Posts on Brian Rupe's Blog

Why I am a Patriot

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:01:51 +0000

As a believer in Jesus Christ, is it also possible to be a lover of country? Paul teaches in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven. Is it possible that we are able to have duel citizenship, on earth and in heaven? Or are we to think of our nation as a type of Babylon in which we are held temporarily captive. When Joseph was sold into slavery, found living and even imprisoned in Egypt, what was his attitude toward his captors? Then, as fate would have it, he was raised up to be second in command over a great nation. How did Joseph understand his relationship as a citizen of Egypt? Did he see the faults of Egypt? Did he see that God had a purpose and a destiny for Egypt that would bless much of the known world? Did he understand also, that God had a purpose and destiny for his own life that was greater than Egypt or the sum measure of his own personal history? These are some of the questions to ponder as we consider how to identify as both a citizen of heaven and a citizen of an earthly nation.

With Jesus in the Boat

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:15:47 +0000

Matthew 8:24

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea . . .

There is a fun song we liked to sing at camp “With Jesus in the boat you can smile through the storm”. It was based on the story of a storm that came up on the Sea of Galilee and the frightened disciples awakened the sleeping Jesus with their cries for help. Jesus calmed the storm and than rebuked His disciples for having such little faith. Was there lack of faith because they could not calm the storm or because they were afraid of the storm? Will Jesus always calm the storm or does He sometimes want us to go through the storm and learn to trust Him?

Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:32:45 +0000

When I think about Jesus prayer regarding “unity” or “oneness” in John chapter 17, I am keenly aware of what must be a disconnect of my understanding of oneness, God’s truth regarding oneness and the reality on the ground amongst followers of Jesus. One principle in life I believe to be true and good is that of honoring others. This discipline of honoring parents, leaders, children and even cultures different than our own and a host of others is a way that values with weight the importance of another person, regardless of how they believe or even feel toward you or God. Instead of “canceling” another person because of the way they believe or behave, we embrace them as God’s creation, capable and lovable. Even God showed honor to every person in the world by sending His Son into the world, not to condemn but to save (John 3:17).

Looking Down, Looking Up

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 21:36:30 +0000

Looking Down, Looking Up

Psalm 40:12 “Innumerable evils have compassed me about . . .so that I am not able to look up . . .”

Hiking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) of northern Minnesota is almost always a rocky experience. In order to maintain your footing it is absolutely critical that you look down. At Camp du Nord, I helped develop two trails connecting a new property acquisition called Pine Pointe. One of the trails is affectionately referred to as the Goat Trail. It is the shortest distance between the properties, crossing rocky outcrops and shaky footholds. The second trail was carefully plotted out for it’s level terrain, and though longer, this trail can be enjoyed walking side by side with your companion. This is called the Pine Pointe Trail.

Cultivating A Culture Of Honor

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 15:32:55 +0000

In 2001 I faced one of the biggest challenges of my working career in YMCA camping. I had been asked, against my better judgment to lead one of the largest and most successful YMCA camp in New England. I would follow in the footsteps of arguably the best camp leader in the country, inheriting his staff, his facilities, his program and the camps overall reputation. It was indeed the most difficult six years of my life. It was during this time that Lynn (my wife) lost both of her parents, I lost my father, two good friends who had come to help lead this camp, left after three years. It was a real day-to-day grind. So, of course, it was a great learning experience as well.

Another Enoch Lesson

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 16:28:08 +0000

The Story of Enoch the Eagle

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Over the west bank of the Mississippi I spotted Enoch the eagle soaring in small circles a short distance above the shore. Around him were three crows screaming annoying “caws” and trying to disrupt his flight. I was to far away to notice the fish in his talons but it would be safe to assume that the menacing crows were attempting to steal a tasty morsel.

Enoch Part 8 - A New Beginning

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:35:00 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 8

II Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

Enoch felt bad that he had disappointed his dear leader Biff but something inside had shifted. A few days passed and, taking Amos’s advise he looked up and saw a beautiful soaring raptor. Even though Enoch believed he was a turkey, his true eagle eye sight had a very good view of this soaring eagle. He looked at the eagle and he looked at himself. He looked again at the eagle and looked again at himself.

