither one all that talkative when engaged in a task, so we both get some grins and giggles listening to other folks around us.

For some, it's all about conquering some previous health struggle and the motivation that provides for them.  For others it was just the "Indy Spirit" thing to do.  Folks on the sidelines are there for different reasons and cheer us on in a variety of ways - "garage bands" of all types, dogs in sunglasses, high-fives from little guys, cowbells, red/white/ blue "clappers"; volunteers with water and gatorade and participant medals; National Guardsmen pointing the way to the showers and the finish line.

For me, it's the motivation that keeps me moving all year long.  I know that if I don't walk regularly through the course of each year and if I don't train properly, January through April, I will "die" when it comes to the Mini.  The exercise should be a regular part of my life anyway - the Mini is just the "hammer" over my head to keep me on task.

The joke at dinner last night was about the details that are important to me as I approach this day.  I can tell you how many miles I need to walk each week since January. I can also tell you exactly when I want to eat half of a powerbar along the way, which stops are for gatorade and not water (I prefer gatorade), and where the restrooms are.  I know every specific piece of clothing I intend to wear and why, and depending on the temperature, which shirt I will wear and "throw away" along the way as things warm up.  I came to the conclusion that if I were that careful with other areas of my life, I might be much more successful in some of them!

When I got home, I registered for next year - May 8, 2010.  It's all about the motivation for me.  It's a good discipline for me to do, and a generally fun experience.

I likely will take Monday off, though. :-)