{ mini-update | 9 March 2025 }
Today I am basking in the glow of a beautiful weekend. I attended the 4th almost-annual "Living Well" retreat at Ingalls Creek in central Washington, and it was a powerful experience. Loud laughter, deep sharing, and life-giving community. The two dozen or so in attendance were all people who have featured significantly in different parts of my life. Long-time friends from church. Comparatively new friends from previous "Living Well" retreats. Missionary friends Andrew and Amy who were instrumental in connecting me to my anticipated ministry in Prague (who, in a bit of uncanny symmetry, recently relocated to Ingalls Creek, while I will be occupying Andrew's desk space in Prague). And also the surprise of a few fellow travelers from the "Venture for Christ's Vision," a transformative six-week excursion I participated in through Asia and Europe back in 1987—nearly 40 years ago.
It felt a bit like an episode of This Is Your Life. (I've never actually seen the show, but I've seen it parodied.)
I had an opportunity to share this morning a little bit about the journey that God has walked me through the past few years, and afterward there was a time of spontaneous prayer in which they came up, laid hands on me, and prayed.
It struck me that I wasn't just leaving, I was being sent. These past weeks I have been grieving—or at least anticipating grieving—the community that I am about to leave behind. And that grief is not wrong or inappropriate. But this weekend added a different, joyful layer to that grief. I am leaving, yes, but I'm not leaving alone. I felt commissioned in the most basic sense of the word—co-missioned. We are co-missionaries. And so it is for any of you who have encouraged me, walked with me, prayed for me, and supported me in any number of ways.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. When I think about the people in my life, I realize I have an embarrassment of riches.

My Latest Prayer Letter (Click Image):

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I've been so incredibly blessed by the generosity of so many people. Overwhelmingly blessed. As of this writing, I've got only about $1200 per month still remaining to reach my full support of $5000 per month. To make a donation OR a pledge toward my financial support, visit alongside.org/donate. (To see my latest financial update, click here.)