Home...alone.

My family is currently spread across three continents. I am blessed to be holding down the fort (i.e. watering the flowers, mowing the lawn, and chasing the dogs) in Milford, IN. It's 92 degrees and 46% humidity today, yet each member of my family is probably dealing with more of each.

It is humbling to write that my family is all over the world. I realize we are very fortunate to be able travel, see, and experience so much. I understand that many cannot do the same (or maybe have no desire). But, I know that through these experiences we have been changed a lot. We have seen poverty, hunger, filth, hurt, and sin all over the world. Likewise, we have seen beautiful mountains, gorgeous lakes, endearing smiles, hopeful energy, and Christ at work.

We've seen joy. We've seen sadness. All of these things have affected the way we view the world and the way we view people. These experiences have affected the way we view our neighbor.

Hopefully, we will never take for granted these experiences or begin to feel entitled. I know that I am grateful.

If you get a chance today, pray for my family. You can check in to see how things are going in the Dominican Republic and Nepal/Bangladesh at the sites below:

Kory, Alison, Mom, and Dad
Kalyn Marie

May every experience you have to see more of the world alter the way you view your world, your neighbor, your family, your life.

A People Loved

Check out this website: Apeopleloved.com
A lot of interesting info on Islam and its influence in SE Asia.

I recently received an email with this report from my friends in SE Asia:

Kara lives in one of the island villages and recently had some believer friends staying with her family. One night, one of these friends (who comes from a Muslim background) said that he would like to study the Qur'an with Kara to explain how she could be sure about going to heaven. The following evening, when Kara's parents went out to tend the family store, Kara was home alone with her friends. They sat down for the first study of the Qur'an, and her friend led her through the Qur'an pointing to Isa Almasih (Jesus the Messiah) as the only hope for salvation and the Bible as the book of truth. Kara had many questions and the next morning she asked if she could continue to study the Qur'an and the Bible with her friends.

Though her friends have now left the island, Kara regularly sends text messages asking about different verses in the Qur'an about Jesus.

* Praise God for Kara's interest and desire to seek the truth.
* Pray that the Lord will work in Kara's life, that He will send dreams that will lead her to Jesus.
* Pray that God would protect Kara from distraction and spiritual attack in this time of seeking.
* Pray that the rest of Kara's family will also come to faith.

This is so encouraging to me as it is evidence that the Gospel is breaking through in this part of the world. I was there this past January and I hope to go back soon, but if you are one that spends time praying for the world, add SE Asia and the Muslim people as well as those ministering to them to your prayer list.

Reaching the Unreached of Maasailand

Caleb Bislow is beginning the process of taking the gospel to the unreached peoples of Kenya. This is so cool and something worthy of joining hands with.

My friends and the Barbarian Way

My friends are crazy...

...and I love it!

Ted's living and working amidst a variety of hurting and lost people in Chicago.
Emily is currently in Nepal working with and for victims of sex traffiking.
Ging is in the Dominican Republic with Score International.
Chacko is leaving for South Korea in 2 days.
David Nay is heading to England with Operation Mobilization.
David Ridenour will soon be on his way to China for a year.
David "Frenchy" Mercier will be moving to Russia for 9 months.
Andrew's going to Nepal in the Fall.
Kory's going to Ecuador in 2 weeks.
Others are going elsewhere.
Others are staying.
I'm going to Upland (crazy, I know!)

I say none of this to mean that you have to go overseas to be crazy. In fact, sometimes it's hardest to be "crazy" right where you are most comfortable. And maybe sometimes that's where this craziness is most needed. I'm reminded once again, and I feel strongly about this, that I must LIVE the Barbarian Way (thanks go to Erwin McManus). This word "barbarian" may freak some out, but what I mean is that...

I must be different.

I must take risk.

I must love recklessly.

I must be bold.

I must be humble.

I must have hope.

If I say I'm with Jesus, I must be crazy about him and for him.

We must do this!

Some of my friends are trying to do this.
Am I trying to do this?
Are you trying to do this?
Right now. Right where you are.
Do something crazy.