Enoch Part 7

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 20:31:00 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 7

II Corinthians 4:3

. . . .the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ . . .

As Amos the Wise owl flew off into the sky, Enoch knew he was left with some serious thinking to do. Owls are wise, and this must be a voice to consider. He stretched his wings, looked up at Amos soaring in the sky and felt a sense of joy he had not felt before. It was impossible to describe the joy and it came as a surprise but it felt very good.

Enoch Part 6

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 20:27:00 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 6

Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way to death.

Enoch read all the self help books and listened to Biff’s advise but something was still not right. Every now and than he would stretch out his wings and feel the power of something he could not quite understand.

One day he heard a voice from above hoot down at him. An Owl called out to Enoch, “hey, what are you doing walking around on the ground with your head down.” Enoch explained that he was looking for acorns, as this is what a proper turkey eats for lunch. The owl began to laugh so hard he nearly fell out of the tree. Enoch did not understand what was so funny. The owl apologized for his abrupt response and introduced himself as Amos the Wise.

Enoch Part 5

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:24:00 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 5

John 10:4

. . . .the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

Many weeks past in Enoch’s life and it seemed that the harder he tried to be a good turkey, he was simply not able to succeed. He became more and more discouraged and depressed. One day he decided to go to a turkey bookstore and purchase a best selling self help book on how to succeed as a turkey. He put all the ideas into practice and it seemed to help a little but something was still not right.

Enoch Part 4

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:20:00 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 4

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit. . . .

Enoch’s new found “friends” began to question him about his life. He explained his eagle past, his parentage and desire for fish. The turkeys were very troubled. They had never met a turkey so deeply confused. They began to inform him of his turkey identity, explaining that he was not an eagle, as there was no such thing as an eagle. There is no such thing as soaring high in the sky or eating fish or growing up in a nest high in a tree. Enoch was pretty sure they were wrong but it was difficult for him to prove or explain his story.

Enoch Part 3

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 19:52:00 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 3

Proverbs 27:7

. . .to one who is hungry, everything bitter is sweet.

Enoch the fledgling eagle continued on his journey through the deep dark woods. As he wondered, he became increasingly hungry and tired. He could not find any fish or anything that even resembled fish. Off in the distance, a gang of turkeys were carefully observing Enoch and following quietly behind. The turkey gang leader, Biff engaged his fellow turkeys in a discussion and they decided that Enoch must be a misfit turkey that had lost his way and was perhaps, a little slow with the gobble.

Enoch Part 2

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 19:46:05 +0000

The Story of Enoch Part 2

Isaiah 55:2

“Why do you spend your money . . .and labor . . . for that which does not satisfy.”

Our fledgling Bald Eagle friend, Enoch, had become increasingly hungry and uncomfortable. The sparse meals from mom and dad were not enough to satisfy his taste buds so he hopped up to the edge of the nest, spread his wings and jumped. Unfortunately, Enoch was not quite ready to fly. Though he was approaching his eight-week old birthday, he had not stretched his wings enough, he had not flapped them up and down to strengthen his muscles, he had not studied the methods of flying that his mother and father had attempted to demonstrate for him. He was unprepared for flight.

Enoch The Eagle Part 1

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:25:11 +0000

In the early days of my service in the YMCA I was attempting to create devotionals and chapel services that would effectively communicate with children and families the principles of life from a scriptural perspective. It was also my understanding that illustrations from nature would provide an effective way of sharing truth that supports the biblical message and is, in so many ways, a living book that we are reading everyday.

Financial Coaching Launch

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 19:53:17 +0000

This week the blog is starting on a new site and I am beginning the launch of a new project - Financial Coaching. I must confess that I thought the idea of any kind of personal coach was a little bit weird. This past year, Dave Ramsey convinced me that there is great value in this kind of coaching and that I have the skill set to be able to help folks.

Have Your Victory

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 02:43:05 +0000

This was the prayer God had given me at a recent men’s retreat. Fifty of us had gathered the same weekend president Trump had declared a national day of prayer. This being in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus – covid 19. We had gathered as Way of the Lord men at Camp Koronis on Koronis Lake for a men’s retreat planned months earlier, not realizing we would be in prayer regarding the coronavirus that very weekend. These things do not just happen by coincidence. This was a divine appointment – this is the way of the Lord.

Finding the Sabbath

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

The leather bracelet purchased in the Christian gift shaped in Seoul that is owned and operated by ILF staff Jason’s father and mother.

Sabbath Rest

A greater Understanding

In my last blog I referenced the Institute of Light Finders and their vision to help children grow in spirit, mind and body through the avenue of play. Lynn, Amy and I have been watching the film series on the life of Christ called, “The Chosen” and I am really amazed at the depth of insight shown in the film. I especially enjoy watching Jesus’s interaction with children. It is what I had imagined; that He possesses a natural gift to be with children and enjoy children.

Striving for Rest

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Family of Jason and DaJeongFrom India to South Korea – Culture Shock at its Best!

The flight from Kolkata to India was via Hong Kong. Oh, this is great, the coronavirus is ramping up and my flight is through China. Well, let’s see what happens. I think I was the only person in the Hong Kong airport without a face mask. I decided everyone was making sure I didn’t get sick – thank you very much. I arrived in the Seoul airport and my host, HeeSung informed me that the main reason I was coming, to speak at a Hyundai Foundation youth leadership development event was cancelled due to the virus. However, everyone was very happy I was coming and the two days of talks for the Institute of Light Finders was still on. So, of course, the same mind battle kicked in that haunted me in India. I am in Seoul for two weeks and now the value of the resources and time spent are coming into question. Not from others but from within my own un-renewed mind.

The Battle is in the Mind

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 06:00:00 +0000

The other morning I woke up at 2:36 a.m.. Being in jet lag recovery mode I was wide awake so I got up and read Psalm 23:6. “ Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The Holy Spirit was showing me how His goodness and mercy had followed me through this recent trip to India and South Korea. One of my internal struggles during this trip was questioning my value. There is a cost of finances, time and personal sacrifice that goes into a trip such as this and I had to press through on a number of occasions regarding God’s calling and direction to send me.

Drive Safe Save Life

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Can you find safe drive save life

Safe drive, save life

The drive safe save life slogan is very popular signage on the back of many Kolkata buses, trucks and taxis. For some reason, the slogan finally stood out to me on my way to the Kolkata airport. The traffic was heavy, the Uber driver was pleasant but knew very little English so I had time to be alone with my thoughts.

Father is Watching Over Us

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 06:00:00 +0000

India Immersion Team 2020

Being in India has never been a personal goal of mine but wanting to be in God’s presence and living out his plan and purpose is too much fun to pass up. I think it was a hobbit who got caught up in an adventure against his own better judgement, who ended up being the hero in the story. Actually, we are all hero’s waiting to happen if you believe that a hero in a story is the person who faces challenges and finds grace to overcome.

In One Accord

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This is my 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

The idea of Christians being in one accord is a very powerful message of Jesus and the New Testament church. It is both powerful and elusive. What does being in one accord look like? What are examples of being in one accord? How do we become in one accord? How important is it, really, to be in one accord?

Recently, a leader from Uganda was sharing in our church fellowship a vision for the Body of Christ. The bottom line being, that Jesus, in His priestly prayer recorded in John 17 made it clear that being one with Him and one with one another is the only option we have.

Hold On Let Go

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Over the years, our family has had the blessing of moving around the country, finding ourselves in five different states over a 34-year period. In most of these states we lived in two or three different communities. One of the results of this lifestyle has been the opportunity to fellowship with a diversity of groups. In the process, we learned that Christian believers are very much similar in a good sort of way. Also, in numerous ways they have differing opinions and the sad part of all this is how easy it is to focus on the differences. The differences often become how people identify themselves and magnified as the main event.

Skip Wilke the WILLING Servant

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:00:00 +0000

For those reading this blog who have no idea who Skip Wilke is, let me just say that he is a dear friend who recently went home to his heavenly Father and who was an amazing example of the Father’s love to me.

Even as I am typing these memories of Skip, I was expressing frustration over the age and slowness of my mac computer. If Skip could have overheard my need for a computer, I would have seen one in a box, at my doorstep within the week. During my 12 years as executive director at Camp du Nord, Skip was always by my side and ready to do whatever it took to help me be successful. If he heard even the hint of a need he would do whatever was in his power to meet that need. I am sure there were times when he was unable or unwilling to meet the need, but somehow, he made me feel as if he was always ready and willing to jump into action.

The Fear of the Lord or Perfect Love?

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Kayla and Alejandra ministering to mothers and children in an Indian village.

Upcoming in November we will be helping with the FREEDOM Retreat. What is the Freedom Retreat? It is a weekend event intended to help people in their spiritual journey of healing and hope. As part of the retreat, participants are given the opportunity to receive a time of prayer and ministry. A small group of team members prepare for the retreat in a number of ways, including prayer, fasting and reading.

Shed

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +0000

If you Google square you will get a great deal of information about a little square device that can plug into your smart phone and take charges from credit cards. I have used this technology in selling items at craft shows and it works marvelously. However, that is not the square I was thinking about in the writing of this blog. When I was a youth we used the term “square” to mean that someone was old fashion or perhaps too conservative in their thinking. In construction projects, being square is certainly old fashion but not outdated. It is just as important to be square today as it was a thousand years ago.

The Cross the Friends and the Light

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 05:00:00 +0000

In Luke’s account of the crucifixion, (Luke 23:26), Simon of Cyrene was seized to carry the cross behind Jesus. In both the gospel of Matthew and Mark, this same account is given. However, in John, 19:17, the writer says that Jesus carried His own cross. After watching many movies and documentaries about the crucifixion of Christ, I was under the assumption that Jesus, having been beaten and whipped, was unable to carry His cross, so the soldiers found someone in the crowd to carry it for him. Perhaps this is an accurate projection of what happened, considering the fact that Jesus was fully man and had suffered a great deal. But I find it interesting that John says He carried His own cross.

New Adventure

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +0000

In my quest to be available to the Lord, I was wondering if I would one day find myself driving for the Amish. As you may be aware, the Amish people are a rather large group of families, living in about 17 different states in the US. Though there are many Amish, they live in small groups in rural communities. They have chosen an old fashion style of living and deprive themselves of many modern conveniences we take for granted. From a distance, folks may look at the Amish lifestyle and find it rather perplexing and odd. It is certainly not a lifestyle I would want to choose. Neither would I want to choose many other lifestyles. I enjoy being an American and embracing the many conveniences and opportunities presented.

Adventures With Kuk

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +0000

With the recent news coming out of Korea, I feel inspired to reflect on some of my experiences in South Korea, all of which have been associated with my dear friend Kuk Jai Chun, the founder of the Institute of Light Finders. This morning, after checking on the news associated with last night’s summit between our president and the leader of North Korea, I went to my Facebook sight and was greeted with this lovely photograph of an event that took place exactly one year ago. These three Korean ladies were on staff at Camp Fitch eight years ago. They worked very hard in the dining hall serving our campers and at the end of the summer were counselors for the Korean children that attend Fitch through ILF (Institute of Light Finders). At the end of the summer, they were able to travel with me to northern Minnesota for the 50th anniversary celebration of Camp du Nord. My oldest son, Jachin, who lives in Minneapolis was able to come with us as well. Du Nord is the camp where our family lived and worked throughout the 90’s and where our Korean connection grew so strong. Needless to say, in spite of them not knowing English, and us not knowing Korean, we had a great time together.

Still Waters

Thu, 17 May 2018 05:00:00 +0000

The walks down to Lake Erie have become a great treasure. Some days are cloudy and windy; others are cool and quiet. One of the great pleasures of the walk is the anticipation of what the lake will look like upon arrival. This memory often takes me back to childhood trips to the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The highlight of the summer was the short drive to the Lake. Sometimes going with the immediate family, sometimes with aunts and uncles, other times with friends. Someone planted a seed of mystery and anticipation in my mind. On the drive to the lake I would look at the tree branches to see how much wind was blowing, knowing that this would determine the condition of the waves. A few miles from shore, I would begin to see signs of sand dunes and be reminded of the great pleasure derived from running up and down the enormous dunes. One of my favorite memories was driving up over a small incline and suddenly seeing the vast blue waters that blended together with the hazy blue sky. We have arrived and oh what a good time awaited.

Look Behind You

Fri, 04 May 2018 05:00:00 +0000

How many times have you heard someone sharing their story and near the end they say, “and I never looked back.” My understanding is that they are communicating that they have no regrets about the decisions they made to get to where they are today. I am happy for them.

Sometimes, I look back. I wonder if I made the right decisions. Also, I like to look back and remember. In recent days I have realized more than ever how important it is to live in the present day. There is absolutely no value in worrying about the future, though wise planning for the future is a really important way to live. If Noah had not planned for the upcoming flood and built an ark, he would have been in big trouble. I wonder if he ever worried about the future – I am sure he did – and had to ask the Lord for help in this regard. So perhaps, there is a proper way to look ahead, a proper way to look back and a proper way to live in the moment.

Earthen Vessel Part 3: This Old House

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +0000

I was not intending to write a part three until recent events offered an opportunity I could not ignore. Lynn and I have always found great pleasure in taking old houses (another type of weak earthen vessel) and transforming them into something much better than what we started with. What some call “sweat equity” has been a particular calling that has been fruitful for us in multiple ways. Though our three sons may not fully agree, transforming the third floor of the St. Paul house was a great learning experience. All of the Rupe men stumbled down the third floor attic stairs covered with fine black dust during the demolition phase. Hopefully, none of us will have black lung disease as a result. Though we had the opportunity to build a new house for Camp Jewell in Connecticut, our first old rental property was purchased in Winsted. Our homes in Lafayette, Fridley, St. Paul, Ely and Fairview have all been significantly worked over. All of them, older earthen vessels, with great potential.

Earthen Vessel Part II

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Here is our team ordering chai on the street in Kolkata. The other photo is the discard bucket for the clay chai cup. My first chai experience in 2017, I was really fascinated by the cup. It was very small and easily the simplest clay vessel I had ever seen. It was also, in a certain way, my favorite clay vessel. I noticed that the chai vendor had a whole case of cups and by the way they were stacked I could tell that each one was slightly different than the next. At least in some way, they must be hand made.

Earthen Vessels Part One

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 06:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, March 4th, I will be marching forth at New Beginnings Church in Fairview to share some of my experiences in India. Anyone interested is certainly welcome to our 10:00 a.m. service. Part of my story will be an explanation of the clay chai cup. My introduction in this blog will be continued this Sunday morning. Please pray that I will have God’s ability as I share.

The Hope of India

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

In our last days in Kolkata, we met a few other young couples with a missionary calling. One couple was from Argentina, the wife is a physician and the husband a photographer. They were spending several months in Kolkata to search for their specific calling and were only a few days away from a trip home, very enthusiastic about raising support and returning as soon as possible. He shared with me that he had seen many missionary videos showing the desperate needs in India but believed God was leading him to create a video showing the hope of India. As he shared his heart, I could tell that he wanted to approach his calling from a position of hope and faith, not out of pity or desperate need.

An Interesting Sign In India

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Waiting for a bus in Kolkata, I noticed a sign in bold letters, “ WILD ASS SANCTUARY”. I could not help but laugh out loud and was sure the Lord must have a message for me. My imagination pictured a church sanctuary with a really intense outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, I felt a little guilty because my mother would never want me to use the “A” word or laugh at someone who did. Sorry mom, on this one I think the Lord wanted to use humor to speak to my heart. I imagined an unbeliever who was at the meeting showing up at a bar late that night and describing his experience at the wild ass sanctuary. Of course, there must be an area somewhere in India where you can go to see wild asses or what we would prefer to call donkeys. The bus station was offering guided trips to this area.

Flee From Idols

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

One of the wonders of India are it’s many languages. Though Hindi and English are prominent, in Kolkata, Bengali is an official language and the Muslim population uses Urdu. Kolkata is in the state of West Bengal and to the east is Bangladesh. Bill, our team leader, will be traveling with Rosia to the state of Nagaland so that Rosia can spend the next month serving at a ministry center before returning to Mexico. Nagaland is one of many states that are a part of India that wrap around the small nation of Bangladesh and boarders Burma. They speak Nagamese in Nagaland and it is more like a jungle(sounds fun). Last night we served in a children’s ministry and the regular service at Munda Para. The Munda people are a separate tribe and speak their own Munda language. It is a wonder that anyone can understand anything.

Honoring the Rickshaw Drivers

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Pastor Michael comes from a high cast family in India and became a Christian many years ago through the ministry of YWAM(Youth With A Mission). He pastors a church in Kolkata and oversees an NGO(non government organization) called “Serve the Nations.” Though it is rare, in the official government paperwork for this NGO, it states that they have permission to teach the Christian faith.

This NGO has many outreach programs and we had the opportunity to experience this great event on a warm Sunday afternoon at a small park in downtown Kolkata. The Rickshaw Race included about 50 drivers of all ages who were set up in teams. There were team winners and an individual champion. As part of the festivities our clown team performed four skits to the racers and the crowd in attendance.

Temples

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

All over India there are temples, places of worship. I guess the same as in the US there are so many church buildings, places of worship. It seems interesting that we call church buildings, “churches”, since the church is made up of people, not brick and mortar. The apostles Peter and Paul both used a temple analysis when referring to individual people. 1 Peter 2:5 talks about believers being living stones, not cold, hard lifeless stones but alive in Christ. I love the lyrics of a chorus describing this reality:

Let’s Go

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Off to a great start flying from Cleveland to Erie on the first leg. Lynn just finished reading a book by an old friend, Kel Steiner, who was a big inspiration to us regarding foreign missions. Kel was a leader on the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Base in Guam and came to the Upper Room in the late 70’s to recruit workers. Many responded to this very likable adventure-loving Kiwi, and went for training and service in foreign missions.

Let’s Go

Sun, 14 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

A Call To Fruitfulness

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

In one day I turn 61 and a couple of days later, I am off to India. The benchmark of a Birthday often leads to some self reflection. This also marks the anniversary of retirement from the YMCA and the end of a busy year that included two glorious weddings, a new grandson, news of soon coming twin grand babies (via Adrienne and Chris in April) and much travel. So glad the Lord gave me the opportunity to be available in this past year. My friend, Paul calls his ministry, “the ministry of availability”. This concept is a big inspiration to me. My pastor, another Paul, in his new year message challenged us to embrace the 8 in 2018 and expect new beginnings(in biblical numerology 8 is the number of new beginnings). He shared, “expect to see open doors and be ready to say ‘yes’ to God.”

Hello Friends

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Hello friends: In an effort to express myself, my experiences and my understanding of God’s story in my life, I am beginning this blog. My hope is to be faithful in communicating something that is helpful in your journey and an encouragement to walk in the light of our Savior.

I am also hopeful to document more significant adventures regarding mission trips abroad and at home. Having always been amazed and humbled by the doors God has opened, this blog is intended to share with family and friends the experiences and associated insight I may gain from week to week.

Preparation

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

This winter has started with record snow and bitter cold. Up until a couple of days ago I have been able to do a daily two mile walk to Lake Erie. This is great physical preparation for walking in India and I have sensed God’s presence in spiritual preparation.

Our team has been called to prayer walk the cities of Dehli, Kolkata and Varanasi. In our walking we are to exercise the faith and light God has put in us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and He said, “You are the light of the world.” As an exercise of faith, we will walk in a dark place and bring His light.